So i start my trial apprenticeship soon - how not to screw up?

[ChrisApprentice]

Hi there

im a recent school leaver from last yr HSC,18 and i recently got offered a one week trial for an apprenticeship in 1st yr electrician.

Ok so heres the thing: The employer needs an apprentice to help with his expanding business and is willing to take me on and teach me the ropes.This guy is a contrator, has lots of work(commercial,residential & industrial) and so far works 7 days a week. The problem is he wants to see me if i can pull my weight and get the job done. he wants me to do housing 1st installing electrical wires.

so my question is:

1. How not to screw this up?

2. What precaution measure should i be taking, so i know the employer won't be exploiting me and i get the proper training i deserve during my 4 yr apprenticeship?

[Mirboo]

1. How not to screw this up?
1. Be punctual.
2. Use your common sense.
3. Do what you're asked, when you're asked, as quickly and efficiently as possible. (Refer back to point 2, don't rush a job and do something stupid that puts either yourself or a co-worker at risk).
4. Use your initiative, but if your boss tells you a certain way to do something, don't then go off and attempt the job using a different method that you think is better, without first running it past your boss. It is likely that he's tried the job a lot of different ways and has learnt from experience that the method he is telling you is the most effective, safer or whatever.

How's that for a start? I'm sure others on this forum can add to my points.

Regards,
Mirboo.

[Shedhand]

Hi there

im a recent school leaver from last yr HSC,18 and i recently got offered a one week trial for an apprenticeship in 1st yr electrician.

Ok so heres the thing: The employer needs an apprentice to help with his expanding business and is willing to take me on and teach me the ropes.This guy is a contrator, has lots of work(commercial,residential & industrial) and so far works 7 days a week. The problem is he wants to see me if i can pull my weight and get the job done. he wants me to do housing 1st installing electrical wires.

so my question is:

1. How not to screw this up?

2. What precaution measure should i be taking, so i know the employer won't be exploiting me and i get the proper training i deserve during my 4 yr apprenticeship?Is he licenced and registered. Front him about hours, wages and conditions. Tell him/her you're willing to work like a horse as long as you get treated properly and receive all your entitlements.

Do be afraid to put this all upfront. That way you both know where you stand.
If he tells you to bugger off then he's not worth working for.

Even though you have just left school your labour is worth something. If the trial doesn't work out you should at least get junior labourer's wages for the time worked.

If you agree to work for a week on trial (is it for wages or for free?) make sure he has the required insurances (Workers Comp especially).

Also, at your age you mightn't think its important but make sure he will pay the Compulsory Superannuation into your choice of fund if he is required to.

Electricity is dangerous stuff if you're a novice. Get zapped by 240v and you'll be pretty sore if not dead.

Good luck with it cobber and don't let anyone take advantage of you.
Cheers
PS: theres no such thing as a left handed screwdriver or black and white stripped paint.

[Felder]

G'day Chris, welcome to the Forum!

Congratulations on getting a trial run for an apprenticeship!
The only advice I can possibly offer you is;

Don't be afraid to think for yourself, but if you simply don't know something - ASK!

In other words - show some initiative where it is within your levels of knowledge, but when it is out of your scope, ask the tradesman. He will appreciate a simple question that will allow you to do your work properly, rather than you attempting something you don't know and him having to spend time fixing it.

Good luck with it - let us know how you get on after your trial!:)

[RufflyRustic]

Hi Chris,

Congrats on your apprenticeship.

My advice:
Don't ever lie, not ever !!!!! as the lie will burn you worse than telling the truth.

Be honest with your boss.

If you don't know how to do something, work out a couple of approaches, then talk with you boss. eg "I don't know how to do that, but would any of these approaches work??

Don't ever go to your boss and give him the problem, give him some ideas for an answer as well as the problem. This shows you have initiative and responsibility, while knowing your place as an apprentice and allowing the boss to keep control and direction of your work.

Good Luck Chris!
cheers
Wendy

[ChrisApprentice]

Useful advice guys, thanks!!, i do my best.

and as someone ask yea its a paid trial. he wants me to be able to follow instructions and do my job properly. if he does take me on, he mentioned I most likely be required to work on the weekends too like a horse (overtime pay?). The government provides free tool kits after 2 yrs and a $500 scholarship each yr for the 4 yrs of apprenticeship which is really sweet and TAFE courses paid by employers.

