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SAIT Pre-employment Electrician

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twisted_offroader:
This course is 3 months, costs $5000 in total, including books.

What are the benefits of taking this course?

What is the process if I don't take the course?

I am a little confused on the pay rates.
If I take the course, I get my first year ticket within 3 months. Would this put me into the 50% pay rate, or the 60% pay rate of a journeyman salary? Because wouldn't I technically be in the 2nd year. Because normally a person would work for a year, then take his 1st year exam.

If I didn't take this course, what is the process of becoming an Electrician?
I assume I would have to work as a General Laborer for some time, the employer would see my work ethic then I would get indentured, get paid 50% of the journeyman rate, work a year then take my 1st year exam. Then get paid 60%, work a year, take exam. And on it goes.

The pay rate before getting indentured would be what? Lower then usual, because the gain in the end is higher. Or do company's indenture you right away. I really don't know what the process is.

Broich:
I don't think the pre-employment is the way to go at all. A lot of money and time wasted. If you are a dedicated person and have a brain in your head, and actually like to work and show up to work then you shouldn't have a problem getting a job. There is such a need for guys out there just go find a job. Print a lot of resumes and hit the trail. Dump them off everywhere.

You'll start as a grunt, but prove yourself and you'll be indentured in no time. Again prove yourself, ask questions and want to learn - and you won't be a grunt doing dumb crap for long. Some journeyman will like ya and want to work with ya all the time.

As  for the money, it's different everywhere but trust me the four years will go by fast. The gov. has lots of grants etc up for grabs.  Write a nice asskissin' letter with your application and they'll throw money at ya. Happend to me.

Good luck.

D

FiEND:
i would try and find a job before you pay any money.

go to http://www.tradesecrets.gov.ab.ca/  lots of info there.

McClare:
Don't take the course. Just find a job and they have to pay you by law 50% of the journeyman rate.

And getting indentured has nothing to do with the company. It has everything to do with the apprenticeship board and all you have to do is sign up. Nothing other than sign up.

I took the pre-employment in NS and it was a waste of time and it's definately a waste of time in Calgary. Just get on with a company, talk to the apprenticeship board and then sign up for your first year of schooling.

The other guys here speak the truth

SteveO:
If you are a reliable, hard working and committed worker let me know and I can get you a job with one of the best commercial electrical companies in the city.  A good friend of mine called me Thursday and he's looking for apprentices but I'm hesitant to refer people to him in case they don't work out but if you're sure, shoot me a PM and I'll give you his info if you promise not to screw it up.  

He'll set you up with all your apprenticeship stuff, pay you a good rate (50% of J-man rate for a first year) and make sure you get good experience.  

Not sure if you know much about the trade but being a first year apprentice isn't a glamorous job.  You'll be the low man on the pole which means cleaning up, fetching material and generally being everyone's bitch until you learn enough to be useful.  You need to be able to work outside in the cold all winter, dig trenches, carry pipe up to the 10 floor of a building when the skip's down and work well with others, even when they're being rude, drude and degrading.  You'll also have to be able to buy about $300 worth of hand tools within a week of starting work.

Think about it and let me know.  I've been in the trade for about 15 years and love it but it's hard work if you want to do well.  The benefits are a great skill, you generally work with good guys and hard work is rewarded with better jobs and added responsibility.  Once you have your ticket for three years you're able to do your Master's which allows you to run your own business in the city.  In this city right now, that means an electrician with a reputation for being on time and doing good work for a fair price can do very well.  

If you have any more questions let me know. .....Steve

PS.  Don't take pre-employment unless you're unable to find a job or are on some government subisdized find work program.

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