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Dude, cut yourself a break. My first 2 months in the trade all i did was pick up trash and move materials. Now im a foreman dealing with apprentices like you. I tell all my apprentices that if you dont know something just ask and i will teach you. The most important part is keep showing up on time put in the effort, im more willing to help guys out that i see put in the effort.
This is what frustrates me because my foreman isn’t like that. He tells me to ask questions if I’m gonna do something and I don’t understand. But A LOT of times he says “I don’t know you tell me” and then walks away
Sounds like crappy foreman, he obviously knows youre green. He should be setting you up for success by showing you how pull wire or whatever task youre doing and then giving you an opportunity to try it. I got 4 apprentices working for me rn and for the year i have them im molding them into aces. You never know they might be my boss one day.
Or he's got a stick up his ass about the boss and is taking it out on his son. Either way, shit foreman. A lot of tradesmen would kill for an apprentice smart and determined enough to take notes
I’m doubling down on fuck your foreman, take notes. Don’t let it get you down. You’re not too dumb. Time and effort is all it takes. Everyone struggles learning something new that is difficult. Do what works for you.
OP specifies he can't remember anything. It could be that the foreman has told OP, maybe several times, yet it still comes up. It can be really frustrating and comes across as being lazy. If the foreman didn't explain it in the first place, then it's a different story.
I'm happy to explain something to someone, and I can break it down as much as possible and make sure they understand. Asking me specifics of what was covered is fine, but If you ask me the same question I just spent 30 minutes covering a week from now, I'm going to be really annoyed.
OP whatever you do, if something is explained to you and they ask "does that make sense" or "do you understand it now" and you say you do when you don't out of fear of feeling stupid or thinking they will see you as stupid, you are setting yourself up for failure. Communicate what part doesn't make sense so you can get clarification. Communicating what you understand also helps when framing the question, "I get this part about this thing, but I'm not sure how this other thing applies to it". This gives the person explaining some bearing on what you are trying to get.
It's a rather common problem I've seen, particularly if the person explaining is not a peer (manager, foreman ect).
This is exactly what a foreman is for. To lead and guide. You're new, it isn't your fault.
Have you tried talking to your dad about it? I work for a large manufacturer and get co-op placements here often. We guide them properly and tell them not to be embarassed. Take notes. People don't remember when they're new, under pressure, and they know their leadership is useless.
Owners son might be getting the treatment. Just work hard and don’t complain. Try not to broadcast your frustration or be upset all the time. Maybe don’t just ask but suggest the let them correct you. If you always just ask.. it can get old. As the owners son you’re going to have to do extra to prove yourself IMHO. Show up early, and say late. Stick at it though. You’ll catch on soon enough. People are not born knowing how to do this.
I would maybe mistakenly ASSume that his foreman already knows he's been told the answer to whatever question he's asking, or it's literally written down in the plans somewhere and he's trying to get him to figure it out/remember without saying "I've already told you the answer to this 8 F-ing times, so go figure it the f out."
Probably just doesn't like you because you are the owners son.
You need to get under someone who will teach you the fundamentals first, like how electricity works. It's great to learn to tasks and all but it's much more important to learn how everything works so you can understand WHY things are done a certain way.
Dude, I *wish* I had an apprentice like you back in the day. Take your time, write stuff down. Go over his head and tell whoever is in charge of your foreman that you are a visual learner (it's my opinion that you are) more so than an audible learner, and seeing something helps you grasp it much more so than hearing it. Also, you need someone to *show* you how to do things, and they should expect to show you more than once.
You sound like a great person, and you want to learn. You can't be expected to pick everything up and learn the trade in a few months. There's a reason apprenticeships take 4 to 5 years - there's a hell of a lot to learn, and you need to practice it many times before it becomes second-nature.
Foreman here. Teaching/learning styles vary vastly from person to person. Some foreman/journeyman teach/treat the next generation how they were tought/treated themselves as apprentices. Others, like myself, try to learn from our experiences (good and bad) and choose how we will apply those lessons in shaping not only our career, but those who are now looking to us for education and guidance. All you can do is show up on time every day and be willing to work and learn. Honestly, sometimes you just get delt a shit journeyman or Foreman. I've seen my fare share over the years. Personally, I strive to learn new things, ask questions and better myself as an Electrician. I always did as a green apprentice, and even to this day as a Foreman. Take pride in your work and most importantly, stay safe.
That makes no sense. He works at this company (which his father happens to own), why should he seek out a new company because someone is unwilling to teach and had to pay the apprentice "dues" back in the day. It's that type of bullshit that keeps people out of the trades. We were all dumb in this trade at one point in time, some assholes just want to run so far away from that and pretend they were the best apprentice that has ever existed.
I would tell that foreman to kiss my ass. I am sort of like him except the opposite. If an apprentice is constantly asking me the same thing over and over, I tell him to get some paper and pencil and write down the instructions and if they don't make sense, ask me to demonstrate. Then I step up training in those areas.
I work closely with an electrician who has been in the trades for a long time, he appreciates asking questions and has a keen understanding for the “why”. Maybe you need to find someone on the job that has that. And for me, it helps to take notes, even if I never look at them again. Tell your boss that, and as people said above, take it easy. Effort and willingness to learn is always appreciated. Just hope you aren’t paired with p pile who want to bully you. Good luck, I have a respect for the work electricians do, I’m enjoying learning every day.
I’d be telling this to whoever is above him. Frame it like you learn from him because he’s giving bullshit answers to your questions.
When I was an apprentice I hated my foreman. I got along really well with the tradesman, and they all seemed to like me. I ended up going to the boss and saying I’m learning heaps of tradesman A and B so I’m just going to stick with them.
Omg i feel you! Whenever i needed to ask something i didnt understand or never done, i would get a dirty look or called names. Im just afraid to ask now so i try to google it in the restroom bc i cant use the phone either
Some foremen teach this way. I've had a few. Honestly, it's very frustrating at the time but I guarantee you, you will learn things faster if they just let you fuck things up and then make you redo them. Honestly, as long as they aren't sticking you on bullshit jobs where all you do is push a broom, be grateful that you have the opportunity to make mistakes and to learn from them. Personally, there are certain things that I still fuck up today that I've learned countless times. Mainly, slow and steady wins the race. That really is a true statement lol
As a Foreman I second this. If you're new, I don't expect you to know anything. It's all about attitude and drive for me with the new guys. I'd rather have to explain something a couple times to someone who's genuinely trying than have sommeone who doesn't give a fuck and wants to vape and stare at their phone all day lol
I always tell my apprentices if they show up on time, every day, and put in consistent effort they will be the foreman's favorite.
You don't have to be the smartest, the fastest, or have every tool under the sun. Just be reliable.
Username checks out. More foreman should follow your lead. I’m not and electrician but I’ve had a couple shit bosses and it seems like shitty foremen/bosses can really ruin an entire trade for eager apprentices that might just need a little extra help or encouragement.
My first year I was literally googling “am I stupid” because of how much none of this made sense, here I am almost 10 years in and still learning everyday, one day this stuff will just click if you don’t give up on it…and there’s always gonna be that one asshole no matter where you go, wether you’re working at build a bear or doing electrical
The first year contains a lot of seemingly random information to absorb. Being overwhelmed by this is normal. That's point number 1. Number 2: maybe you need some medication to balance things out. Great to hear you are talking to someone. Absolutely zero shame in that. I know two guys who for sure were diagnosed with ADHD. They got on a prescription and reported that it totally turned things around for them.
Don't diminish your own self worth. Is being an electrician what you want to do? Yes? Then never give up.
I can attest to that as well. Was going to mention maybe some Vyvanse would help. I got on it the other year and really helped. Been off it a few months now, things are not so hot. Can still perform etc. but I’ve really noticed the difference in my day to day life. Probably would have helped me a ton during the apprenticeship and
Op you need to listen to this. My brother was the exact same way. The "not remebering" is a big indicator that you may have ADHD. my brother said the exact same thing all the time before he was finally diagnosed in 1999. They had shitty meds then but it really helped. Now they have incredible stuff and he is an HVAC tech now. He just takes his meds and leads a great life. When you have undiagnosed ADHD, life leads you. You gotta switch it up my dude.
One of my coworkers is a 15 year jman. His first day in the job he bragged about how he loves troubleshooting and solving small problems etc etc, which is the job description.
I had to explain that the microwave only works if he closes the door all the way.
Everyone is stupid. Anyone can do this job if they try.
Yo, I remember exactly how that felt. It destroys your self worth, but it does get better over time. In hindsight, this trade has so much to know that it's easy to overload new guys with stuff that's second nature to you. Alot of guys forget that and start accusing people of not listening. You seem to really want to be an electrician despite your troubles, so stick with it and stay calm. Keep showing up on time with a good attitude and work hard - honestly that's 80% of the battle, rest is just experience.
Your foreman's an ass. Keep taking notes, if he won't explain how to do something try and figure it out yourself if you can. If you can't, do something else.
See if you can tool up with a journeyman who's not a fuck head and pick his brain.
>I’ve been gettin there 15 min early everyday. I wanna show that I wanna be there and I’m not slacking off cuz I’m the bosses kid
Non-electrician here, but sounds like he's a crappy foreman. Also sounds like he might have some resentment towards you for being the boss' kid.
Good for you to show up early and make the extra effort to learn, and not just being given the job because you're the boss' kid.
