How to Be a Good Electrical Apprentice
- Dan
- Mar 3
- 5 min read
Before diving into the content, here's a quick overview to guide you through the essentials of excelling as an electrical apprentice. This structured guide will pave the way for your successful journey in the electrical trade.
Table of Contents
Introduction
Starting an apprenticeship is an exciting journey filled with opportunities to learn, grow, and build a strong foundation for your future career.
However, navigating this new environment comes with its challenges, especially when it comes to meeting the high expectations of supervisors and colleagues.
As someone who has experienced the ins and outs of this path, I want to share practical insights on what earns praise and what missteps to avoid.
From the importance of being physically and mentally present, to the key traits that set apart top-tier apprentices, and the subtle art of always staying engaged—these tips will guide you towards excelling in your role.
So, you became an electrical apprentice, and you are wondering what to do and what not to do?
Let me give you a little insight into what in my experience was praised and what not to do.
Being there - More Than Just Showing Up
This may not come as a surprise, but it is vital that especially as an apprentice one of the most of the important things from my experience is being there.
Not only in person but mentally too. Being there on time is crucial as supervisors, managers and your colleagues expect you to be there and not coming in does derail and could toss the entire morning into mayhem.
You should cover yourself by letting your supervisor know or your point of contact person on the project by texting them before the shift starts that you're going to be running late or that you won't be able to make it in on that day.
Being there doesn't necessarily mean physically either, mentally being there is also vital. Don't get me wrong, now as an apprentice you will get some rather boring and not very involved jobs from time to time, like sweeping the floor, cleaning or just cable tying miles of cable to the CMS (cable management systems).
While actually working with an electrician or any other operative you may be assisting that day, please for the love of God don't get distracted by your phone. I see it now and when I was an apprentice, I saw it happening then as well. For electricians when they are up on the podium or MEWP or whatever and wherever, it is extremely annoying to have to repeat ourselves/themselves to the apprentice because they were distracted by a meme or a text.
Becoming a Top-Tier Electrical Apprentice
So now that you're in the moment, what can you do to excel?
Being a top-tier apprentice comes with good perks, I feel. You will get to do more "fun" parts of the job from terminating, testing, wiring panels and leading parts of the installation with electrical mates or improvers.
This does take time though, don't take me wrong one needs to build up to that level of trust and that you actually know what you are doing. They're not going to have some absolute wally of an apprentice doing such because well, why would they?
Just to do it again because it's all wrong? No, you have to ask your electrician, supervisor, more senior apprentices questions on how things work and why.
That's why you're there to learn so ask questions and if they don't know because there are cases where they just won't go out for yourself and find out.
The internet is a great resource for us to use and learn about electrics. With your electrician after shadowing them, you should know what they need before they know what they need and before they ask you for something.
For example, you are helping them install a piece of conduit on the wall, before they even get to the part where they need a saddle or screw to install it, you should have those at the ready, made up and ready for install. Always be one step ahead of them. That decreases downtime, and you stare at them aimlessly, waiting for the next instruction.
Once you feel confident, ask if you can do the installation yourself and have them be your helper instead, this is a great learning experience because if they are slacking, you can feel what it feels like having a subpar helper.
There is definitely more to it than that, but this already puts you ahead of most apprentices that I've encountered in my time on projects.
Don't stand still! - Keeping Busy and Productive
We've all been there as apprentices, you're new to this and it's a physically demanding job, you're dying to have a seat or to just relax for five minutes in-between jobs.
I would recommend personally not to be seen relaxing as it will perceived as slacking off on the job especially because typically your manager or client comes in from absolutely nowhere (it happens more often than you think)
You can be sweating, busy all day, they are nowhere to be seen but as soon as you are finished the job they just show up and we're just standing around admiring your work and you're just a deer in the headlights trying to think of an excuse as to why you're just standing there.
Simple, have a brush in your hand, a bin bag or scarp box and you are cleaning the place up.
As an apprentice, you are expected to be the cleaner after the electricians. You may be taking your time, but you are busy cleaning and catching your breathe. Use those moments because shortly you will be back running preparing for your next task!
Conclusion & Final Thoughts
Be Present—Physically and Mentally
It may seem obvious, but being present is one of the most critical aspects of succeeding as an apprentice. Always ensure you're on time; your reliability affects the entire team's schedule. If you're running late or can't make it, notify your supervisor or point of contact before the shift begins.
Being present isn't just about showing up physically—it's about being mentally engaged, too.
Sure, you might get repetitive or less glamorous tasks like cleaning or securing cables. Resist the temptation to zone out or get distracted by your phone. Electricians rely on your attention, and having to repeat themselves can be frustrating.
Standing Out as a Top-Tier Apprentice
Earning trust and showcasing your skills opens the door to the "fun" aspects of the job, like wiring panels, testing systems, and leading installations, and to get there:
Ask Questions: Curiosity is essential to learning. If your supervisor doesn't have answers, take the initiative to research independently.
Stay Ahead: Anticipate your electrician's needs. For example, gather tools and materials before they even ask. Proactivity minimizes downtime and demonstrates your readiness to handle responsibilities.
Take the initiative: Once you feel confident, ask for opportunities to lead smaller tasks. Shadowing gives you insight, but hands-on experience builds your capability and trustworthiness.
Don't Stand Still—Literally!
Apprenticeship is demanding, and everyone craves a breather. However, being caught relaxing often gives the wrong impression. Instead, keep yourself occupied, grab a broom, a bin bag, or organize scraps.
Even small tasks show you're productive and engaged, leaving a positive impression on supervisors and clients.
Be reliable, stay curious, and never underestimate the importance of initiative.
By applying these principles, you'll stand out as a reliable and skilled apprentice, paving the way for a rewarding career in the electrical trade.
See you on-site,
Alex
(For further questions or feedback, feel free to reach out at alex@constructionitis.com).
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