I know the pay is pretty low as one of my friends told me(1st yr apprentice too), he get paids 5.80 an hour which bring up to about $250 a week, 9K a yr. The new apprenticeship centre will help me set up the registration between me and the employer. Also does the Award sets out the agreement of everything from my work conditionsm,hours , holidays, super etc?

[Iain]

Couple of other points, if you have nothing to do start to tidy up, shows initiative, and bosses like clean places but not cleaning.
Don't go out on the turps on pay night and roll up hung over the next day, bosses don't like that, even if they do do it themselves.

Worked with a female once who went out on the turps and came in the next day, worked till 10 and went home with a "migraine'.
She was confronted by the boss who gave her a real rocket, she complained that me and another colleague came in one day the week before and had a hangover, boss responded that he knew that but we didn't whinge and worked the full day.
And I thought he didn't notice.

[silentC]

Never leave your lunch box unattended.
Take the time to ponder whether striped paint, left-handed screwdrivers, long weights etc. can really be bought at a hardware shop.
And most importantly, never... nah, I'll leave that one for you to find out yourself...

:D

[Rossluck]

Good luck Chris. At your age you're allowed a few mistakes, and you WILL make them. Just make sure you listen to the voices inside you that tell you when there's danger, and tell you when you're being exploited. Unfortunately, there's no shortcut for experience. Sorry. :D

[Daddles]

It'll probably be a few weeks before the boss points this out, but lots of smoke usually means you've done it wrong :D

Richard

do they still teach the smoke theory at sparkie school:confused:

[Driver]

You’ve been given some excellent advice here, Chris. It comes from people who have been where you are and have learnt from the experience so their advice is worth a great deal.

By having the gumption to ask your original questions on this forum you’ve already demonstrated that you’re smart and willing to learn. Goodonya!

Here’s a couple of other things for you to think about:-

- Never be afraid to ask. Only fools are scared to show other people that they don’t know something.

- Don’t be afraid to make mistakes. He who never made a mistake never made anything. However, try hard not to make the same mistake twice and – very, very important – don’t make the mistake of taking a risk with anything that might be live. Electricity can kill.

- Don’t be afraid of excellence. Try to do your job as well as you possibly can – and better than the next bloke. If anyone tries to get you to slow down or skimp on quality – ignore them.

- Do what’s right. If something is troubling your conscience then it’s wrong.

Good luck. Let us all know how you’re going.

[ozwinner]

Dont show up to work in a lycra thong.
Very off putting, 'specially on the first day.
If you must, make sure the waxers have been in the day before......

Al :D

[Shedhand]

Take no notice of Al...he's a deviant. :D

[RufflyRustic]

Take notice of Al when you need to laugh and appreciate that life gives us all sorts to deal with.

:D

RufflyRustic
(an Al-message appreciator, except maybe the goat ones....:p )

[ChrisApprentice]

Don't worry, i dont really get AI jokes anyway..:(
lycra thongs?

[Studley 2436]

having a good attitude is most of what you need to learn a trade. Just by asking in the first place you showed you have a good enough attitude. Plenty of good advice been given allready.

Whatever you do go with your own best judgement about what is the right thing to do. You will be judged by your decisions no one who gave you advice or orders or whatever will be there when the shyte hits the fan so if you are going to be in trouble you might as well be there for your own decision and not someone elses.

Studley

[ozwinner]

Thank you.....

Thank you one and all.
For my tour dates visit, www.Funnybugger.com.au

Al :p

[Skew ChiDAMN!!]

Don't worry, i dont really get AI jokes anyway..:(
lycra thongs?

He's just trying to get your goat. :rolleyes:

[ozwinner]

RufflyRustic
(an Al-message appreciator, except maybe the goat ones....:p )

Hey I dont do messages. ok.

But if you was a goat I might just bend the rules.

Al :D :D :D :D :D :p

[Christopha]

Don't wear Lycra thongs, wear proper safety boots!

