r/electricians

Im in industrial maintenance and 2 1/2 years into an apprenticeship for a non-union shop. I start a new job doing industrial maintenance for a union factory next week where I feel under qualified for. To be fair, I was honest with them about where I am at and what my weaknesses are but I can’t help but feel like an imposter. On top of that, I would be getting a significant pay raise.

Have you ever gotten a role you were under qualified for? If so how did you manage?

I have been an industrial electrician for a few years now and last summer (as well as for a few months now) I would do valvle maintenance with my crew: taking out, rebuilding and reinstalling valve. Through this whole time I was using the nickle anti-seize the factory gives us on bolts and and the valve faces as well. I am quite a gung-ho and sloppy worker so many days I would get it on my arms, hands, and face (due to me itching my face alot).

Today I looked at the bottle and saw it said that it was toxic/cancer causing. I am now worried that I might have been over exposed and am worried that I might have major health problems in the future because of this. How toxic is this stuff exactly? I always assumed since it was a food facility it would be food grade, but I guess not)

title covers it mostly. Got moved to a new site a few weeks ago thats supposed fo be my home for the next year and within a couple weeks of being there ive discovered that the foreman, lead hand and multiple j men are looking for new jobs. The project is also on its third PM.

The project has a super tight deadline with a lot on the line financially if we cant meet their deadlines. Im brand new to the site and literally everyone who's been there for multiple months already is trying to jump ship.

Ive never experienced this situation before and im not too sure how to handle it. Kind of seems like my company is just going to lose the job unless someone pulls some magic.

kind of sucks. feel like my gut is telling me that its time to look for greener pastures as I dont see how this could go any other way then shit completely hitting the fan.

thoughts?

I have been applying to almost every electrical company; as well as the local union for the last 3 years now and have gotten nowhere. I have extensive construction experience ( 2+ years of general handyman work including carpentry and finishing work, and many more years of un-official experience renovating previous workplaces and my parent's house) as well as a few years of telecom work (3 years as a low voltage wiring tech). I have been told by the handful of people that gave me feedback that I am very under qualified for a first year apprenticeship and I should look at getting more experience in construction under my belt before applying again.

I was hoping someone might have some certifications they can recommend I get before the next round of hiring at the union happens in January 2027? I have my working at heights, emergency first aid, and a few IT certifications. I am in Northern Ontario if that makes a difference, but I am willing to get any and all certs that may boost my application. I currently work a job that is very flexible for in class, or online courses that require a time investment, and I am willing to put things that put me into an electrician path on credit to make it happen.

I am currently looking at getting a more advanced first aid course (1 week), as well as a fire alarm tech certificate (2 months).

Thank you for any suggestions, I am getting desperate and willing to take anything

I just got into the local union apprenticeship. I excel at math and have a CS degree(tech). I have the choice of 02 or 06. What are the key differences in work environment, work availability and stability? What traits make a good 06?

It’s my first week as a non-union apprentice. No prior experience. Commercial, no resi yet. freakin love the work, and I have a great trainer. Coming from retail and generally being a handy person this sort of work is a breath of fresh air.

I have mad respect for you guys that have been doing this for decades and know so much, I’m still just trying to learn the names of things and understand circuits better. But I just have to say I really regret not doing this sooner in my life, although my middle-age maturity and no-bs attitude certainly has helped me dive in successfully.

That is all. I’m sure the comment section will tell me how wrong I am to be enjoying this new career. carry on.