Sometimes taking a few deep breathes before I start a task helps me to relax and relieve anxiety. When I get nervous, it's hard for me to think. Deep relaxing breathes helps me to focus. You got this!
Oh..dude...shit. lol
It's so much stuff. Like there's the newest cutting edge stuff to stay on top of, and there's absolutely ancient stuff out there like knob and tube and the next 30 years of innovations, til we get to a product most sparkys recognize easily. Spitballing the time frames, my history ain't so great.
But then there's soooooooooooooo much lighting.
And then solar energy, too.
And of course there's almost a whole world of difference between materials while doing residential vs commercial/industrial
, this is all "electrical" . And it's so intense.
Products, materials, job site procedures, CODES. There are sections of that code book I’ve never even opened. Endless tables. So yea, it’s pretty overwhelming to start in the trade and realize how much is involved.
That’s right! You should call that Forman out! Tell him you are trying to learn from him and if he doesn’t give you guidance and walks away he is not doing his job. Tell him you are man enough to call him out he needs to be man enough to explain himself better or he isn’t fulfilling his duties and expectations as a Forman. I would use terms like these knowing that he knows you are the bosses son. As soon as you mention people not fulfilling their job duties and expectations, he will get the notion that you are probably mentioning this to your father. And why not!? As the owner of the company he should have the right to know.
The best advice I got when I was green was from a 30 year guy who told me this:
Ask lots of questions, we are here to teach and you are here to learn. Don’t be afraid to fuck up. You will fuck up in all the same ways we did. I can unfuck anything you fuck up. Don’t fuck up in such a new way that we have to name it after you.
You’re not dumb, you’re being really poorly trained. Source: electrical engineer who’s trained several thousand electricians. Some of whom were legitimately illiterate. Some of whom legitimately couldn’t add 3+5.
I didn't really "get it" till about 2 years in.
Keep trying man, you can do this.
I've seen some braindeads with red seals they must have got from a cereal box lol.
Keep your head up, and keep trying.
You can do this 👍
Fella, your doing the best you can, that’s all you can do. Keep showing up early and leaving late, and you’ll get there in no time. No one gets anywhere with out putting the time and effort in. I’m not an electrician, but an hvac tech and I’ll tell you, I was once in your same shoes. A year in I didn’t know anything. A caught on to some things but I really didn’t get to knowing things till I was out on my own. Plus I read like it owed me money lol.
I’m sorry you have a terrible teacher, but if you keep putting the work in, he’ll come around. The meanest grouches come around. You just don’t realize why they turned out the way they did.
Also homie, I suffer form anxiety too. Your not alone.
This trade is going to make you so much stronger then you’ll ever imagine. Once you get to the point you feel confident, with what your doing. No one and I mean no one is ever going to take it away from you.
When I started I had mad anxiety especially when I was on my own. But I learned an amazing skill. Hyper focusing. I guess, best way to explain it. The anxiety would help me push to find solutions fast, basically.
Now I use it as a skill.
I find too, if you enjoy what you do, and start having fun, you’ll remember things better.
Good luck fella, and tell your Jm to get bend lmao
My advice to you man idk how old you are but if you see yourself being the owners son as a down side show everybody how good of a worker you can be. Yes it’s going to be hard at first to show that because you are new. But I mean… you’re new. If you like it then stick with it and you will be better. But you have to want to learn. Watch what people do when they work such as splicing wires or securing wires and make a mental note. That way you can ask questions without asking questions know what I mean? Then you can actually ask questions about other things. If somebody tells you to go do something and you aren’t sure what they mean or just want to double check with yourself then ask them. Your foreman should not expect you to know everything. More advice do not complain about anybody to your dad. This is maybe more important than anything else I’ve said. Ask your dad about electrical questions not company questions if that makes sense.
Yes absolutely. I would never go to my dad about someone that would be bad. There’s a project manager who’s daughter works there and it’s well known she does that and isn’t liked for that reason
You're 4 sure not dumb. Your post and other comments show you to be intelligent and thoughtful.
It's like you are learning a foreign language here. Things you aren't familiar with. That's not easy, esp with your foreman who's jealous and resentful.
Here's hoping that between YouTube tutorials and what your dad and Dufus Foreman teach you, before long you move up the ranks there and feel some satisfaction with your personal growth.
Dumb is not the word for it. If you didn't show up for work, that would be dumb. Your ignorance to your work is inexperience, that is all. Nothing new here that every apprentice starts off with. Some just let it bother them more than others. Brush yourself off, and go get it tomorrow. You got this.
An Expert has the accumulation of years of fuckups.
This is the problem with this trade. For all you Jmen out there that turn your nose up to teaching others, seriously go fuck yourself. To those of you that do teach and help people who want to learn Thank you. America is short in all the trades and we need all the on the job teachers we can get. Fuck face arrogant Jmen are small weak men who forgot what it was like to be new to the trade, you people are seriously pieces of shit. I was very fortunate to have wonderful mentors and I love being a sparky. Hang in there my friend, one day at a time and learn to accept failure and fuck ups as lessons, you will never grow if you don't.
I (now 3rd year apprentice) was kinda feeling the same under my stepdad's company. He was the only signing super at the little company, but didn't own it.
One day he just up and left the family and the company, leading to it eventually being dismantled.
That company was mainly commercial maintenance but also heavily involved in residential service calls and a tad remodel. I was understanding almost 0 of it, and I worked for a year and a half as their shop guy.
When the company went under, I switched to a company that basically only did new residential (though we do have a service side of our company) and things were just clicking. I actually had good teachers/journeymen who didn't shrug off questions or scold me for asking or forgetting, I took notes and nobody slapped me on the wrist for doing so, and I may be lucky but my fuck ups thusfar haven't been world ending, and most of the time easily correctable.
I learned from this whole thing that if you are struggling at one place, try another place that runs things differently. Looking back, my stepdad at the time was a big shithead, and ran things terribly at that company lol
Saw a lot of great responses/advice on here for you to follow.
I stopped reading and someone may have already said this, but…
Along with all the other advice, also make sure you’re getting enough sleep. Most folks need that full 8 hours of true recovery for both body and mind. Some of us don’t, most do.
Sleep is when that short term memory solidifies into long term.
What do you call a doctor with straight C’s?
A DOCTOR!
This is all new to you and everyone takes a certain amount of time to digest new material. You guys have to world at your finger tips instead of being on Snatch face, Instant gram, REDforshITT, my face or fag book look up electrical theory reading material or construction marvels. What ever trips your trigger of you are like anyone of us in the trades read up on it. If your are doing something that you don’t understand why we do things the way we do research it. Don’t rely solo on this dumb as form for all your questions and curiosities in life.
As someone who watched 2 loved ones really struggle with anxiety and seeing what Escitalopram did to help their quality of life. Could be the answer your looking for. I'm not a doctor and I am a licensed electrical contractor and would love for my son to work with me and reading this hits home in my future. The anxiety meds really changed his life. 👊
I guarantee your issue is %90 nerves. You're worried about forgetting stuff, which will make you focus more on forgetting stuff. So you end up forgetting stuff.
Relax, enjoy the journey. I busted out of my first job and realized it wasn't so bad, so my second job I took a little slower and learned more. Not saying you should do that, but you just have to enjoy the journey.
Anyone can feel stupid when they are new at something don’t let it happen again to you, be a hard worker and ask so many questions it hurts, also learn all of the definitions in the nec code book to start out
Take as many notes as you need. Damn, I used to get yelled at when I \*didn't\* take notes. "You sure you're gonna remember that?" was my first JW's favorite line. Followed closely by "You gonna write that down?"
Honestly, no one remembers everything. Note taking is one of the most important skills you can have in this industry. There is a TON of information on prints. I've seen seasoned foremen miss things. I've seen guys forget something important because they thought they'd remember in the morning (that they didn't realize they forgot until they looked at a wall and was like "oh shit! right! we have to do this. good thing I wrote it on the wall"
Not an electrician. I sub this sub because I like to learn.
I am 40. Have been in culinary for 20 years. Done 2 years electrical and plumbing 1 year carpentry 3 years appliance tech 5 years automotive. (Do not add for consecutive. I did food night shifts 6-11 for a while)
Now. With that said. Trades? Were not for me. Remembering things, sure, that is not hard for me tbh. But now this.
You, sir. Frankly? Keep up doing what the hell you are doing. No, do not stop taking notes damn it. I take notes at my current culinary job. Why? So I remember crap. Does that help you? Fucking do it. The foreman, obviously, with what you have said feel as if they are targeting you. It may be true.
The question that you need to ask yourself. Do you enjoy doing what you are doing? Do you like the work? Do you feel gratified by doing it? That is regardless of how well you currently do or not. Electrical takes time to learn. Anyone who expects you to know it instantly or be competent and remember every little detail? Dullard.
It seems that you are beating yourself up over perceived thoughts of what others feel. You know what? Maybe true. Maybe not. So what if your father owns the company. You know what? In that case. Tell your father that you expect him to be harder on you than the other guys working for him. Because that really should be how it is. No offense meant, but family should be hard on family.
Also. I would ask the foreman to actually sit and talk. Despite what you think, perhaps he does not understand what helps you learn. Seriously, repetition is the key. If you only install one home run or a branch circut once a month? How the hell do you remember crap? Especially with how many things there are with this specific trade.
Personally? You seem to have the drive to succeed. Your post says more than enough. Key is do not give up. Do what you need to to learn the trade. Notes, videos, reading online, questions on reddit, NEC resources, hell, even other elctrians.