[Buzzer]

My advice would be after working around tradesmen/apprentices some time ago now, would be

1. Be on time
2. Don't turn up to work hungover (even if the boss does, thats his perogitive)
3. Be honest.
4. Finally, if you don't know, ask.

Good luck,
I wish I had taken up a trade when I was your age.

Cheers
Buzzer.

[craigb]

The contactor should be up front with you about how long your "trial" is going to be.

At the end of that time he should either take you on formally as an apprentice by lodging the apropriate paperwork with the apropriate authorities or terminate your trial.

Don't keep working on a vague promise that you'll be apprenticed "one day".

Once you are apprenticed he is required to release you one day per week so that you can attend TAFE.

I'm guessing that the first term of TAFE has already started for this year so you should be looking to be formally apprenticed before the start of the next term.

[Wood Butcher]

I know the pay is pretty low as one of my friends told me(1st yr apprentice too), he get paids 5.80 an hour which bring up to about $250 a week, 9K a yr. The new apprenticeship centre will help me set up the registration between me and the employer. Also does the Award sets out the agreement of everything from my work conditionsm,hours , holidays, super etc?

Hi Chris and welcome. Did you know that according to a recent study in QLD, Sparkies in their first year as a tradesman on average earn more than 1st year doctors!!

[Buzzer]

Hi Chris and welcome. Did you know that according to a recent study in QLD, Sparkies in their first year as a tradesman on average earn more than 1st year doctors!!
Sounds right to me!!

[seriph1]

Chris

Welcome welcome welcome! Much has already been said about the smarts of a young guy for asking this question in the first place, and I feel confident you will do well at whatever you turn your hand to.

I just want to affirm what the others said and reinforce these couple

Electricity can be unforgiving - extremely.
More than 2300 things don't make a light bulb - ask Thomas Edison - in other words, if electricity is to be your thing, get into it! I suggest reading A Streak Of Luck, about Edison's discovery of the light globe ..... incredible insights into how it all began way back when.

Be respectful (not sucky) of your superiors - they can save your life and will take the P155 out of you while doing so :D

Know you are contributing something fundamental to the very fabric of our society, through the work you will do. Be proud of that and do your best

Above all - have fun!

[TTIT]

Don't worry, i dont really get AI jokes anyway..:(
lycra thongs?
Thong as in G-string, wedgies. Not flip-flops.:D
Boy, you really have got a lot to learn:rolleyes:

Good luck with the trial. If they send you to get a "short-circuit", find an electricity board truck and ask the guy's if you can borrow an "earth and short circuit set" - that'll leave your boss gobsmacked!:D

[Schtoo]

A few things.

If in doubt, DON'T!!! If you don't know what it is, how to use it or what to do with it, ask first. First thing I got told when I started my sparky apprenticeship, and it's kept me out of trouble since.

You are not a sparky, you are an extra body. When you get stuck with some crappy job just deal with it. You won't be able to dodge the crappy jobs and the worse you do them the more often you get them until you get nothing to do because you got sacked. Harsh, I know but that's the way it is. At the same time, keep busy. Once you finish something, get something else to do. Talking to someone else on the job is no problem as long as you keep doing what yer supposed to be doing. If you drop tools and have a chat, well just don't do it.

Don't expect that being half a sparky is a clean job. You will get dirty, you will tear clothes and skin, you will not enjoy all of it. Again, deal with it. It's not always nice, but it's rarely boring and the money kinda makes up for it in the end. ;)

If the guy says yes, you will need some tools. A good pair of pliers (Marvel or Channelock for me), a couple of good insulated screwdrivers, tape measure, hammer, plaster saw, Stanley knife and some kind of tester (glow tester probably) should see you right. About $100-150 will get all of them. You shouldn't need a battery drill just yet, nor anything more expensive than your pliers. You don't want a battery drill when you first start out, trust me on that one. If you lose something, replace it the same day. It's a pain, but it's worse not having the basic tools to do some work.

Never turn up drunk or hungover. Ever. If you did it to me, I'd sack you on the spot. Electricity doesn't forgive very easily so I am sure you will understand why it's crazy to rock up to work half smashed.

