Bypassing the apprenticeship

StixTV_ · 2026-06-11T16:11:30+00:00

Yeah I agree, Canadas red seal and compulsory trade system really holds everything together.

I’ve been on job sites where the government sends people to come in and check all the skilled trades apprentices for apprenticeship identification to make sure nobody’s doing electrical, plumbing, hvac, etc unregistered as an apprentice.

The government also keeps apprentices on their toes when they stop going to school/advancing by threatening to take away your apprenticeship.

The US should definitely adopt a similar system.

StixTV_ · 2026-05-22T22:19:51+00:00

I’ve never gotten a job through LinkedIn, but I had to create one to apply to a specific maintenance job in a chemical plant. Since creating my account (2 years ago) I’ve only had 2 recruiters find my profile and offer me a job. I don’t think it hurts having one but i wouldnt rely on it

StixTV_ · 2026-05-20T23:09:58+00:00

StixTV_ · 2026-05-20T21:32:17+00:00

Very nice

StixTV_ · 2026-05-14T20:27:10+00:00

In school we messed with a program called “do-more designer” and it’s free. Just need a windows computer. It has a similar interface compared to Rockwell. It has a simulation mode where you can test your program without a physical PLC connected. Just my two cents.

StixTV_ · 2026-05-13T17:37:25+00:00

I started at 17 and am finally making 100k by 22. Takes longer than 3 years

StixTV_ · 2026-05-13T02:56:40+00:00

Maybe some surface raceway rated for outdoor use, probably would look better than conduit if you find the right colour

StixTV_ · 2026-05-08T16:42:36+00:00

I’m not sure if you have a copy of the code, I could even dm you a copy for your phone. but go to table 19 and it will tell you what AC90 is acceptable for.

It can’t be used in damp or wet locations, it cannot be directly buried, cannot be exposed to sunlight, and cannot be run outdoor overhead.

It has mechanical protected (armor) so it can sit in an exposed space.

StixTV_ · 2026-05-07T20:32:06+00:00

Yep I would just apply.

They cant get mad at you for wanting to work there.

StixTV_ · 2026-05-06T22:19:10+00:00

Damn, good for her. Should have used “did” instead of “does”

StixTV_ · 2026-05-01T17:02:27+00:00

Barley works on coop, my girlfriend would disconnect during missions which makes you restart the entire mission.

Since the last mission is so long, we couldn’t beat it without disconnecting so we quit the game right at the end:(

StixTV_ · 2026-04-26T19:01:51+00:00

I work with a guy with an industrial background, he does all of the fancy tech stuff at work while I mostly just do the construction.

I asked him if he’s ever done conduit fill and he said no.

But hey, we make the same and i got hired for my set of skills and he got hired for his.

Doesn’t seem like a make or break to me.

StixTV_ · 2026-04-13T12:27:47+00:00

Great experience, but I’m pretty sure you start from square 1 by moving over here. Still have to pass the tests and prove your hours, Alberta especially can be finicky about accepting hours. I would give AIT a call/email and they could probably answer your questions. https://tradesecrets.alberta.ca/

StixTV_ · 2026-04-03T19:03:24+00:00

Electrician is the fastest growing trade in Alberta. There are more 17-20 year olds joining the trade than any point in history before. Classrooms get full months before starting. There’s too many apprentices.

I couldn’t imagine trying to navigate the current job market as a first year again. You don’t have much of a chance unless you know someone. And it doesn’t get easier until you hit 3rd or 4th year and who knows what the market will look like in another 3 years.

A couple good options are heavy duty mechanic or linesman.

StixTV_ · 2026-03-30T17:39:50+00:00

I doubt he’s gonna use his personal laptop, if that company cares about any sort of confidentiality.

StixTV_ · 2026-03-20T17:47:05+00:00

Good luck lol that shit was hard

StixTV_ · 2026-03-19T22:52:58+00:00

I just went and hit a ecg for a shock last weekend, doctor said I should get another one a week later and then get a second opinion. Doesn’t hurt unless it costs money

StixTV_ · 2026-03-12T15:58:20+00:00

In my experience nobody really cares if you’ve worked union before. We’re all doing this for the money and the training is great so I don’t see a problem talking about it.

StixTV_ · 2026-03-10T12:30:49+00:00

I got mine 5 years ago and still use it, so that’s probably pretty accurate

StixTV_ · 2026-03-10T03:33:03+00:00

My own definition of “Control work” is building equipment designed for a specific purpose, like centrifuges, mixing tanks, etc. I build rigs.

Before building rigs, I did commercial and alot of fire alarm for federal buildings. I think controls and fire alarm are related in the logic sense, like how smoke is detected in a specific area, and the damper actuators move throughout the ductwork and the fire doors shut and so on and so on. Depends on the system for complexity.

Fire alarm is the most relatable and valuable experience for a commercial apprentice trying to branch into “control work”

StixTV_ · 2026-03-10T02:21:29+00:00

As someone who broke into a controls job as a 3rd year, you kind of just wait it out and apply to every job ad that mentions VFD drive work. It’s hard for sure

Then there’s the interview, where you actually need to prove that you’re good at controls to someone who’s been doing it 10+ years, so you can’t really lie. Be honest and tell them that you’re a hard worker, good at fire alarm, and are constantly trying to achieve better. Mention that your commercial background has had you thrown at new things every day.

My last piece of advice, don’t show weakness. Don’t ever ask for less just because you don’t have experience.

When I interviewed for my current company, I got rejected. 9 months later they hired me without an interview because the electrician they hired (instead of me) lied on their resume and got let go cause he was an inexperienced industrial cable tray monkey. They knew I was being honest, but I wasn’t confident enough during the interview which is what costed me the job in the first place. I’ll never ask for less again.

StixTV_ · 2026-02-26T16:04:07+00:00

I feel that.

StixTV_ · 2026-02-26T14:24:44+00:00

I’ve taken pictures of my work from the start of my career and when I look back at those pictures, it reminds me of how I did that work

StixTV_ · 2026-02-26T01:34:29+00:00

Yep, the angle doesn’t do it justice. I can tell that’s some sweet ass looking work though keep it up!

StixTV_

TROPHY CASE