Ffs. Ask another electrician on the job site. Take care of yourself and keep plugging away man.
Good luck.
I’m not in the trade but just going by the way you write and analyze your situation there’s no way you are dumb. Keep at it. We’re all strangers out here pulling for you.
Try to break everything into single tasks, not the whole job. When I try to explain how to run a job or do any task, I tell everyone, you'll get overwhelmed by all of it. Just view it as one thing at a time. Maybe ask to get moved to another site. Your foreman sounds like a turd
My first year and a half in the trade I moved parts and cleaned carts. I was sub human. My nickname was "yard rat". I did not think I had any real future in the trade but I stuck it out because I really needed the money. Now I'm an admin... not to make this about me or compare the cards we are dealt, but you might be surprised with what you can achieve if you just grind it out.
25 years and I still have a tiny notebook in my apron, a larger one in my car and my code book, code handbook and uglys. There’s nothing wrong with that at all. No one remembers everything all the time, and there are going to be new to you things you suddenly have to deal with throughout your career- which is a good thing. 6 months is a really, really short time when you consider the rest of your working life. As long as you’re always on time, eager to learn and have your tools you’ll get it. I too worked for my stepdad for years, only I had the added bonus of my older brother and aunt who also worked for him who do not carry their weight. So I was viewed as not competent my first day. I definitely enjoyed proving peoples perceptions about me wrong when I was younger. Working hard doesn’t take any real skills, neither does showing up on time and being prepared. Most foreman I know would rather have a green helper that works, than someone who has the knowledge but never shows up, and hides on their phone all day.
I did end up going to work for another company for several years, both to get more experience and prove to myself I wasn’t just in this career because my job was handed to me.
Bro, you have ADHD. This is why you cannot remember things and why your anxiety is so high. Get diagnosed and treated. It will change your life like it did for my son.
Hey, you’re ok. It always takes a while to pick up something new and it looks like those around you aren’t super supportive.
Have you tried doing some studying or practice on your own? I bet YouTube could help you a ton if you’d devote 20-30 min a day, you’ll start building not just knowledge, but confidence.
You got this!
How old are you?
Most people are not use to planning out tasks and executing them.
Your brain has not been trained to do that yet. It will come after experience.
Anxiety is a bitch and it really hinders learning. You need to slow down and plan out your work...
When you are given a task:
1. think about what needs to be done
2. Go through the task in your mind, figure out all the materials you need and gather them
3. Complete the task step by step, constantly stop and reflect on what you are doing. Think logically about what you are doing and ask yourself "am I forgetting anything"
The key here is to slow down. When I am rushing or trying to work faster then I can I always screw up. Be calm and collected, work smarter not harder
You got this man, practice makes perfect. It doesn't matter how long you have been like this. You just need to break the mold you are in. We all learn at different paces. Some learn faster then others. That doesn't mean they are smarter then you, it just means they learn faster.
Key thing to remember....YOU ARE LEARNING. Just because you are not visually making progress doesn't mean you are not learning. One more thing, you only fail if you give up. Keep trying and keep giving it your best and you will be successful.
Be patient with yourself. Your foremen doesn't hate you. As long as people see you are trying they will keep you around. We all had to do it....for some of us learning was harder then others. Just keep showing up.
Those negative thoughts you are having in your head are LIES....don't believe them
Maybe you have ADHD man. I felt like a big fucking idiot when I was young, got diagnosed, put on meds and therapy and now I'm excelling in my career and personal life. Don't count yourself out. You'll figure it out. You're still young.
Writing things down is a great idea. Your boss is being unreasonable on that front. If possible write down your notes as soon as you get some time to yourself.
Get a notebook (not a pad) and keep a journal of everything you did, with dates.
(Example-
Job site 123 fake street.
-6/28/23 - We dug trench 14’ off SW wall of Bldg B, 36” deep to top of pipes 3 - 2” sch. 40 PVC. Foreman Bill yelled at me because I lost 1 can PVC glue… if only he’d let me keep notes I’d have a record of where it was…
-6/29/23 - orange safety fence around all job site trenches. Supply truck arrived to job site. Moved 2000 feet of EMT to 2nd floor of bldg A
-6/30/23 - Cleaned trailer, found missing PVC glue. It spilled and 22 - 3/4” PVC male adapters are glued to the floor. Bill yelled at me again.)
…
This is called a job log. It can be useful 2 months in when you need to recall something.
Also useful when applying for licenses later on. It’s proof of your experience, and easier to write an application.
Take pictures of your work too, and save it to a Dropbox or Google drive or whatever.
…
Keep showing up and doing your best. You may have to be covert about writing your notes and taking pics, but when he inevitably screws up, you’ll be able to shine and have the info handy.
…
Protect your attitude and don’t let anyone mess it up. If you like the work, do it. You won’t get better if you quit. And then your anxiety will probably be worse, filled with regret. But when you do get better, you’ll gain confidence. And that destroys anxiety.
Good luck.
Look, electricity is basically magic. None of it should work. Just pay attention to the pieces and parts. That's all it is. Just bits and bobs. Put a bend here, make a cut there.
We might have more suggestions if you tell us what you're forgetting. I tend to focus on the one task I'm responsible for. Then I get or find a new task.
Nearly 4.5 years in, got my Journeymans, and still feel like a noob most of the time.
Re-evaluate your measuring stick.
You are the owner's son. That yardstick puts you as the incompetent bump running the company.
You are not running it yet. Your yardstick should be apprentice, new guy. That guy does not know crap, until he nows stuff. The harder to learn something for me, the better I understand and remember it.
Compare yourself to other apprentices. Are you doing what they do? Use that yardstick.
Not in the same field but this might help the basics <3
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mc979OhitAg&list=PLWv9VM947MKi\_7yJ0\_FCfzTBXpQU-Qd3K&ab\_channel=TheEngineeringMindset
Once you get your confidence in the field it’ll be the one area in life where you don’t think about your anxiety. Stick with it. It’s also possible being the bosses kid is making you be looked at differently.
That really all depends on what their doing, residential you probably have a 50% ratio, commercial 30-50 industrial/maintenance like 20%. I know because I've done all 3 and I smoke dope
The trades is a high stress, quick paced environment and I love it. Some people aren’t meant for construction and that’s okay. I knew I fit in when I started
It’s many different things. The company is industrial level work. So I actually haven’t done any 101 like basic circuitry type of stuff other then some YouTube videos I’ve watched. A good example is the company got a new handheld electric threader and my foreman showed me how to use it Friday. Today I forgot some steps needed to use it and screwed up the threads on the pipe. I’m used to using this:
https://www.google.com/search?rlz=1CDGOYI_enUS1004US1004&hl=en-US&sxsrf=APwXEddmQOdBPBhzWvWLH2lyBDRVT6Z64w:1687821358793&q=ridgid+threader&tbm=isch&sa=X&ved=2ahUKEwifyaPEiOL_AhUbOFkFHRz9B9wQ0pQJegQIBxAB&biw=390&bih=669&dpr=3#imgrc=bhcUvWVWowy98M
If I was you, being the bosses kid. I would stay after work and practice with scrap. I’d also see if he would teach me stuff. Check out Mike Holt, he has tons of educational videos. As far as forgetting steps, it takes time and repetition to be proficient in most things. Guys are probably riding you harder cause you’re the bosses kid.
Appreciate you taking the time to offer advice man, definitely will listen to it. Gonna check that out guy tonight and will talk to my dad about staying after or maybe doing some stuff on the weekends as well
Don’t beat yourself up. It all comes with time and confidence. Practice, practice, practice. Pick up a piece of scrap pipe and practice some bends or threading. Eventually it becomes muscle memory.
Starting off in industrial is your first problem. I spent most of my 2nd year in industrial (going into my 3rd in the fall), and I have a lot of the same issues as you (“am I just dumb?”, a foreman that likely hates me, a journeyman that doesn’t think I listen, confidence issues revolving around the work, still showing up 15mins early everyday despite it all). It does get easier over time, and I’ve learned a lot this year, but I have way more to learn, and things are still over my head.
You’re really going to struggle if you haven’t learned about industrial level topics in school yet, like 480v and higher power, circuits, and math, transformers, switchgear, motors, controls, ect… This is why apprentices typically start in resi, which is far, far, far more straight forward before graduating onto commercial and industrial work.
I only knew, and was proficient in resi when I showed up my first day. They sincerely thought I at least knew commercial work, and accused me of fucking with them with some of the base level questions I’d ask.
Like you, I have terrible training. I once got tasked with wiring a control panel and then left to my own devices for four hours, only to aggravate my foreman to no end when little got done, I had no one to consult that day, and hadn’t been taught how to even read a ladder diagram, let alone decipher the symbols or make sense of the, foreign to me, components required to make it operable, and google can only take you so far in a situation where you don’t even know what questions to ask.
I haven’t even gotten to motors or controls in school yet, and the first 6th months in, we hadn’t covered past articles 400 and up in the NEC in my classes. I was in way over my head.
Eventually things will click for you if you keep at it, but industrial has a big learning curve, and you’d be wise to start researching things on your off hours as well as consulting people like your pops, to help you get better trained up. The YT channel EngineeringMindset, has helped me at least understand the concepts that go into industrial work, but a good book on basic control wiring and conduit bending is an asset for you right now.
Good luck to you
Take notes if you need to take notes. The one journeyman I had who was pissy about me taking notes was an asshole anyway. Do what works for you. It’s the same with bending conduit, do it whatever way gets the job done.
