[Cornelius.Williams]

Last post I'll make on the subject. Just gathering as much information as possible. I can't join an apprenticeship, I have 4 years of active duty left. Can't go to Trade school for the same reasons. Haven't found any credible online schools. What should I do/study now to prepare myself on becoming an electrician. Would help if someone gives me certs/classes I could take that will actually hold some value. I'll just keep studying "Electrician's Exam Preparation: Electrical Theory, National Electrical Code" & PLC training videos if no one has any other ideas.

 

[HARRY304E]

Last post I'll make on the subject. Just gathering as much information as possible. I can't join an apprenticeship, I have 4 years of active duty left. Can't go to Trade school for the same reasons. Haven't found any credible online schools. What should I do/study now to prepare myself on becoming an electrician. Would help if someone gives me certs/classes I could take that will actually hold some value. I'll just keep studying "Electrician's Exam Preparation: Electrical Theory, National Electrical Code" & PLC training videos if no one has any other ideas.

You've got a long way to go,but,there is no reason you cannot study the topics you have considered above.

Read all you can and when the time comes you will be prepared much more than the rest.

here is a good source of information that should help you out.. http://www.mikeholt.com/

Also come here when you can and ask questions about your studies.


.

 

[Electrical Student]

Sux. I cant believe the military does not offer training for the trades. Well, not sure what you could do for now besides the avenues you have already started to explore. However, the men and women from the military that I was enrolled in trade school with not only had their tuition paid but they also got a small check to spend however they see fit each month. Imo that was an awsome benefit that they deserve. Most only worked part time if at all which gave them ample time to concentrate on their schooling.

 

[Cornelius.Williams]

You've got a long way to go,but,there is no reason you cannot study the topics you have considered above.

Read all you can and when the time comes you will be prepared much more than the rest.

here is a good source of information that should help you out.. http://www.mikeholt.com/

Also come here when you can and ask questions about your studies.


.

Yea I know I do, but I always plan ahead of times. My plan is to pretty much stack savings 10% of check deposited into savings account I can't touch. Gain all the knowledge I can on the trade, buy tools ahead of time & network with other electricians.

 

[Cornelius.Williams]

Sux. I cant believe the military does not offer training for the trades. Well, not sure what you could do for now besides the avenues you have already started to explore. However, the men and women from the military that I was enrolled in trade school with not only had their tuition paid but they also got a small check to spend however they see fit each month. Imo that was an awsome benefit that they deserve. Most only worked part time if at all which gave them ample time to concentrate on their schooling.

I've been getting a lot of negative feedback from going to trade schools as opposed to apprenticeships. The Trade school option is so enticing because of the money I'd get to attend. I'd have savings & a monthly check to survive on. What sucks is if i chose the apprentice route which I'm told is better, they pay you significantly lower. I get you get paid being an apprentice, but to my knowledge I'd make more from the monthly check the military would give me to go to school

 

[HARRY304E]

Yea I know I do, but I always plan ahead of times. My plan is to pretty much stack savings 10% of check deposited into savings account I can't touch. Gain all the knowledge I can on the trade, buy tools ahead of time & network with other electricians.

Also look hard into PLC training and motors and controls this is the best part of the trade and not enough men get into that stuff making in pay in the top dollar range.:thumbsup:

 

[Electrical Student]

An apprenticeship is much better. Its a job that you receive training on. Trade school is a school for profit that would heard students through like cattle if they could and many do. In your case it would not only be a free education but slightly profitable. Just do not expect anything except a basic understanding of the trade from them though. Some have job placements and connections to larger companies but nothing is guaranteed. If you can get an apprenticeship with a decent company, jump on it. The quality and duration of the training turns out a better electrician. It also turns out an electrician that is already employed!

 

[Cornelius.Williams]

Also look hard into PLC training and motors and controls this is the best part of the trade and not enough men get into that stuff making in pay in the top dollar range.:thumbsup:

I'm studying that now :thumbup:

 

[Southeast Power]

I've been getting a lot of negative feedback from going to trade schools as opposed to apprenticeships. The Trade school option is so enticing because of the money I'd get to attend. I'd have savings & a monthly check to survive on. What sucks is if i chose the apprentice route which I'm told is better, they pay you significantly lower. I get you get paid being an apprentice, but to my knowledge I'd make more from the monthly check the military would give me to go to school

For profit tech school are mostly in it for your GI money. What you will get is a nice piece of paper to hang on your wall.
Our trade requires field experience.
Take a lot of Math courses and basic electricity courses, most will teach DC theory and not so much about what we do.