You will get zapped. Don't worry yourself too much about it. Affects different people in different ways. "Assume" everything you are not 100% sure is not live (Where you can see the other end of the wire not connected to anything) is actually live. By the time you realize how much a pain that thinking is, you should be right. Keeps you on your toes too.

(In case you are wondering, when I get zapped, nothing much happens, just tingles a little bit)


Stick at it if you do start as an apprentice. It won't be all roses, but get to the end, study properly and get the ticket. If the guy you work for is a decent guy (most are) then you shouldn't have too many problems. If he is a bit shady, run. :eek:


That all I can think of right now. You shouldn't have too many problems, and certainly fewer than I had in my first year and a half.

When the boss finally found out what happened to me, he realized why the heck I wanted out. Thankfully he didn't let me quit. :cool:

Good luck, and it's not half as bad as what I made it out to be. :D

[ChrisApprentice]

My advice would be after working around tradesmen/apprentices some time ago now, would be

1. Be on time
2. Don't turn up to work hungover (even if the boss does, thats his perogitive)
3. Be honest.
4. Finally, if you don't know, ask.

Good luck,
I wish I had taken up a trade when I was your age.

Cheers
Buzzer.

Hi buzzer,

about the age thing, it quite dissapointing. There's this guy i know from centrelink training, he told me he's too old to get a apprenticeship now(hes about 22) amd he also said they had to pay him more coz hes older!.
The guy did an apprenticeship before in cooking, he had a bad experience the guy was fully ripping him off. Even the employer tells me he prefers and 16-18 yr old kid to a 20ish old person, because he likes to start em 'young and fresh', more easier to teach im assuming and they can contribute more to the business.

[ChrisApprentice]

lol and about turning up hang over, don't worry im not a drinker anyays!:)

[seriph1]

don't drink? Sorry buddy - you'll never make it - I mean how can you expect to be a butt crack flashin' tradie if you don't slam down a coldie or 20 on the job?

:D

[Wood Butcher]

My advice for you Chris is make sure that you are comfortable working with this bloke. Remember that you will be spending a lot of time with him over the next few years so make sure you can stand it. There may also be some awkward moments where you could be in very tight situations too. Crawling around in roofs, holding the ladder looking up and seeing ............let you se that for yourself ;).

Good Luck and hope it works out!

[journeyman Mick]

I'll just add one point about the low pay. Don't look on it as a low paid position, look on it as an investment in your future. The pay is low becuase you're not only being paid in $$. The real value is in the skills that you are acquiring and the trade which you will be able to make a good living from for the rest of your life. Way back when, a father would pay a master to take his son on as an apprentice, they knew the value of training back then :rolleyes: (Just a hobby horse of mine)

Mick

[shep]

gday mate

just remember that there is no such thing as a stupid question.
all screwdrivers are left handed.
striped paint can be made. start with an empty tin use cardboard deviders carefuley fill the compartments, when full gently remove the deviders. you will never get dead end jobs again particularly if the paint is on the bosses account.

also dont forget that while you may only be paid 9k in your first year if you were doing a degree you would be acruing a debt of at least 4k per year.

good luck mate a trade before a degree for me anyday.

shep

[Clinton1]

Mick, thats a damn good point.
Chis - Lots of good advice has been given, so I'll just add that your concerns about being exploited should be addressed by doing to TAFE component.
If you are passing that, then the work and study your boss is getting you to do is up to the mark. (Unless you don't care, are thick or lazy, or a combo of all three). If the TAFE subjects are about stuff you are not doing, just talk to the boss about it and find out what he thinks.

I looked into taking up an offer on an apprenticeship recently (as an adult) and in Vic the TAFE I was talking to really gets involved in making sure the apprentice is getting the correct experience.

At the end of the day you will be able to make up your own mind about this, particularly if you keep an eye on what other apprentice sparkies are doing. I wouldn't rush to any opinions, and remember that you will know where he lives. :D

Even if he is a bodgy, then if you can keep yourself up to speed then I think that it will still be an excellent investment. Just give it a crack and take it as it comes.