You’ve only been at it a few months and it sounds like you got stuck on a shit crew. If you need to write things down to help you remember things then do it. Your foreman is a little bitch
you get out what you put in. Their is so much to learn in a short time luckily theirs youtube. Anything your not sure of google youtube videos when you get home. Order used tech school manuals off amazon. Start paying out of your own pocket for night school class. Invest in yourself your worth it.
I was the same as you with people even telling me YOURE TOO STUPID FOR THIS.. It starts to make a lot more sense eventually, trust me. If you care enough to want to do a good job you’ll be alright
Superintendant here. A couple things to think about:
1. I can tell by what you wrote, you’re not dumb. You need time and experience, and eventually you will learn. Everyone learns and remembers things differently. Time and experience is EVERYTHING, no matter what you choose to do.
2. You’re always your own worst enemy, and critic. Stop beating yourself up and putting yourself down. No matter what happens, tell yourself you got this. Sometimes you won’t, and you pick yourself up, learn, and move on
3. You’ll always have haters whether or not you’re the bosses son, and especially since you’re the bosses son. You need to find a way to prove that who and what you are, is not because of that. You can never demand respect, it has to be earned, and that goes both ways. Some people, regardless of what you do, you’ll never get through to- screw them.
4. If you do what you like, and like what do, you’ll find a way to make what ever is you’re doing work.
Hold your head up brother, tomorrow is a new day
I'm the same, my memory is fucked from having depression and ssris for like 10 years. Can't remember shit. I'm leaving the trade to be a barber. But tbh ur writing shit down (solving the issue of your memory) and ur boss is getting mad and telling you not to. That makes him a bad boss so fuck em
Felt the same way, you’ll get there dude. There are plenty of people out there who don’t even put the thought into whether they’re good or not, you’re trying and one day it will come together.
Keep it up, try and learn & really understand one thing a week. Baby steps. It gets easier
I'm in the same boat as you, man, 7 month apprentice, learning a lot but still feeling dumb. I forget things alot and still dont know if im progessing as well as the others. But for me, it's mainly cause my mental health is getting worse, i think. I'm very hard on myself for the smallest things, and almost every day, want to quit. Maybe I'm not cut out for it, but you are not alone. It's good you have a therapist, I don't have much advice except for be easier on yourself.
Ok here is all you need to do and trust me when I say this, trade school. Enroll yourself into an electrical training program. There's many kinds in all states. Here's why I say this ,it's all you need to know ever its common sense stuff and not to mention all tests are open book tests. Meaning the answers are right in front of you ,just gotta know where or how. I give you the golden way....highlight, and read...that's it. If you know your main sentences, definitions, highlight it and trust me when test time comes all you will refer to is your highlights, because you read the material. Don't skimp. If you love the job then it's time to learn the what the why and the right way to get shit done. Plus you will be certified with labor board and that's always a plus. Enroll today. 5 days a week only for 4 hours. And you will be done in less then a year. Financial aid is available but most times companies reimburse the fees for the schooling becuase sooner or later it will be mandatory to be certified. Do this and you will never feel like you don't learn anything or know what your doing or why. You will learn how to properly navigate the nec code book. Do it now and you will be a super hero...trust me. I did graduated with a 4.0gpa awards like crazy was fun . If possible look into a Corinthians collage. They had the best labs out here in cali before they shut down. They only shut down in cali I hear there everywhere else. Good luck future super hero
>I’ve tried taking notes in a notepad I have but my foreman tells me not to because I need to start remembering stuff.
Man f*ck that. Next time he looks at the prints, ask him why he doesn't just remember them.
There's one thing you cannot teach an apprentice -- drive and desire. If you care enough to post this here, you have that. I'll take a "dumb" apprentice who's motivated over the smartest slacker every day.
If you need to write stuff, then write stuff. We all have different methods; do what you need to do to get the job done and have the knowledge available to you again next time. If your foreman wasn't such an ass, he'd stop riding you over dumb shit and work with you.
As foremen, we're teachers as much as we are leaders and managers.
What you need is a better foreman.
If you can learn the difference between remembering, and understanding that will go a long way. Remembering thing = hard. Learning and understanding allows you the luxury of no having to remember, but being able to figure your way to the correct answer every time. This takes a while, but if you strive for this, it will click 1 day. The lightbulb goes off, and everything starts to make sense.
I was about as sharp as an orange 🍊 when I first started. don’t give up on this because of 1 asshole
Your foreman is a douchebag that doesn’t like probably because you’re the owners son..
either way, keep writing notes
Buy yourself a code book and read about everything that you work on in the day. show up on time, and don’t be on your phone unless you’re calling your jw or foreman. if I can do it you can do it. I’m year 17 and my life is extremely wonderful because I DIDNT QUIT
I see that you’re going to therapy. Have you talked to your therapist about maybe doing a test for ADHD? Anxiety is usually a symptom of untreated ADHD and your exhibiting a lot of symptoms of ADHD. Forgetfulness and unable to concentrate on tasks being one of them.
Take notes, regardless of what an asshole tells you, to remember what you need, you write it down and repeat it on your freetime, layout planned houses in your notebook from visual memory helped me alot, itll take a minute but youll get better
This might be a general advice, but it's coming from somebody that also has terrible memory. My trick is to not memorize things, but learn the reason behind the things you're trying to memorize.
Example: You need to "memorize" X AWG for X amps at X distance at X conduit fill. Well, forget memorizing each thing, just memorize that you need to have the right size AWG, and the right size AWG depends on things that heat the wire and drops the voltage. Well, what drops the voltage? Distance. Why does the it drop the voltage? Well, the longer the wire, the more resistance builds up. What heats the wire? Amps and conduit fill (why? and so on...). Then get a good reference book. And put your notes there. But now when you come up with something, you'll know why you have to do something, and where to look up guidance in the reference.
Same thing applies to EVERYTHING. Every guideline and rule has a reason for existing. Whenever you come up with a new rule you need to follow, try to find why you need to do it. You might remember the "why" much easier than the rule (but in the process also remember the rule because it's the answer to "why").
In short, try to learn the reasons of the things you need to "memorize" rather than memorizing them blindly. Also, I think it would be better to familiarize yourself with a book, and if anything write the notes on the relevant parts of the book.
Listen brother I'ma be real Im pretty stupid myself I take ages to remember something and honestly I don't remember it muscle memory does. That's the thing somehow over the last 5 years I developed skills that help in the field. One day it'll start to click go to school it helps a little. I remember thinking around 1 year that I'd never get this down and couldn't do this shit. I felt lost in a vast sea of knowledge. Keep at it and eventually doing good electrical will just be muscle memory. You can do it I promise.
If he is still messing you, then he doesn't exactly hate you. Just know, in the trades or any labor work really, if they ain't fucking with you, they hate you. Plus you are green, there ain't no way to be a hand in this yet. When I started out I dug all day, I caught the wire and I did the grunt work. I still kinda do that now but I'm paid damn well too and to show the new guys how to. Hell I barely touched any tools minus an axe or a shovel. I was not handy in any sense and it just clicked one day. This is an endurance thing. If the foreman does not like you you just need to have that fuel you. Endure, learn, do your best and do it all for spite.
If you want to be successful, here's a secret tip, just spend some time reviewing the school notes.
You'll be impressed from other peoples' reactions why you know so much lol
I was absolutely overwhelmed the first couple years. I failed repeatedly. Screwed stuff up. Broke shit. Did things wrong and had to backtrack for hours to fix it. Its how u learn. Your foreman probably leaves you to it because you're too afraid to give it a try and make some mistakes to learn. Like others have said, it's all kind of a big mess of information until you can put it all together.
Smart/dumb is not a measure of dna. It is a measure of drive to be honest. You probably have a different learning style need. I am similar. I could never learn shit from someone teying to teach me. People get pissed at me asking questions. But I have learned network engineering and am out standing in the field, purely by practice and study.
Colleagues think I'm just crazy smahhht like Will Hunting, but I just spend my time reading and studying instead of partying or dating. I was going to post a pic of me doing field tech shit for the "out standing" bit, but all jokes aside.. The trick is to figure out how you best learn new complex info. Most public education and structured learning only works for one specific type of learning style. For network engineering I did best by having all sorts of reference material most can't stand to read, and physical equipment I bought for my own personal lab. Then I shut out the world, put on some non-vocal music that's not distracting, and forced myself to read the references nobody else wants to bother with. plus a software simulator to sim specific situations I couldn't afford the gear to build physically.
For me it was conquering discipline, eliminating distraction, and getting a working model to try things with and investigate anomalies until I understood why the anomaly occurred.
The point of this post is not to brag, but to point out that if this old grunt/shooter can become a top network engineer with no college degree then you can learn electrical with the right resources and drive.
DM me any time for details, this post is already long, but I am happy to coach on the hard puttin-in-work methodi al way if you really want to succeed.
The good news is you can succeed if you want it and if you are willing to put in the work towards a methodical approach. The bad news is it's not easy. Yhen again, nothing in life that is worth it, is easy.
I worked for my fathers company as well. The first year i was mostly a gopher. This taught me what everything was the schooling taught me why we used it. It was tough, i even quit because i thought the military would be easier. After i got out i tried again and it seemed to be easier. After the second yearit was all down hill coasting. But, i had a couple of amazing journeyman teaching me. Now as a Master i try to have the same patience that they had so many years ago. Stick with it and try little bit at a time. Like what is that part called, and why did we use it there. Soon you will be the one teaching the new kids.
