July 16, 2024 – Whether it goes well or poorly, taking on an apprentice in your electrical contracting business is a big commitment. What can you do to (hopefully) achieve a positive outcome, for both yourself and the apprentice?

In the June 2024 edition of Electrical Business Magazine, we asked a variety of industry professionals “What advice would you give to an electrical contractor when taking on an apprentice?”. They happily shared their advice and experiences with us which, collectively, make up our Apprenticeship Survival Guide.

Here is what Leonard Feldt had to share…

OVER MY 40 YEARS in this business, I have worked with and trained many individuals. Some turned out as well-seasoned professionals in their field, some did not. I believe attitude and ability are very significant governing factors.

From the outset, if an individual does not have the requisite attitude to develop the requisite skills, nothing is going to happen and they will get nowhere. Conversely, if one has the requisite skills and the requisite attitude, the sky is the limit.

Discerning the difference between these two scenarios is the job of the mentor (which could be the employer). The mentor (master to the apprentice) will quickly determine whether the individual is worthy of their time and attention.

As a 309D Construction and Maintenance, Industrial Electronic Controls master electrician with an interprovincial seal, I have practiced in many aspects of this industry, and I can tell very quickly whether someone is worthy of my time and attention, to what degree that person has the requisite qualities for advancement in the trade, and in which areas they should concentrate.

Some are good mechanics but are poor thinkers; they will need constant guidance but the end work is well done. Some apprentices are very cerebral; they see the big picture and can do what’s needed to accomplish any allotted task with great skill and professionalism.

And some have no direction or desire to do anything other than what they are told in that moment.

Each has the ability to define themselves. The question they need to answer is: “Where do I want to go in this trade, and what am I willing to do to get there”.

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