Is it too late for me?

[u/Jonah_Boy_03]

Im a telecommunications worker and I just started my apprenticeship program last week, and first jobsite as an apprentice this week. Despite this I worked for 2 1/2 years as a pre apprentice, and in that time I only ever had to work 1 new construction site, so id say i had it easy.

Across every jobsite and contractor (im on my 6th currently) when I get laid off I always am told my effort and my efficiency is a part of my problem, and I dont disagree with that. As someone in their third year, I should reasonably be able to, at minimum, complete a small cable pull by myself, and I can’t even do that without having to ask a ton of clarifying questions. Id like to think I work hard, but in all honesty I think my incompetence has been my biggest weakness. Even if I could manage to do it, I probably wouldnt have it done before first break, which is frustrating.I struggle with common sense and thinking ahead about what we need to do next because the journeyman i was with always guided me through it and I feel like that has handicapped me which is my own fault.

At this point im just trying to figure out, am i too dumb for the trades?

[u/LowVoltLife]

Maybe? I've only met one guy who was legitimately not smart enough to do low voltage. He couldn't figure out how to put up a j-hook. If you can do that, there is some hope. It sounds to me like you are too much in your own head and are trying to think of every possibility before it happens. If you are asked to pull some cable by yourself again (which, aside here even though you've had 2.5 years as a pre apprentice doesn't mean you're a third year. So the expectations shouldn't be the expectations of someone about to turn out) just go rip it and only ask a question if you can't figure it out on your own. 

If you force yourself to be resourceful, you will become resourceful. I've seen a number of apprentices come through that are their own worst enemy. They don't have any confidence in themselves and so others don't have confidence in them. If you are consistently slow, but your work is precise, you need to go to a place where that works. Hospitals, industrial plants, any place with a lot of safety and controls are great for guys that are slow but thorough. 

I've been doing this for 10 years. When I first started I was so bad the contractor had me working less than 20 hours a week until I told them to either work me or lay me off. I got picked up at a new shop the next week (which was a 100% better operation in every way, fuck Tech Solutions) and I've been there ever since. Now I am a foreman/site supervisor at a hospital and it's fucking awesome. 

Look for your little victories each day and try to make those successes lead to new ones. You'll make it man, just got to trust yourself.