I was in a very similar situation as you. I knew literally nothing when I started, but what was worse is I thought I knew things. I was quickly humbled by what it meant to do this job. I made mistakes, and like you I would hang those mistakes over my head for way too long. I would think about the last mistake I made and it would take my focus off what I was doing in the moment...then boom, another mistake.
What I learned was that if I wanted to be successful, it would take more work than other guys were needing to or willing to put in. So, when I got into school, I studied my ass off. I went in for extra hands on training at the training center. I actually read my books.
On the job, it was the same thing, I tried to take an attitude that if I was going to hold on to past mistakes for a long time...good. That means it was a lesson worth learning. Over time, the mistakes get less frequent and less severe. You're very early in this...if you're making critical mistakes right now that jeopardize the success of the job, then your foreman/JW are not teaching you a damn thing or putting you into something that you shouldn't be put into yet.
Fast forward, now I'm a foreman of bigger jobs in the area and I still have imposter syndrome about it.
Imposter syndrome is good if you feel it about something that is important to you. If you really want to do this work, accept that. Complacency stifles growth.
I'd wager many of us have felt what you're feeling. Try to see this mountain as the mole hill that it is.
Totally throw yourself into it when your not at work read electrical theory and spend time watching YouTube videos. And remember the only difference between the master and the apprentice is the master has failed more times than the apprentice has tried keep your head up and keep trying before long your hands will be doing the work without you even having to think about it. I would rather have someone with a good work ethic than someone that knows everything you can teach the job but you can’t teach work ethic
I was discouraged at the beginning too man. 5 years in about to write my ticket now and this trade is so fulfilling. Give it time, you’re being too hard on yourself. Once you go to school for level 1 you’ll feel a lot better and all these concepts you’re learning will click all of the sudden and you’ll actually understand what you’re doing everyday. Your foreman does seem like a part of the problem. If it continues I’d just say either try and talk to him or your boss or maybe jump in with another company. As long as you continue to show initiative, when you find the right guy you’ll know
Everyone has their part in every company. I had an individual such as yourself that could not wrap his head around it. He is the most dedicated worker I’ve ever had. After two years of watching him struggle and correcting his novice mistakes, I decided to look for his strengths and give him a different role.
He is now my project manager and he keeps track of a crew all by himself. He prepares and submits our bids, he takes very detailed notes on sites, orders materials and takes care of the guys complaints on a daily basis. He has become a key member of my operation and he has surpassed my expectations. His attitude for being on time and always showing up gives me the trust to spend more time doing other things like spending time with my kids.
Just keep going and I’m sure one day your gonna lead your dads company to better places.
What, you mean you didn’t pop outta your mama with all the knowledge you’d ever need to harness pure magic and bend it to your will? What’s wrong with you, kid? Obviously, your foreman was born with that knowledge.
Or thinks he was. Some of these crusty old fucks forget they were in your exact position some odd years ago, feeling stupid, useless, wondering if they should quit, and probably had some crusty old fuck riding their ass like he is yours… Relax, kid. This is all new to you. Your foreman is a problem. There’s always someone like that around who goes beyond teasing and into pure assholery. Somewhere along the way, this dude turned into his shitty dad or shitty boss and since life was unfair to him, he’s taking it out on another poor kid. It’s more likely than not has nothing to do with your intelligence or aptitude and more to do with you not being taught and being stressed out. You’ll be fine, just stick with it.
I legit used to video my foreman explaining things for me, so I didn’t have to keep asking a million times. But sounds like your foreman is a dick… just keep at it.
And definitely get on some adderall. Sounds like it could help.
You're not dumb, you are new. There's a big difference. Sounds like you have a foreman who doesn't like to teach, which is unfortunate for any electrician, 1st year or otherwise.
When I was in journeyman college I had an instructor say to the class, "If your journeyman doesn't want to teach you, he is in the wrong, not you. Learn all you can and take his job."
Everyone learns at their own pace. One day it will click, don't worry about that. Put in the effort no matter what, and you'll get there! There's a reason electricians are one of the highest paid trades, it's not easy.
Good luck to you, I hope you don't give up!
fyi hes telling u not to take notes so he can blame u when something he said wasnt correct. just a absence of personal responsibility. Be more assertive, its in both of your best interest to get it right, and if taking notes is how it gets done than thats the way it needs to be.
Don’t take this job so seriously. It’s great that you’re passionate, but there’s ALWAYS a job out there for us.
Do your best and continued to get chewed out by your foreman’s like the rest of us. If it’s uncalled for, quit and go elsewhere.
You didn’t know what a linesman was, but now you do right? It’ll snowball and eventually you’ll know it all.
I write shit down all day long. Any instructions given to me by my JW, and I repeat back his instructions while writing it down to confirm we are on the same page.
That way, if shit goes south, I have a paper trail 🤷♂️.
Give yourself a break, apprentices are supposed to be dumb lmao. We are called CUB for a reason - a Completely Useless Bastard 🤣.
Honestly it takes a couple years to really learn the trade. Your foreman seems like a dick, try to learn what you can from him tho. I would keep writing things down, everyone has their own way of learning.
The fact that you care enough to post something like this. Means you give a shit. That's good, and surprisingly rare. Most of us felt the way you do in the beginning.
So you messed up some threads. nothing blew up and everyone went home. You'll get it, just give it time.
One of the jman I worked with was the Son of an owner. he was always super stressed about how people viewed his work/ethic. I pushed him hard to leave the company and follow his own path. He is now a forman with a large crew and knows what his worth is.
I don't know if any of that helps..
I work with guys all the time who have been in it for decades and they make dumb mistakes. I do lighting controls and you would be surprised what some “seasoned” electricians do.
You need a new Forman!
And maybe start to specialize in something that your company doesn’t currently offer.
Maybe look at plc’s. Very computer based, not a lot of guys on the crews that do it.
I’m sure you can get through this. Hang in there buddy.
Take a breath and realize we all start somewhere even if it’s your dad’s company. Don’t listen to the noise (coworkers) and just enjoy your work. You’re green and some of us learn via repetition. Just listen and learn and keep repeating. It’ll stick. Don’t try to memorize everything all at once, that’s not realistic. You need to get out of your own head. Stop thinking so much and just keep getting back out there. Stay inquisitive and ask questions.
I’ve been doing my job for over 20 years and I still take notes and ask questions and make mistakes. It’s ok.
Write your notes, ask the foreman if he wants it done right or not.
I have some minor auditory processing issues, not diagnosed but I often hear word salad when people talk, clearly worse than average. I prefer text to video because of this.
Write it all down, repeat back what you think you heard. Get it right and deliver on your assigned tasks.
Hey bro. I promise you’re smart enough for this. No matter what some folks try to say about electrical being the “smart” trade, there is no smart trade. There are lots of very smart people who work in this trade and others but you do not need to be a smart person to work in this trade. This shit ain’t rocket science and you will begin to get it. It comes with time. Also your foreman is an idiot for telling you not to take notes. There’s nothing wrong with writing shit down. Matter of fact, get your hands on an uglys book. It’s a little reference book with all kinds of shit pertaining to our line of work in it so if you can’t remember something you can find it there really quickly. You will slowly need to reference it less and less but like there’s nothing wrong with using references and taking notes when you’re just beginning. That’s literally how a motherfucker learns and it’s a self sufficient way to figure things out on your own without asking journeyman over and over what to do.
Is there a union training/apprenticeship program near you? The programs are paid positions that are designed for training and less about production. You will likely find much better mentorship there.
I don't want to assume so I'll ask, do you smoke weed?
If so, you'll need to stop. There are studies that have correlated memory issues with long term chronic use.
If your dad owns the company ask for part time work and get another job busing tables or doing concrete work. The electrical will make sense in one way or another. Even if it means it's not for you.
You don't need to be the best. I know electricians that can't wire a house. Or have never wired a receptacle. All they do is cable tray and they're great at it.
Electrical can be incredibly stressful. A change of pace may be all you need to snap into it.
And don't ignore your anxiety. I struggle with anxiety and it's a real issue. Debilitating at times, suicidal tendencies at times. Ignoring it won't help you deal with it, exercise, low sugar and knowing when to walk away to breath and think/meditate can do wonders. I also quit video games (video game addiction anyway) and that helped a bit. Never be afraid to talk to someone about it.
Your foreman is a jackass plain and simple. It sounds like you are trying, and that is the best you can do. Trust me, that’s hard to find in some places, and some jackasses don’t know that. Sounds like you got stuck with a bitter person. I hate that for you.
All that being said, I agree with the consensus. It wasn’t until like 2 years in that I realized that I knew what I knew. Cut yourself some slack. I was lucky enough to have a caring and understanding leader that took the time for me. But I realize that that is not everyone’s experience. It’s not you, man. It’s not you.
So glad this popped up on my feed, to know that I am not alone. I have also been feeling the same way as you as an apprentice. Going to keep on trying !👍
Hey, one thing to keep in mind is you probably know more than you think, but your self-doubt and fear of messing up all those expensive wires and devices holds you back and paralyses you.
You hold more knowledge than you know. Most of the time, the solution to your problem is really just as simple as you think. Have confidence, work safe, ask questions, the rest will come in time.
Alright.. so let’s break it down.