 

[Cornelius.Williams]

For profit tech school are mostly in it for your GI money. What you will get is a nice piece of paper to hang on your wall.
Our trade requires field experience.
Take a lot of Math courses and basic electricity courses, most will teach DC theory and not so much about what we do.

Where can I find these courses. That's where in stuck. Can't go to a school or apprenticeship at the moment. I want to at least take classes or certs that will count towards something electrician wise. Got 4,500 a year to use on classes. Online best bet

 

[bobelectric]

Go to your C.O. and tell him your goals and try to get schooling and an MOS change.

 

[captkirk]

Although I kind of agree with jannis the only way you will get good is OJT.
Try to change your mos. I doubt you will have much luck because the military already spent money on your present job, but it would t hurt to ask. What is your rank and mos anyway..?

 

[Michigan Master]

I've been getting a lot of negative feedback from going to trade schools as opposed to apprenticeships. The Trade school option is so enticing because of the money I'd get to attend. I'd have savings & a monthly check to survive on. What sucks is if i chose the apprentice route which I'm told is better, they pay you significantly lower. I get you get paid being an apprentice, but to my knowledge I'd make more from the monthly check the military would give me to go to school

Depending on what state you live in apprenticeship may be mandatory to get into the trade. In Michigan you MUST be a registered apprentice for 4 years and get 8,000 hours on on-the-job training under a master electrician in order to become an electrician. Someone with a bachelor's degree in electrical engineering will only have to be an apprentice for 2 years though.

Trade school is not all bad, but likely you will be applying for a job as an apprentice after graduation because you have no work experience. Trade school however, can increase your chances of getting an apprenticeship and reduce the amount of schooling you be required to do as an apprentice.

 

[Cornelius.Williams]

Although I kind of agree with jannis the only way you will get good is OJT.
Try to change your mos. I doubt you will have much luck because the military already spent money on your present job, but it would t hurt to ask. What is your rank and mos anyway..?

I'm Air Force I load bombs & missles on Aircraft. The only thing I can use in the civilian world is troubleshooting wires. But they refuse to let me learn. Keep putting the same guys on the same jobs.

 

[Cornelius.Williams]

Go to your C.O. and tell him your goals and try to get schooling and an MOS change.

Yea I am changing it. But its tricky, I can change into low manned career field later this year limited slots for rank & electrical systems Is what I hope is on that list. Or wait til 5 year mark & apply for normal mos/afsc change. I got So much time til then

 

[Michigan Master]

Getting the military to train you and give you work experience would be your best bet if you can get it. If you have proper documentation of this (DD-2586 form?), it should count towards getting licensed once you're a civilian.

You should probably also find out about the qualification/licensing requirements in the state where you plan to live once you get out of the military.

 

[Going_Commando]

Look for a degree program for electrical schooling (what I did in NH) and see if you can GI Bill it.

 

[guest]

I'm Air Force I load bombs & missles on Aircraft. The only thing I can use in the civilian world is troubleshooting wires. But they refuse to let me learn. Keep putting the same guys on the same jobs.

Welcome to the forum..I had the same job when I was in the Air Force and Air National Guard. A-10's and F-4's.

Does the Air Force still offer the Career Development Courses? (CDC's) I was able to take the Power Lineman CDC while I was in. If they still offer the CDC's, take whatever electrical CDC's you can.

 

[Cornelius.Williams]

Getting the military to train you and give you work experience would be your best bet if you can get it. If you have proper documentation of this (DD-2586 form?), it should count towards getting licensed once you're a civilian.

You should probably also find out about the qualification/licensing requirements in the state where you plan to live once you get out of the military.

Yea I've been trying to choose best location. I'm from NY & most fam is up there. Since in stationed in Sc I fell in love with the low cost of living.

 

[Cornelius.Williams]

Look for a degree program for electrical schooling (what I did in NH) and see if you can GI Bill it.

I've been trying to find things online but I can't find anything credible. I want to build a Lil resume but cant find any programs that will give me some credibility before I separate. Its like I'm wasting 4,500 free money a year. I don't like to waste benefits in this economy especially