CORE Electric Cooperative’s Post

Last week was National Apprenticeship Week and I had conversations with all 200+ of our local electrical apprentices. We talked about the National Electrical Contractors Association (NECA) and St. Paul Chapter NECA. We discussed the value of being involved in the industry. I encouraged them to attend union meetings -- because it is great practice for when they become contractors and attend NECA meetings! History is made by people who show up. Perspective may change over the course of a career based on where you sit and what meetings you attend -- but the goals remain the same: More union work and workers. A strong electrical construction industry.

So I started my phase two!! A wise man told me at the start of my apprenticeship to take pride in what you do and look at containment and cable tying as ‘art’ because while I can’t do XHV terminating, I can practice smaller tasks and try do them decently. This day I: Measured the spec height floor to clip. Measured the spec distance between cable, horizontal and vertical and, made sure they were level. Measured the distance of each clip for clipping. Pro tip when cable clipping: Make sure the clip nail was facing the floor for cable support and same goes for cable tying😉 What would I do differently? I would rub out the lines as It’ll make it a cleaner finish and I’d would use less clips. So here is my clipping exercise. It turned out aesthetically pleasing, I think anyway. What did your phase two exercises look like?

The last few weeks at Leicester College have been a real eye opener to the lengths some people will go Graham Marriott.............................and `unfortunately`, I will have to put up with more next week!! Apprentices sitting their L3 Light Vehicle EPA, having originally started as E3 with no Math or English qualifications to their name! Completing E3, L1, L2 full time courses along side gaining their functional skills in Math and English, then progressing to an apprenticeship. Wait WHAT!! Sitting x2 Knowledge exams, carrying out several complex diagnostic & repair tasks that really test their Skills to the limit. Then finally articulating technical language, engaged in a Professional Discussion demonstrating intrinsic Behaviors. (Yes, that`s what they do). There is no doubt in mind that the Secondary stage of the Education system is not right for some, and it will most definitely give up on them succeeding in anything. (Not joking). To then become a fully qualified technician, with the ability to diagnose almost any light vehicle currently on the road, continually having to develop knowledge, skills and understand of complex systems literally week in week out. (Even once you get fully qualified) Is that really something you think you could do.............even with 10 GCSE`s, I honestly doubt it! You probably just don`t have `The Skills`.

VIDEO: See what a day in the life of an apprentice is like on the #LowerThamesCrossing. Watch: https://lnkd.in/eyAgmtzJ

How to get a Plumbing or Heating, Cooling and Refrigeration Apprenticeship in CT 1)Get hired by a Mechnical Contractor 2) Know how to read a tape measure 3)Show intrest in how things work 4) Learn how to and show proficiency in using hand and power tools 5) Learn how to take I struction and criticism 6) Go to mandated classes

Happy National Lineworker Appreciation Day! Kawehi Sablan, an April 2024 lineman graduate on Oahu, shared his experience with our lineman apprenticeship program. Our #lineman apprenticeship program is unique. We pay apprentices for their education and training during their time in the program and cover costs for any material and/or equipment. When you're accepted into the program, you're already considered as an employee. In other states, you'll need to complete an apprenticeship on your own dime before being able to apply for a lineman position at a utility. Essentially, you're paid while you learn as a lineman apprentice at Hawaiian Electric. We train our linemen using the same resources as Northwest Lineman College, a top-tier and recognized educational institution in our industry. You will start as a "Senior Helper" and will be required to complete 6,000 combined hours of hands-on and on-the-job work experience. In addition, you'll also need to complete 750 hours of classroom training. Afterwards, you'll graduate and be promoted to a lineman. The program takes a novice through four different "processes." Each process qualifies you to do certain types of electrical work. Process 1 teaches you how to climb and use your equipment and tools. Process 2 qualifies you to do "hot" (or energized) low voltage work, which is more commonly done for homes and businesses. Process 3 will qualify you to work on hot primary and secondary lines, which can go up to 12,000 volts. Those are the lines you see on top of utility poles. Process 4 focuses on transmission lines, which are found in the mountains and those go up to 138,000 volts. You can expect the lines to stay hot during training. Being a lineman is dangerous job so there’s plenty of training and education required. Read our latest Medium blog to learn more about the lineman apprenticeship program at https://t.co/W4afHmGfje. Make sure to thank your local lineman and let them know they are appreciated. They make a lot of sacrifices to keep the lights on. Edison Electric Institute International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (Local 1260)

These programs are crucial for developing our future tradespeople. Work between industry leaders and strategic partners is critical for the industry’s sustainability and growth.

In a world that's constantly evolving, one thing remains timeless: the value of skilled trades. The hands-on expertise, craftsmanship, and innovation that skilled trades bring to our communities are the very backbone of progress. Apprenticeships are more than just a pathway to a rewarding career; they are the lifeblood of our industries. They offer a unique opportunity for hands-on learning, mentorship, and a chance to master the crafts that have been passed down for generations. The importance of apprenticeships cannot be overstated: ✔They bridge the skills gap: In an era where skilled labor is in high demand, apprenticeships fill the void by nurturing the next generation of craftsmen and women. ✔They foster innovation: Apprentices learn from experienced professionals, infusing fresh ideas into established practices and pushing boundaries. ✔They ensure quality: Apprenticeships uphold the highest standards of quality workmanship, preserving the integrity of skilled trades. ✔They empower individuals: Apprenticeships provide a launchpad for personal and professional growth, creating a strong foundation for a successful career. At Atlas Machine & Supply, Inc we are building a future where craftsmanship thrives, industries flourish, and skilled trades continue to shape the world we live in. #SkilledTrades #Apprenticeship #Craftsmanship #BuildingTheFuture #SkillsMatter

What do I like most about this photo? The level of experience in one area. Our apprentices get to learn from a vast amount of signalling knowledge and its that quality that turns them into great Signal Electricians.

A Cement Mason finishes, smooths, and repairs concrete surfaces like sidewalks, roads, and bridges. Learn more about this career path in highway construction through our Apprenticeship Readiness Course! 🧱