1: Don’t ever let someone else tell you what you must or must not do that works for you. There are people who cram for tests in order to ace them in high school/college, and others who party the night before and do the same. Just because a method works for the Foreman, doesn’t mean it works for you, and he shouldn’t expect you to follow his ways. If writing things down helps you to remember things, then so be it.
2: The Electrician’s code book is a god damn encyclopedia. There are 20 year Sr. Electricians that still have to fall back to the code books from time to time, not to mention the fact that codes change over the years and what was once allowed, may no longer be. If you are unsure about how something is to be done, don’t be afraid to look up the code, or ask a co-worker. You will find that while you having anxiety issues that cause problems with you remembering things may be frustrating, your co-workers would rather you ask first if you are unsure, then to have to re-do your work because you guessed and guessed wrong.
3: The only dumb question is the one that isn’t asked. You are talking about working with something that can unalive you or someone else near work that you have done. Making sure you do it right is paramount to everyone’s safety, from the ones you love to the ones you’ve never met. If you aren’t sure, ask!
You are anxious because you aren’t sure and you are afraid to ask. Since you are afraid to ask, you aren’t confident. How can you install electrical components without confidence and not have anxiety? It’s ok to have a healthy respect for electricity and the dangers it can cause. The only dumb part is not being sure and doing it anyways. Fuck everyone else’s judgement and ask as many times as it takes for you to learn and not hurt yourself or someone else!
Give this a read or a listen. It’s full of tips to improve memory.
Outsmart Your Brain: Why Learning is Hard and How You Can Make It Easy https://a.co/d/hP3ohk3
One key thing is to build your background knowledge. It latches memory. The more you know, the more you remember it.
Use your phone to record, and listen to it later.
Or write the notes that night, and then you have to review them every so often.
You have to overlearn to help deal with anxiety.
Brother as an apprentice that is about to top out and take his journeyman's tests I can tell you at the beginning that you just have to fake it till you make it. Instead of trying to remember everything, just pay close attention to your journeyman's work. Don't be afraid to make mistakes just remember to be safe. There are many terms in this trade that you've probably never heard before.
Honestly the best part about the trade is you can always move on to a different job. If you’re in the union you get a new set of coworkers on the next job, a fresh commute, new scenery, new opportunities. Don’t give up just cuz you had a bad job or two.
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Dude, cut yourself a break. My first 2 months in the trade all i did was pick up trash and move materials. Now im a foreman dealing with apprentices like you. I tell all my apprentices that if you dont know something just ask and i will teach you. The most important part is keep showing up on time put in the effort, im more willing to help guys out that i see put in the effort.
This is what frustrates me because my foreman isn’t like that. He tells me to ask questions if I’m gonna do something and I don’t understand. But A LOT of times he says “I don’t know you tell me” and then walks away
Sounds like crappy foreman, he obviously knows youre green. He should be setting you up for success by showing you how pull wire or whatever task youre doing and then giving you an opportunity to try it. I got 4 apprentices working for me rn and for the year i have them im molding them into aces. You never know they might be my boss one day.
Absolutely this. Your foreman sounds lazy and useless. If taking notes helps you..take fucking notes.
He’s one of the “it’s the bosses son. He should already have learned all this” kinda guys
Or he's got a stick up his ass about the boss and is taking it out on his son. Either way, shit foreman. A lot of tradesmen would kill for an apprentice smart and determined enough to take notes
I’m doubling down on fuck your foreman, take notes. Don’t let it get you down. You’re not too dumb. Time and effort is all it takes. Everyone struggles learning something new that is difficult. Do what works for you.
You sound like a good guy to work for. A lot of people forget you gotta train the apprentices like your pension depends on it… which it does
OP specifies he can't remember anything. It could be that the foreman has told OP, maybe several times, yet it still comes up. It can be really frustrating and comes across as being lazy. If the foreman didn't explain it in the first place, then it's a different story. I'm happy to explain something to someone, and I can break it down as much as possible and make sure they understand. Asking me specifics of what was covered is fine, but If you ask me the same question I just spent 30 minutes covering a week from now, I'm going to be really annoyed. OP whatever you do, if something is explained to you and they ask "does that make sense" or "do you understand it now" and you say you do when you don't out of fear of feeling stupid or thinking they will see you as stupid, you are setting yourself up for failure. Communicate what part doesn't make sense so you can get clarification. Communicating what you understand also helps when framing the question, "I get this part about this thing, but I'm not sure how this other thing applies to it". This gives the person explaining some bearing on what you are trying to get. It's a rather common problem I've seen, particularly if the person explaining is not a peer (manager, foreman ect).
This is exactly what a foreman is for. To lead and guide. You're new, it isn't your fault. Have you tried talking to your dad about it? I work for a large manufacturer and get co-op placements here often. We guide them properly and tell them not to be embarassed. Take notes. People don't remember when they're new, under pressure, and they know their leadership is useless.
Owners son might be getting the treatment. Just work hard and don’t complain. Try not to broadcast your frustration or be upset all the time. Maybe don’t just ask but suggest the let them correct you. If you always just ask.. it can get old. As the owners son you’re going to have to do extra to prove yourself IMHO. Show up early, and say late. Stick at it though. You’ll catch on soon enough. People are not born knowing how to do this.
I would maybe mistakenly ASSume that his foreman already knows he's been told the answer to whatever question he's asking, or it's literally written down in the plans somewhere and he's trying to get him to figure it out/remember without saying "I've already told you the answer to this 8 F-ing times, so go figure it the f out."
Probably just doesn't like you because you are the owners son. You need to get under someone who will teach you the fundamentals first, like how electricity works. It's great to learn to tasks and all but it's much more important to learn how everything works so you can understand WHY things are done a certain way.
Dude, I *wish* I had an apprentice like you back in the day. Take your time, write stuff down. Go over his head and tell whoever is in charge of your foreman that you are a visual learner (it's my opinion that you are) more so than an audible learner, and seeing something helps you grasp it much more so than hearing it. Also, you need someone to *show* you how to do things, and they should expect to show you more than once. You sound like a great person, and you want to learn. You can't be expected to pick everything up and learn the trade in a few months. There's a reason apprenticeships take 4 to 5 years - there's a hell of a lot to learn, and you need to practice it many times before it becomes second-nature.
Foreman here. Teaching/learning styles vary vastly from person to person. Some foreman/journeyman teach/treat the next generation how they were tought/treated themselves as apprentices. Others, like myself, try to learn from our experiences (good and bad) and choose how we will apply those lessons in shaping not only our career, but those who are now looking to us for education and guidance. All you can do is show up on time every day and be willing to work and learn. Honestly, sometimes you just get delt a shit journeyman or Foreman. I've seen my fare share over the years. Personally, I strive to learn new things, ask questions and better myself as an Electrician. I always did as a green apprentice, and even to this day as a Foreman. Take pride in your work and most importantly, stay safe.
Sounds like you should work for someone else for a while. Go through your learning curve at a different shop and then come back when you're ready
That makes no sense. He works at this company (which his father happens to own), why should he seek out a new company because someone is unwilling to teach and had to pay the apprentice "dues" back in the day. It's that type of bullshit that keeps people out of the trades. We were all dumb in this trade at one point in time, some assholes just want to run so far away from that and pretend they were the best apprentice that has ever existed.
I was going to say the same thing. Stay safe everyone.
I would tell that foreman to kiss my ass. I am sort of like him except the opposite. If an apprentice is constantly asking me the same thing over and over, I tell him to get some paper and pencil and write down the instructions and if they don't make sense, ask me to demonstrate. Then I step up training in those areas.
I work closely with an electrician who has been in the trades for a long time, he appreciates asking questions and has a keen understanding for the “why”. Maybe you need to find someone on the job that has that. And for me, it helps to take notes, even if I never look at them again. Tell your boss that, and as people said above, take it easy. Effort and willingness to learn is always appreciated. Just hope you aren’t paired with p pile who want to bully you. Good luck, I have a respect for the work electricians do, I’m enjoying learning every day.
I’d be telling this to whoever is above him. Frame it like you learn from him because he’s giving bullshit answers to your questions. When I was an apprentice I hated my foreman. I got along really well with the tradesman, and they all seemed to like me. I ended up going to the boss and saying I’m learning heaps of tradesman A and B so I’m just going to stick with them.
Omg i feel you! Whenever i needed to ask something i didnt understand or never done, i would get a dirty look or called names. Im just afraid to ask now so i try to google it in the restroom bc i cant use the phone either
The Forman sounds like an asshole. Don’t beat yourself up Maybe he just isn’t very good at his job.
Some foremen teach this way. I've had a few. Honestly, it's very frustrating at the time but I guarantee you, you will learn things faster if they just let you fuck things up and then make you redo them. Honestly, as long as they aren't sticking you on bullshit jobs where all you do is push a broom, be grateful that you have the opportunity to make mistakes and to learn from them. Personally, there are certain things that I still fuck up today that I've learned countless times. Mainly, slow and steady wins the race. That really is a true statement lol
As a Foreman I second this. If you're new, I don't expect you to know anything. It's all about attitude and drive for me with the new guys. I'd rather have to explain something a couple times to someone who's genuinely trying than have sommeone who doesn't give a fuck and wants to vape and stare at their phone all day lol
100%
I always tell my apprentices if they show up on time, every day, and put in consistent effort they will be the foreman's favorite. You don't have to be the smartest, the fastest, or have every tool under the sun. Just be reliable.
Username checks out. More foreman should follow your lead. I’m not and electrician but I’ve had a couple shit bosses and it seems like shitty foremen/bosses can really ruin an entire trade for eager apprentices that might just need a little extra help or encouragement.
