Advice for new apprentice?

[diver]

After a long road trying to get in the door, I'm starting my apprenticeship in a few weeks. Any advice?

[bobbo]

If a journeyman can't answer a question, he doesn't know. If you get mistreated by anyone in the trade, he is the one with self esteem issues. Just keep trucking along. This job is all about confidence and overcoming fear. With experience you eliminate you chisel the fear. Don't get involved in the politics. Don't speak bad about anyone. It will haunt you in the long run. Just focus on the right of way and doing your job. There is a lot of flawed personalities out there, reading people and navigating through all of the linemans personalities is walking on eggshells. Just shut up and do your job. Keep your truck and tools squared away. Don't reveal yourself too much until there is a trust and bond there. Once you find true friends they will take care of you for the rest of your life!

[Rob]

What Bobbo Said !!

[diver]

Thanks, that is great advice. I will bear it in mind.

[duckhunter]

People are dying in this industry today the same way they did 50 years ago and more. The safety rules are there to protect YOU. Follow them or look for another trade.

[Orgnizdlbr]

Show up on time. Keep your eyes open and your mouth shut.

[Lineman North Florida]

Show up on time. Keep your eyes open and your mouth shut.

By on time he means have the grunt sacks empty and the water made on the truck and be ready to roll out of the yard at starting time.:D Seriously as others have said pay attention and put all you have into it, have respect for the old guys and they will teach you the RIGHT way to do things in a trade that will feed your family for years to come. Good luck, Charlie.

[diver]

So I guess my next question is: What's a grunt sack?

And no, not that :D.

[Lineman North Florida]

So I guess my next question is: What's a grunt sack?

And no, not that :D.

It's that round canvas bag with a rope handle with a snap in the middle, usually found hanging on the back of every bucket truck that you see, it has many uses, such as sending up smaller material and tools up the handline to the lineman and alot of crews put the days trash off the job in them, therefore they have to be emptied out daily.

[lineman]

My old Foreman "Slim" said "You have two eyes, two ears, and one mouth, use them accordingly"

[diver]

Thanks again, y'all. Much appreciated. I'm really excited.

[CDN Lineman]

I'm in my apprenticeship now and my advice is.
Don't walk, run. Don't say "I know." And you and what ever truck your assigned to should be ready to go when you start getting paid.
Congrats man!

[in the bucket]

If you are climbing, have steel shank climbing boots. PAY ATTENTION. No question is stupid. Good luck!

[Ihaup]

I started my IBEW Apprenticeship this year. Be aware of the mindset of the older Journeymen and Foremen. A lot of the old timers still have very abrasive personalities towards Apprentices. A lot of it has to do with the fact that so many are being pushed through. It clearly has decreased the quality of hands in their eyes. Truth be told, I can see why. I guess the moral to this paragraph is this. Show up and bust your hump every day. If there isn't anything for you to do directly related to the task of the day then you best be cleaning every truck that keeps you within distance to take your next order . In a sense, you have a lot to prove to these guys. After all in a few years the lives of crew members will be in your hands. It's nothing to be taken lightly. Welcome to the trade, and stay safe my friend! Oh, one more thing! Don't forget to love what you do, it's a part of your blood now.

[reppy007]

Ask questions,if you dont understand ask again,have a lineman point out what he is talking about.Once you understand one aspect,ask questions about other things,transformers,caps,fusing,grounding,ect...no lineman knows it all,the trade is done differently in different places.Rules in one place may not be a rule in others.Wiring transformers is easy with enough practice and experience....piece of cake.

[rustyhook39]

Know your truck inside and out, carry a pen and paper for awhile so when you use something off the truck write it down so you know to replace it. Keep your truck stocked, clean, and ready to roll. Look ahead at what your lineman will need. Learn knots! Stay busy don't be standing around if a lineman has a shovel and you don't take the shovel from him. Show em you are willing to work, learn, and listen.