[ChrisApprentice]

gday mate

also dont forget that while you may only be paid 9k in your first year if you were doing a degree you would be acruing a debt of at least 4k per year.



ahahah yeah man.....some of my uni friends say that they wasting lots of money on textbooks train tickets, equipments and the hecs debt they get when get when they finish will be about 20k!. My science teacher told me back in yr10 this one kid left high school at the end of yr 10 , did an apprenticeship in plumbing for 4 yrs and started his own business....the kid own like 5 houses or something!.

[ChrisApprentice]

hey

turns out i wont be starting my trial week tommorow but the following monday,damm another week at centrelink training.

[Gaza]

give the ETU (electrical trade union) a call and sus out all the details about allowances etc, i know that on jobs over 8 stories its about an extra 25bucks a day, so since you are on bugger all it might help out.

good trade, just take it slow and dont rush in when the cables are live, you can not go wrong with running cables and beware of old buildings that may contain asbestos.

Dont start smoking just cause you work on a building site either....

[journeyman Mick]

.............Dont start smoking just cause you work on a building site either....

or drinking, or spending all your money on loose cars and fast women, or was that fast cars and.....:D

Mick

[Lignum]

ahahah yeah man.....some of my uni friends say that they wasting lots of money on textbooks train tickets, equipments and the hecs debt they get when get when they finish will be about 20k!. My science teacher told me back in yr10 this one kid left high school at the end of yr 10 , did an apprenticeship in plumbing for 4 yrs and started his own business....the kid own like 5 houses or something!.



Hindsight is a wonderfull thing. If i could go back to when i left school i would move heaven and earth to get a plumbers apprenticeship. Work hard and save till your 40, retire and the skys the limit.


.

[Lignum]

or drinking, or spending all your money on loose cars and fast women, or was that fast cars and.....:D

Mick

Mick, i think you were trying to say "good beer and bad women" :cool:

[Shedhand]

Repeat after me..."Industry Super, Industry Super, Industry Super"

Chris, never lose track of your super (the government will eventually get it if you do) and as soon as you can spare the cash at least match the employer contribution (if he's liable to pay that is).
I know some here might think I'm advocating putting the cart before the horse but I can't stress enough how important getting an early start in Super is. (the other is to start buying property as soon as you can).
Forget mariage, cars, booze and gambling - at least until you're 50 or so.
Work hard, save hard...retire early and do what the hell you want then. :D;)
If some woman wants to marry you and asks for a prenup, give her the flick. Marry for love mate, not money, sex or kids. that all comes later.:p

Industry Super, Industry Super.

Cheers
PS: I didn't start Super until I was 40 ish. As a result I don't have enough to retire on (though I am retired - SWMBOATT works for the moment) and will have to eventually live on the lousy starvation pension the rotten governments pay ex hardworking taxpayers and cannon fodder in the lucky country.

[Robert34]

Repeat after me..."Industry Super, Industry Super, Industry Super"

Chris, never lose track of your super (the government will eventually get it if you do) and as soon as you can spare the cash at least match the employer contribution (if he's liable to pay that is).
I know some here might think I'm advocating putting the cart before the horse but I can't stress enough how important getting an early start in Super is. (the other is to start buying property as soon as you can).
Forget mariage, cars, booze and gambling - at least until you're 50 or so.
Work hard, save hard...retire early and do what the hell you want then. :D;)
If some woman wants to marry you and asks for a prenup, give her the flick. Marry for love mate, not money, sex or kids. that all comes later.:p

Industry Super, Industry Super.

Cheers
PS: I didn't start Super until I was 40 ish. As a result I don't have enough to retire on (though I am retired - SWMBOATT works for the moment) and will have to eventually live on the lousy starvation pension the rotten governments pay ex hardworking taxpayers and cannon fodder in the lucky country.

Chris

I will second all that Sheddy has said, and "reinforce" make it an Industry based fund and pay NO fees.

Hey Sheddy what does ATT (SWMBOATT)stand for.

Rob

[masoth]

Mate, I've read every word of advice given here, even the tongue-in-cheek bits - I agree with all and can add just two more suggestions:

1. Watch what's being done by the Tradies so you may anticipate what will be required next - have it ready before they ask; and
2. Read this entire thread again, every day for a month.