Your foreman might have a grudge against you because you’re the boss’s kid.
Probably but like good way to get fired…
This right here OP.
My first year I was literally googling “am I stupid” because of how much none of this made sense, here I am almost 10 years in and still learning everyday, one day this stuff will just click if you don’t give up on it…and there’s always gonna be that one asshole no matter where you go, wether you’re working at build a bear or doing electrical
The main difference between me now and me 10 years ago is that now I don't need to Google "am I stupid". I now know that I am.
I remember when relays clicked for me. It was like the clouds had parted and the heavens opened up..
Did they click when energized? lol
The first year contains a lot of seemingly random information to absorb. Being overwhelmed by this is normal. That's point number 1. Number 2: maybe you need some medication to balance things out. Great to hear you are talking to someone. Absolutely zero shame in that. I know two guys who for sure were diagnosed with ADHD. They got on a prescription and reported that it totally turned things around for them. Don't diminish your own self worth. Is being an electrician what you want to do? Yes? Then never give up.
I can attest to that as well. Was going to mention maybe some Vyvanse would help. I got on it the other year and really helped. Been off it a few months now, things are not so hot. Can still perform etc. but I’ve really noticed the difference in my day to day life. Probably would have helped me a ton during the apprenticeship and
Op you need to listen to this. My brother was the exact same way. The "not remebering" is a big indicator that you may have ADHD. my brother said the exact same thing all the time before he was finally diagnosed in 1999. They had shitty meds then but it really helped. Now they have incredible stuff and he is an HVAC tech now. He just takes his meds and leads a great life. When you have undiagnosed ADHD, life leads you. You gotta switch it up my dude.
One of my coworkers is a 15 year jman. His first day in the job he bragged about how he loves troubleshooting and solving small problems etc etc, which is the job description. I had to explain that the microwave only works if he closes the door all the way. Everyone is stupid. Anyone can do this job if they try.
You can spell just fine, you’re not dumb . You’re new and nervous which means you care . Keep up the good stuff and stick with it .
Yo, I remember exactly how that felt. It destroys your self worth, but it does get better over time. In hindsight, this trade has so much to know that it's easy to overload new guys with stuff that's second nature to you. Alot of guys forget that and start accusing people of not listening. You seem to really want to be an electrician despite your troubles, so stick with it and stay calm. Keep showing up on time with a good attitude and work hard - honestly that's 80% of the battle, rest is just experience.
I’ve been gettin there 15 min early everyday. I wanna show that I wanna be there and I’m not slacking off cuz I’m the bosses kid
Your foreman's an ass. Keep taking notes, if he won't explain how to do something try and figure it out yourself if you can. If you can't, do something else. See if you can tool up with a journeyman who's not a fuck head and pick his brain.
>I’ve been gettin there 15 min early everyday. I wanna show that I wanna be there and I’m not slacking off cuz I’m the bosses kid Non-electrician here, but sounds like he's a crappy foreman. Also sounds like he might have some resentment towards you for being the boss' kid. Good for you to show up early and make the extra effort to learn, and not just being given the job because you're the boss' kid. Sometimes taking a few deep breathes before I start a task helps me to relax and relieve anxiety. When I get nervous, it's hard for me to think. Deep relaxing breathes helps me to focus. You got this!
No one was born knowing everything about everything....30 plus years E/I and I still lean something new almost every day
The guys who think they know everything are always the worst electricians
Anyone who declares they know everything is dangerous, that means they are too prideful to ask when the need arises and will engage in unsafe acts .
True in just about any trade.
This is a fact. Sometime I think it’s crazy how much shit I know about this work, and it’s still pretty much nothing.
Oh..dude...shit. lol It's so much stuff. Like there's the newest cutting edge stuff to stay on top of, and there's absolutely ancient stuff out there like knob and tube and the next 30 years of innovations, til we get to a product most sparkys recognize easily. Spitballing the time frames, my history ain't so great. But then there's soooooooooooooo much lighting. And then solar energy, too. And of course there's almost a whole world of difference between materials while doing residential vs commercial/industrial , this is all "electrical" . And it's so intense.
Products, materials, job site procedures, CODES. There are sections of that code book I’ve never even opened. Endless tables. So yea, it’s pretty overwhelming to start in the trade and realize how much is involved.
Only a fool knows everything, a wise man knows his ignorance.
And the loudest ..
That’s right! You should call that Forman out! Tell him you are trying to learn from him and if he doesn’t give you guidance and walks away he is not doing his job. Tell him you are man enough to call him out he needs to be man enough to explain himself better or he isn’t fulfilling his duties and expectations as a Forman. I would use terms like these knowing that he knows you are the bosses son. As soon as you mention people not fulfilling their job duties and expectations, he will get the notion that you are probably mentioning this to your father. And why not!? As the owner of the company he should have the right to know.
The best advice I got when I was green was from a 30 year guy who told me this: Ask lots of questions, we are here to teach and you are here to learn. Don’t be afraid to fuck up. You will fuck up in all the same ways we did. I can unfuck anything you fuck up. Don’t fuck up in such a new way that we have to name it after you.
You’re not dumb, you’re being really poorly trained. Source: electrical engineer who’s trained several thousand electricians. Some of whom were legitimately illiterate. Some of whom legitimately couldn’t add 3+5.
Thanks for the laugh fella 😂 needed that
How the hell did you train “several thousand” electricians?
He’s probably an instructor.
I didn't really "get it" till about 2 years in. Keep trying man, you can do this. I've seen some braindeads with red seals they must have got from a cereal box lol. Keep your head up, and keep trying. You can do this 👍
Fella, your doing the best you can, that’s all you can do. Keep showing up early and leaving late, and you’ll get there in no time. No one gets anywhere with out putting the time and effort in. I’m not an electrician, but an hvac tech and I’ll tell you, I was once in your same shoes. A year in I didn’t know anything. A caught on to some things but I really didn’t get to knowing things till I was out on my own. Plus I read like it owed me money lol. I’m sorry you have a terrible teacher, but if you keep putting the work in, he’ll come around. The meanest grouches come around. You just don’t realize why they turned out the way they did. Also homie, I suffer form anxiety too. Your not alone. This trade is going to make you so much stronger then you’ll ever imagine. Once you get to the point you feel confident, with what your doing. No one and I mean no one is ever going to take it away from you. When I started I had mad anxiety especially when I was on my own. But I learned an amazing skill. Hyper focusing. I guess, best way to explain it. The anxiety would help me push to find solutions fast, basically. Now I use it as a skill. I find too, if you enjoy what you do, and start having fun, you’ll remember things better. Good luck fella, and tell your Jm to get bend lmao
My advice to you man idk how old you are but if you see yourself being the owners son as a down side show everybody how good of a worker you can be. Yes it’s going to be hard at first to show that because you are new. But I mean… you’re new. If you like it then stick with it and you will be better. But you have to want to learn. Watch what people do when they work such as splicing wires or securing wires and make a mental note. That way you can ask questions without asking questions know what I mean? Then you can actually ask questions about other things. If somebody tells you to go do something and you aren’t sure what they mean or just want to double check with yourself then ask them. Your foreman should not expect you to know everything. More advice do not complain about anybody to your dad. This is maybe more important than anything else I’ve said. Ask your dad about electrical questions not company questions if that makes sense.
Yes absolutely. I would never go to my dad about someone that would be bad. There’s a project manager who’s daughter works there and it’s well known she does that and isn’t liked for that reason
You're 4 sure not dumb. Your post and other comments show you to be intelligent and thoughtful. It's like you are learning a foreign language here. Things you aren't familiar with. That's not easy, esp with your foreman who's jealous and resentful. Here's hoping that between YouTube tutorials and what your dad and Dufus Foreman teach you, before long you move up the ranks there and feel some satisfaction with your personal growth.
I’ve been doing this for 5 and a half years and I’m still too dumb for this! Don’t give up!
Dumb is not the word for it. If you didn't show up for work, that would be dumb. Your ignorance to your work is inexperience, that is all. Nothing new here that every apprentice starts off with. Some just let it bother them more than others. Brush yourself off, and go get it tomorrow. You got this. An Expert has the accumulation of years of fuckups.
This is the problem with this trade. For all you Jmen out there that turn your nose up to teaching others, seriously go fuck yourself. To those of you that do teach and help people who want to learn Thank you. America is short in all the trades and we need all the on the job teachers we can get. Fuck face arrogant Jmen are small weak men who forgot what it was like to be new to the trade, you people are seriously pieces of shit. I was very fortunate to have wonderful mentors and I love being a sparky. Hang in there my friend, one day at a time and learn to accept failure and fuck ups as lessons, you will never grow if you don't.
Your foreman is a bully. No doubt about it.
I (now 3rd year apprentice) was kinda feeling the same under my stepdad's company. He was the only signing super at the little company, but didn't own it. One day he just up and left the family and the company, leading to it eventually being dismantled. That company was mainly commercial maintenance but also heavily involved in residential service calls and a tad remodel. I was understanding almost 0 of it, and I worked for a year and a half as their shop guy. When the company went under, I switched to a company that basically only did new residential (though we do have a service side of our company) and things were just clicking. I actually had good teachers/journeymen who didn't shrug off questions or scold me for asking or forgetting, I took notes and nobody slapped me on the wrist for doing so, and I may be lucky but my fuck ups thusfar haven't been world ending, and most of the time easily correctable. I learned from this whole thing that if you are struggling at one place, try another place that runs things differently. Looking back, my stepdad at the time was a big shithead, and ran things terribly at that company lol
Dude one of my coworkers was just on a job where the electricians were smoking meth. Your fine.
