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Virginia Journeyman Electrician 2710 042345.
North Carolina contractor license 26415-sp-sfd. Residential up to 25,000.00.
On Call Electrical Services, Owner.
Always worked commercial until I decided to get a residential license and go into all service work.
I was in a class going for unlimited license, but only need a residential license now. I have the option of taking a Virginia Masters test, or taking a limited or unlimited test here in NC, but only if I want to go back into commercial work.
I have 10 years experience in the trade, and I retired from the Federal Government. I have been a machinist, and a maintenance mechanic while working for Uncle Sam. I didn't find my "calling" until I was 42 years old. I went to school at night for four years to get my apprenticeship papers while working in the electric shop at the Pentagon. I took every class that I could get and even took night classes here in NC to help with the contractor's license test.
North Carolina does not recognize Journeyman or Master. They only allow licensed contractors to solicit work. Any bozo can call himself an electrician and get a 10.00 an hour job for a contractor. It really sucks to work for someone down here.

Florida is the same way. Add to that the fact that inspectors are overworked (30-40 tickets a day is not unusual) and the speed that they are slamming houses together these days and you see why I wonder who is looking out for the customer. I hope our contractors understand that they are ultimately the one responsible for safety.

My lawyer eats AHJs for lunch.

Started while I was in highschool working behind the counter for a local electrical parts supplier.. Did that for about 9 years, Finally started my apprenticeship for a C&M electrician... Got my first taste of fire alarm in first year...
I am almost at the end of fourth year and just started back to tradeschool Mar 28 / 06.... Boy, I can't wait until I get to write my C of Q!!

Many thanks to my Dad for getting me hooked on becoming an electrician at a very young age, (And many from him for not burning the house down )

A.D

Steve,
What's 'candlepin bowling'?

Alan

ps. They say a change is as good as a rest. For me a rest was as good as a change! Got redundant, [ re-engineered, downsized, rightsized, Knock-Knock! Whos's there? Not You!], in 1992, took a gigantic Gummint payout and pension and retired, aged 52.
Work?? Naaah! - Far too busy for all that crapola!

Electrician for 15 years from residential,commercial,Industrial,motor controls to license electrical contractor in the state of New Jersey, and I still have much to learned in this forum,since being a businessman is not my forted.
But thanks to a lot of You guys I am learning the business side.

Sorry forgot the name and license number, Camden Electric LLC, LIC# 15626.

"Ding! Fries are dooooooone!"

Bob, that was awesome!

I feel so small. My extensive experience includes wiring houses for three years. The end.

Just George,
The point, the VERY thing that SHOULD make this forum different, is that NO one should feel their credentials are too thin to post and question. THAT is what makes Bill's forum unique even though sometimes, some guys try to change that, I hope Bill will NEVER let it change.

Just know that there is a bill to pay for this, when it's YOUR hair that's gray (or not gray, gone in my case) and knees don't work too pretty good no more, that you owe the duty to a young guys question.....WITH civility.

Nothing shuts a guys learning down quicker than belittling a question he asks so be nice, even if it's the umpteenth time you've heard/answered that question.

All experience is good experience.....unless it's bad experience, and then it's a learning experience.

George,

Yes, the new guys have something to offer, they are asking questions, and reminding us of how, we all had to build on our learning experiences.