The world never runs out of demand for people who has the knowledge and skill in dealing with the electrical stuff. So long as the world remains dependent on electricity, electricians will still be a significant part of the machine which powers the world through energy.
But, does this imply that becoming an apprentice, with the purpose of becoming an electrician in the future, is easy? Or is there more to the story about apprenticeship that is not usually talked about?
There is definitely a boon to choosing to become an apprentice on the way to becoming a full-fledged journeyman electrician . One who is equipped enough to handle the difficult and dangerous task of its role . Not only is the price of admission basically free, all those who qualify for apprenticeship gets to learn a valuable trade without paying a single cent—rather, it is the complete opposite. Apprentices get paid while learning on the job.
Therefore, for something that is considered “perky,” getting into an apprenticeship is not as simple as sending an application and expecting a positive response in the process. That’s a “fairy tale.” While there may be cases where that is a reality, it definitely does not happen for everyone.
How Easy Is It To Get An Electrician Apprenticeship
Most often than not, you must present yourself to be worthy of the privilege of admission. Apart from possessing the right personal attributes that are pivotal in a future electrician, you must also have the drive towards it, too. The idea that “if you truly want it, then prove it” very much applies in this situation.
It may be akin to being a “perfect fit” for a particular job. But, in this one, there is no competition, only you needing to be of “ideal consistency” to be considered. So, while there may be other apprenticeship applicants like yourself, you can rest in the idea that your possible failure in not getting accepted for apprenticeship has literally nothing to do with any of them. You all are not necessarily fighting over a “slot” in the program, you are all there to prove yourselves “worthy” of admission after some needed assessment.
With that being said, this leads to next point of the topic—rejection.
You May Get Rejected
Yes, entities who are purveyors of apprenticeship programs are quite picky about whom to employ into their program. After all, what they offer is a life-changing privilege which many fails to realize. As such, you can expect the turn down rate among applicants to be of considerable rate.
Just think about this—if the journey towards the path of becoming an electrician is easy from the start, how many of those who managed to become one later on in the process will appreciate their chosen craft? Probably, only a few or those whose passion is simply in line with the trade.
There is a kind of mentality that speaks of value which is based on the difficulty of getting it. Put in the context of apprenticeship, the entry alone is meant to be “difficult,” particularly so towards individuals who are simply deemed “unready” to take on the course of apprenticeship.
But, as disheartening a rejection may be, it does not have to be taken differently than when you did not land on a job you truly liked. Taken on the positive side, it merely opens up a chance for you to take a deeper assessment and develop a commitment to your aspiration in becoming an apprentice.
Boost Your Chances for Apprenticeship
Fortunately, there are also proven ways which could raise your chances of landing in an apprenticeship and not go through the disappointment of experiencing rejection first-hand:
1. Get Early Training
There are many things in life that are best learned while “young.” In the case of learning a few things about becoming an electrician, it is during high school—a perfect time to decide whether the trade is meant for you or not. Those who do would definitely pursue on it, while those who do not, move away from it. If anything, it acts as an “early filter” for potential electricians of the future.
Alternatively, this could also be a “pre-apprenticeship training” which is usually a spot for the members of society who are no longer in their youth and are willing to give an “apprenticeship” a try to see if it’s a fit.
Either way, adding any of these apprenticeships as part of your credentials is somehow a surefire way of proving that you are serious in pursuing a career among electricians.
2. Do a Labor Job
If for some reason that getting into a pre-apprenticeship is not an option, then getting into an actual labor job might also increase your chances of getting into an official apprenticeship program. For one major reason, this is due to the somewhat closely-knit working relationship between labor workers and electricians, mostly the former being an aid for the latter.
Another good reason why you should take this route on your way to becoming an apprentice is that you get to expose yourself in the trade which gives you good insight about it.
3. Get in Touch with the Local Businesses
Some apprenticeship opportunities exist that you may not be aware of, some of which happening within your locality. While it may not guarantee you a spot in the apprenticeship, it is well-worth the effort of taking the initiative of asking around for any.
4. Visit your Local Union Hall
When it comes to “gigs” that involve electrical jobs, the union is always up-to-date with the latest news and opportunities. That is, after all, their business. Although your visit per se is not meant to be anything more than an inquiry, you would still do yourself a great favor in getting the latest happening about the trade from those who directly dabble in the trade.
5. Build Your Network
As is true in many other trades, oftentimes what you know is not what counts, it is whom you know. Realizing the truth of this belief, you would do yourself a great disservice if you fail to build connections in your aspired, any one of which could be pivotal in helping you towards your prospective career, such as landing an apprenticeship.