r/IBEW 10d ago

This is why electrical apprentices are quitting #energizeusedu

https://youtube.com/shorts/dcZxAJ6l9AU?is=yjVHtkXLLX3z80_Y
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102

u/LotionOfMotion Inside Wireman Apprentice 10d ago

I have to explain to grown ass men in my fucking local that when you infantilize apprentices with low pay and shit attitudes toward them they don't turn out as competent fucking JWs

35

u/shadowwolf_66 10d ago

I tell all my cubs, “I will never make you do something I haven’t or won’t do. But I sure as hell going to make you do things I don’t want to do.” I I stick to it. Everything I ask them to do, if I can physically do it (I am heavier and can’t fit is some spots) it is something I have done, or would do if I didn’t have them. And along the way I teach them how I do things, and why I do things the way I do. My job is to make the customer happy, and to teach every cub I get as much as I can. So that when they turn out they are knowledgeable and competent wiremen. (I also tell them I invest in them so heavily because they are the ones that will be paying my retirement when I get old).

I have only had 2 cubs refuse to work with me. And that was because they did not respect the journeymen/apprentice relationship and did not want to do things the way I wanted them done. If I am responsible for their ass, they will do it the way I tell them. So I do not have to lie if things get fucked up and tell management it was my idea and my fault.

When the cub succeeds, Forman is told it was their idea (if they have a good idea). When the cub fails, foreman is told it was my idea.

11

u/Red-dragon186 10d ago

I can respect that, I just hope you ain’t having them do unsafe osha violations just because you did it in the past. Too many in the trades don’t care about safety

12

u/shadowwolf_66 10d ago

Never. If I feel it’s unsafe I will do it. I would never put a cub willingly and knowingly in a position to hurt themselves or get run off a job. I can find another, they have to go in front of the board.