#1 is not for brown-nosing but it help show you understand what's going on around you, and how the work proceeds.

[ozwinner]

Mate, I've read every word of advice given here, even the tongue-in-cheek bits - I agree with all and can add just two more suggestions:


#1 is not for brown-nosing but it help show you understand what's going on around you, and how the work proceeds.

No way!!

This one of the most important parts of any job.

I have from time to time, brickies labourers helping me ( its a trade in itself).

My son is a good example, I dont have to call out for anything, he has anticipated my next move.
Ie:_The scaffold is set and loaded ready to go, the mud boards are always full, bricks are always plentyfull.

When you get a bad offsider life is hell, beleive me.

Al :)

[Iain]

And of course you must be able to make a good cuppa tea or coffee:D :D

[Shedhand]

Chris

I will second all that Sheddy has said, and "reinforce" make it an Industry based fund and pay NO fees.

Hey Sheddy what does ATT (SWMBOATT)stand for.

RobATT = All The Time :(

[ChrisApprentice]

And of course you must be able to make a good cuppa tea or coffee:D :D

screw that, i thought they want a nice cold beer after a hard long day working in the sun!!?

[Clinton1]

hard long day working in the sun

You can't be thinking of a sparkie or plumber by saying that. :D ;)

[ChrisApprentice]

Hi guys,

im suppose to start this week but he delayed it coz he was busy doing more contract work. Hopefully i will start tommorow.

Thanks
ChrisApprentice

[Jack E]

G'day Chris,

I am a Sparky / Fridgy currently doing industrial construction work.

You will be poor for a few years but it will get better.
Trust me, my SWMBO is a Doctor and I make twice what she makes.

As far as TAFE goes, learn everything you can about all the subjects you do.
Not everything will seem relevant when you are doing it but every single topic will come up again later in your career.
You can work in many different fields such as domestic, commercial or industrial, all three of them in maintenance, repair or construction.
I have worked in all of these fields and TAFE will prepare you well if you don't only concentrate on the type of work you are doing at the time.

Cheers, Jack

[partsguy]

Useful advice guys, thanks!!, i do my best.

and as someone ask yea its a paid trial. he wants me to be able to follow instructions and do my job properly. if he does take me on, he mentioned I most likely be required to work on the weekends too like a horse (overtime pay?). The government provides free tool kits after 2 yrs and a $500 scholarship each yr for the 4 yrs of apprenticeship which is really sweet and TAFE courses paid by employers.

I know the pay is pretty low as one of my friends told me(1st yr apprentice too), he get paids 5.80 an hour which bring up to about $250 a week, 9K a yr. The new apprenticeship centre will help me set up the registration between me and the employer. Also does the Award sets out the agreement of everything from my work conditionsm,hours , holidays, super etc?

Chris,
Im hoping that your cost of living in australia is a lot cheaper than here in canada, Because your starting wage is a lot less than an apprentice here in Alberta. I just started as a sparky a month ago and am getting 13.20 an hour to start with no prior expereince (besides small stuff around the house), and thats low compared to the 24.00-60.00 :eek: an hour journeymen get.
But besides that, its a good trade and I like it. I was a journeyman partperson before taking this job and i enjoy being an electrician a lot more.
nate

[ChrisApprentice]

hi guys,

i finally get to start my week trial today after about 4 weeks ago when i applied.
today i started on a new house(big one too) in Ingleburn doing some cBus wiring system(its where you control lights via a control panel). man, Ingleburn has so much land and trees here, some of its has a farm area too, its like Im in the country area. tell you guys how the rest of the week goes.

Thanks
Chris

[Shedhand]

hi guys,

i finally get to start my week trial today after about 4 weeks ago when i applied.
today i started on a new house(big one too) in Ingleburn doing some cBus wiring system(its where you control lights via a control panel). man, Ingleburn has so much land and trees here, some of its has a farm area too, its like Im in the country area. tell you guys how the rest of the week goes.

Thanks
ChrisGood luck mate. I played with a Clipsal cBus in Home Ideas Centre Home theatre on Sunday. Gotta get one. ;)