Apprentice Corner
Passed the practical and got the card today. Five years, two contractors, one very long stretch where I thought about quitting. Things I got wrong that cost me time: **I was afraid of looking stupid...
This is a personal situation but I think a lot of apprentices face this. I had a JW ask me to do a task in a way that I thought was wrong (not dangerous, just not code compliant based on what I've lea...
Tested out last week. 82% first attempt. Here's what I'd tell 4th-year me: **Study the NEC like you use it, not like you memorize it.** The exam is open book in most states (check yours). Knowing WHE...
Second year plumbing apprentice, non-union shop. State requires 8,000 hours documented for the journeyman exam, with specific categories — so many hours of drainage, so many of water supply, so many o...
Three months into an electrical apprenticeship. I have no idea whether I am doing well. Nobody yells at me. Nobody praises me either. I get told what to do and I do it and then I get told the next th...
Testing out in about 8 months. I've got Tom Henry's book and the Mike Holt comprehensive exam workbook. Every time I sit down to study I either fall asleep or get so frustrated that I quit after 30 mi...
I'm 22, just got out of the military, looking to get into the trades. I have an interest in both HVAC (my uncle does it) and electrical. I've been told the money is better in electrical but HVAC has m...
Not testing yet myself but my school is teaching to the 2026 and there are a fair number of changes I am struggling to keep straight, particularly around GFCI expansion and the energy storage articles...
Started my first year of electrical apprenticeship last month. My journeyman keeps handing me one-line diagrams and expecting me to understand them. I nod along but honestly I don't know what I'm look...
2nd year apprentice plumber but my brother is in electrical and watching him struggle with conduit bends got me curious about this. He's been in for 8 months and his 3-point saddles are still inconsis...
Starting a diesel tech apprenticeship next month. Shop will provide some tools but I'm supposed to buy my own basic hand tools. My budget is about $800. What should I prioritize buying vs. waiting to...