So far so good

So I been with my new contract about 2 weeks now and it's been pretty cool thus far. I'm in the life safety department which means I just service and upgrade preexisting fire alarm systems. Fire alarm systems and service work are definitely different from what I'm used to. The environment is a lot more relaxed and the work load seems a lot litter but the system seems a lot more complex. Sometimes I miss the big construction field since it feels like I was starting to get pretty good and comfortable with everything, but on the bright side I definitely appreciate the opportunity to learn something new. I'm hoping by next year I'll have a new talent under my belt, still retain what I've learned the year before and be able to learn some more new things.

First day with new contract

So today was my first day of work with my new contractor, and I must say it already seems like this is going to be a very different experience. The company I am with is a lot bigger than the previous one and there are some noticeable differences. And the biggest difference I must say is the subdivision. In my previous company I was working doing just about everything except fire alarm. New company what do you know look who's a new fire alarm guy. I'm used to the seeing a bunch of different guys throwing up dry wall and drilling and bending and plugging with all types of dirt flying and now I'm working in nice occupied buildings in nice clean electric closets servicing and replacing fire alarm systems walking around with no hard hat and practically having clean hands at the end of the day. It's definitely a new experience, fortunately my new foreman is real cool and I can see myself enjoying my time with this company if today dictates how my future will go, but at the same time I kind of miss the diversity and manual dexterity required for the big commercial projects.

Last week with my contractor

Well guys this first year of my apprenticeship seems to be flying by and now I'm coming to that stage where I have to transfer contractors. I'm a little nervous after getting so used to the people around me and being unsure of where I'm going to next. The company I'm going to is much larger are here there are advantages and disadvantages with that but guess I'll find out first hand in 1 short week. I'm just hoping that I can learn new things and tune the skills I've already developed. Wish me the best folks!

May 22, 2009

Good evening ladies and gentlemen. My name is Mike and I am currently a first year apprentice of the JATC Local 26. This will be my first time blogging ever but it seems someone out feels I'm qualified for the job so it would be a pleasure to share my experiences.

Well guess I'll start from the beginning. Unlike most I came into the apprenticeship with no previous construction experience what so ever. I've worked continuously basically all of my teenage and adult life but I lacked direction and just floated between various typical and untypical jobs. I heard a little bug about apprenticeships through some casual conversation and it led me to do a little research. Initially I had my mind set on engineering but after a bit of researching different programs the JATC stood out to me the most. To make a long story short I had some job troubles put in an application and after a some interviews and testing I was a union electrician (crazy right).

So what can expect on actually stepping onto a job site? I was extremely worried about my what my first day would be like. I was afraid I'd go to work and be the only one that didn't know a thing and look foolish, but after my first day I realized the whole apprentice thing was a regular process for everyone that's been around and ever tho I was eager to learn I was given some beginner task until I someone got my feet wet. As time progressed I seen my scope of work and knowledge increasing and I'm at a point now where I feel pretty comfortable in the workplace, but of course there is still a world of things for me to learn.

Now onto the school aspect of things. School feels like a day off from work to me. You'll find that all the teachers are very down to earth and since they've pretty much experienced everything that you will in the apprenticeship and as journeymen it has made them very knowledgeable and aware of the tools you will need to succeed. In class the teachers and students speak and exchange thoughts very freely. This definitely helps me personalize information so that I understand it in my own way.

My overall experience in the JATC has been very positive. They've given me an education, career, opportunity and all they've asked in return is for me to succeed. I will keep everyone posted on my progress. Thanks to all of you who have taken the time out to share some of my experiences and hopefully my insight may offer you some of the guidance I wish had before joining.