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Question about Potential Career Paths
Last Post 27 Feb 2012 12:15 PM by Corporal Willy. 1 Replies.
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GlockHand
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26 Feb 2012 02:21 PM
    From the info on the summary i was just wondering what options would be open to me once I get my diploma and complete my electrician apprenticeship. Would i be doing more office work as a Technologist, and what benefits would i gain by being a certified Construction Maintenance Electrician?
    Corporal Willy
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    27 Feb 2012 12:15 PM
    Hello Mr. GlockHand,
    This is a question that Corporal Willy can answer with some expertise. After my high school days and then six years in the USMC, I worked as a maintenance electrician for three years before taking a test for acceptance into the IBEW. That stands for International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers. I don't think I could have made a better choice than that. I worked in the "A Construction Division" after the five year apprenticeship was over. It was a long haul but worth it in ways that you cannot imagine at this time in your life. Not only was I able to talk to our electrical engineers and understand them, but I could plan my work and then work my plan when I started to run construction jobs. I had also obtained many college credits from my five year apprenticeship that I could apply towards a degree. I chose not to do that because as a union IBEW member I was already earning much more than many younger and middle aged engineers were. However, education, any education is never lost or a waste of time. We also had to go through update training courses much like the CEU's that many professionals do. That is not the answer to your question but now I will answer it.

    If you have a great basic knowledge of electrical construction and or maintenance you will have made yourself very important to your boss and company. Theory knowldege is extremely important, but when you combine both the theoretical knowledge with a hands on practical "how to do it" type of knowledge, you are in a much better position to handle projects when they come your way. Many years of experience gave me an insight into what would work and what would not work. This saves lots of money and a waste of materials. Knowledge will prevent many mistakes and those mistakes can be expensive. Furthermore all education is kind of costly today but when you compare that to what it would cost you for not having the knowledge, it will cost you a lot more. You will have lost many years of earning a great pay. I am 68 years of age and I am still going to school. I hope that answers your question. Good luck to you Sir. Keep on with education from both sides of the degree. Bye.
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