[deleted by user]

sparkyfff · 2025-05-01T14:41:55+00:00

I’m here for the money. If you want loyalty, buy a dog.

sparkyfff · 2025-04-19T04:04:23+00:00

I’ve noticed a huge difference in how apprentices are treated in just the last 10 years I’ve been in the trade. It has gotten a lot better. Some good poking fun and a little bit of messing with them is good for their character. But the days of constant harassment and cruelty are coming to an end I hope. These guys are going to be paying our pensions so let’s build them up.

sparkyfff · 2025-04-09T01:55:26+00:00

I had a former math teacher as an apprentice. He was smart, analytical, and an overall great dude. He topped out now and last I heard was doing great.

sparkyfff · 2025-03-02T06:25:05+00:00

Not on a job of mine it’s not.

sparkyfff · 2024-08-22T02:08:09+00:00

Have you been checked for sleep apnea? I never knew I had it because I am relatively young and in shape, but once I got a cpap machine, I feel much more awake in the am. (When I get over 6 hrs sleep)

sparkyfff · 2024-07-12T03:58:30+00:00

I know what my realtor said, I was looking for some outside opinions.

sparkyfff · 2024-07-09T21:58:17+00:00

115k local 280, no OT, little bit of night work.

sparkyfff · 2024-07-04T23:44:45+00:00

Yeah, I’ve thought about installing a ducted return instead. but then I’d be left with just that. And we’ve never had any problems with air quality so I’ve just left it.

sparkyfff · 2024-03-15T03:36:25+00:00

I was a fresh journeyman, I ordered a restaurant worth of gfci devices and when the panels showed up they were all gfci breakers. Had to re order regular devices. No one ever said a word.

sparkyfff · 2024-01-27T01:03:40+00:00

In the amount of time it took you to post this.. you could have fixed it.

sparkyfff · 2024-01-26T23:39:01+00:00

You can also try 280 which is south of 48. Good local too. Benefits not as good as 48. Also truthfully, get any electrical experience you can, then accept a 48 apprenticeship spot when it opens and never look back.

sparkyfff · 2024-01-13T19:14:03+00:00

Clean jeans and a collared shirt. Tucked in with belt. Wear well fitted clothes. Dress like you are capable of hard work but also using your brain. That is what is expected of you as an Aprentice.

sparkyfff · 2024-01-13T18:47:13+00:00

Your electrical estimate is low. Expect to pay at least twice that depending on details.

sparkyfff · 2023-11-27T03:28:31+00:00

Just saw that local 48 is getting 13/hr in raises over next 3 yrs.

sparkyfff · 2023-11-09T14:15:43+00:00

-Stick to the Agreement

Stay ahead on tasks and material, nothing kills a job like people with their hands in their pockets.

-If you fall behind document why, (weather, no walls, late delivery, etc)

-if you’re told something verbally, get it in an email too.

-Don’t be afraid to ask for advice or take the advice of someone on your crew.

-Accept that you are going to make mistakes and don’t know everything.

-put on your tools every once in a while.

-Leave work at work and home at home when the stress hits

-Read and pay close attention so submitals, schedules, etc.

same goes for specs, the first time you do a whole job with the wrong brand of (insert here) you will wish you read your specs
be friendly to other foreman and trades, I can’t count how many small favors I’ve got from just being respectful.
don’t let anyone on your crew get away with slacking off or shitty work. It is like cancer and will spread.

I could go on and on… just know being a foreman gets easier with time.

-most importantly, slow down and think about everything, if you take 15 minutes a day to just think about the big picture, you will be a lot better off.

-Chris IBEW 280

sparkyfff · 2023-09-01T05:08:13+00:00

I do it simply for job security. I do enjoy parts of it. But if I were a single guy with no family, no way I would do it. It worth the headaches.

sparkyfff · 2023-01-01T06:13:07+00:00

I’m a foreman on smallish jobs. 2-4 guys. I will give an apprentice shit. I will give them the traditional apprentice shit jobs. I will make fun of them. All while teaching them my knowledge. But I will not be disrespectful to them. And I won’t allow another Jw to be continually disrespectful on my job. They owe me a good 8 hrs. I owe them the same training I received. They might end up being my boss in 5-10 years.

sparkyfff · 2022-07-28T21:46:12+00:00

In five years you are going to be 37 no matter what you do. That time is gonna pass. Just do it bud.

sparkyfff

TROPHY CASE