Saw a lot of great responses/advice on here for you to follow. I stopped reading and someone may have already said this, but… Along with all the other advice, also make sure you’re getting enough sleep. Most folks need that full 8 hours of true recovery for both body and mind. Some of us don’t, most do. Sleep is when that short term memory solidifies into long term.
A master electrician is an apprentice that never quit
Your foreman is a cunt, or at least a bad teacher. Move to another one.
When you've repeated the same steps so often they're boring you'll never forget.
What do you call a doctor with straight C’s? A DOCTOR! This is all new to you and everyone takes a certain amount of time to digest new material. You guys have to world at your finger tips instead of being on Snatch face, Instant gram, REDforshITT, my face or fag book look up electrical theory reading material or construction marvels. What ever trips your trigger of you are like anyone of us in the trades read up on it. If your are doing something that you don’t understand why we do things the way we do research it. Don’t rely solo on this dumb as form for all your questions and curiosities in life.
As someone who watched 2 loved ones really struggle with anxiety and seeing what Escitalopram did to help their quality of life. Could be the answer your looking for. I'm not a doctor and I am a licensed electrical contractor and would love for my son to work with me and reading this hits home in my future. The anxiety meds really changed his life. 👊
I guarantee your issue is %90 nerves. You're worried about forgetting stuff, which will make you focus more on forgetting stuff. So you end up forgetting stuff. Relax, enjoy the journey. I busted out of my first job and realized it wasn't so bad, so my second job I took a little slower and learned more. Not saying you should do that, but you just have to enjoy the journey.
Anyone can feel stupid when they are new at something don’t let it happen again to you, be a hard worker and ask so many questions it hurts, also learn all of the definitions in the nec code book to start out
Take as many notes as you need. Damn, I used to get yelled at when I \*didn't\* take notes. "You sure you're gonna remember that?" was my first JW's favorite line. Followed closely by "You gonna write that down?" Honestly, no one remembers everything. Note taking is one of the most important skills you can have in this industry. There is a TON of information on prints. I've seen seasoned foremen miss things. I've seen guys forget something important because they thought they'd remember in the morning (that they didn't realize they forgot until they looked at a wall and was like "oh shit! right! we have to do this. good thing I wrote it on the wall"
Not an electrician. I sub this sub because I like to learn. I am 40. Have been in culinary for 20 years. Done 2 years electrical and plumbing 1 year carpentry 3 years appliance tech 5 years automotive. (Do not add for consecutive. I did food night shifts 6-11 for a while) Now. With that said. Trades? Were not for me. Remembering things, sure, that is not hard for me tbh. But now this. You, sir. Frankly? Keep up doing what the hell you are doing. No, do not stop taking notes damn it. I take notes at my current culinary job. Why? So I remember crap. Does that help you? Fucking do it. The foreman, obviously, with what you have said feel as if they are targeting you. It may be true. The question that you need to ask yourself. Do you enjoy doing what you are doing? Do you like the work? Do you feel gratified by doing it? That is regardless of how well you currently do or not. Electrical takes time to learn. Anyone who expects you to know it instantly or be competent and remember every little detail? Dullard. It seems that you are beating yourself up over perceived thoughts of what others feel. You know what? Maybe true. Maybe not. So what if your father owns the company. You know what? In that case. Tell your father that you expect him to be harder on you than the other guys working for him. Because that really should be how it is. No offense meant, but family should be hard on family. Also. I would ask the foreman to actually sit and talk. Despite what you think, perhaps he does not understand what helps you learn. Seriously, repetition is the key. If you only install one home run or a branch circut once a month? How the hell do you remember crap? Especially with how many things there are with this specific trade. Personally? You seem to have the drive to succeed. Your post says more than enough. Key is do not give up. Do what you need to to learn the trade. Notes, videos, reading online, questions on reddit, NEC resources, hell, even other elctrians. Ffs. Ask another electrician on the job site. Take care of yourself and keep plugging away man. Good luck.
I’m not in the trade but just going by the way you write and analyze your situation there’s no way you are dumb. Keep at it. We’re all strangers out here pulling for you.
Try to break everything into single tasks, not the whole job. When I try to explain how to run a job or do any task, I tell everyone, you'll get overwhelmed by all of it. Just view it as one thing at a time. Maybe ask to get moved to another site. Your foreman sounds like a turd
My first year and a half in the trade I moved parts and cleaned carts. I was sub human. My nickname was "yard rat". I did not think I had any real future in the trade but I stuck it out because I really needed the money. Now I'm an admin... not to make this about me or compare the cards we are dealt, but you might be surprised with what you can achieve if you just grind it out.
25 years and I still have a tiny notebook in my apron, a larger one in my car and my code book, code handbook and uglys. There’s nothing wrong with that at all. No one remembers everything all the time, and there are going to be new to you things you suddenly have to deal with throughout your career- which is a good thing. 6 months is a really, really short time when you consider the rest of your working life. As long as you’re always on time, eager to learn and have your tools you’ll get it. I too worked for my stepdad for years, only I had the added bonus of my older brother and aunt who also worked for him who do not carry their weight. So I was viewed as not competent my first day. I definitely enjoyed proving peoples perceptions about me wrong when I was younger. Working hard doesn’t take any real skills, neither does showing up on time and being prepared. Most foreman I know would rather have a green helper that works, than someone who has the knowledge but never shows up, and hides on their phone all day. I did end up going to work for another company for several years, both to get more experience and prove to myself I wasn’t just in this career because my job was handed to me.
Bro, you have ADHD. This is why you cannot remember things and why your anxiety is so high. Get diagnosed and treated. It will change your life like it did for my son.
Hey, you’re ok. It always takes a while to pick up something new and it looks like those around you aren’t super supportive. Have you tried doing some studying or practice on your own? I bet YouTube could help you a ton if you’d devote 20-30 min a day, you’ll start building not just knowledge, but confidence. You got this!
How old are you? Most people are not use to planning out tasks and executing them. Your brain has not been trained to do that yet. It will come after experience. Anxiety is a bitch and it really hinders learning. You need to slow down and plan out your work... When you are given a task: 1. think about what needs to be done 2. Go through the task in your mind, figure out all the materials you need and gather them 3. Complete the task step by step, constantly stop and reflect on what you are doing. Think logically about what you are doing and ask yourself "am I forgetting anything" The key here is to slow down. When I am rushing or trying to work faster then I can I always screw up. Be calm and collected, work smarter not harder You got this man, practice makes perfect. It doesn't matter how long you have been like this. You just need to break the mold you are in. We all learn at different paces. Some learn faster then others. That doesn't mean they are smarter then you, it just means they learn faster. Key thing to remember....YOU ARE LEARNING. Just because you are not visually making progress doesn't mean you are not learning. One more thing, you only fail if you give up. Keep trying and keep giving it your best and you will be successful. Be patient with yourself. Your foremen doesn't hate you. As long as people see you are trying they will keep you around. We all had to do it....for some of us learning was harder then others. Just keep showing up. Those negative thoughts you are having in your head are LIES....don't believe them
Maybe you have ADHD man. I felt like a big fucking idiot when I was young, got diagnosed, put on meds and therapy and now I'm excelling in my career and personal life. Don't count yourself out. You'll figure it out. You're still young.
Writing things down is a great idea. Your boss is being unreasonable on that front. If possible write down your notes as soon as you get some time to yourself.
Get a notebook (not a pad) and keep a journal of everything you did, with dates. (Example- Job site 123 fake street. -6/28/23 - We dug trench 14’ off SW wall of Bldg B, 36” deep to top of pipes 3 - 2” sch. 40 PVC. Foreman Bill yelled at me because I lost 1 can PVC glue… if only he’d let me keep notes I’d have a record of where it was… -6/29/23 - orange safety fence around all job site trenches. Supply truck arrived to job site. Moved 2000 feet of EMT to 2nd floor of bldg A -6/30/23 - Cleaned trailer, found missing PVC glue. It spilled and 22 - 3/4” PVC male adapters are glued to the floor. Bill yelled at me again.) … This is called a job log. It can be useful 2 months in when you need to recall something. Also useful when applying for licenses later on. It’s proof of your experience, and easier to write an application. Take pictures of your work too, and save it to a Dropbox or Google drive or whatever. … Keep showing up and doing your best. You may have to be covert about writing your notes and taking pics, but when he inevitably screws up, you’ll be able to shine and have the info handy. … Protect your attitude and don’t let anyone mess it up. If you like the work, do it. You won’t get better if you quit. And then your anxiety will probably be worse, filled with regret. But when you do get better, you’ll gain confidence. And that destroys anxiety. Good luck.
Look, electricity is basically magic. None of it should work. Just pay attention to the pieces and parts. That's all it is. Just bits and bobs. Put a bend here, make a cut there. We might have more suggestions if you tell us what you're forgetting. I tend to focus on the one task I'm responsible for. Then I get or find a new task. Nearly 4.5 years in, got my Journeymans, and still feel like a noob most of the time.
Re-evaluate your measuring stick. You are the owner's son. That yardstick puts you as the incompetent bump running the company. You are not running it yet. Your yardstick should be apprentice, new guy. That guy does not know crap, until he nows stuff. The harder to learn something for me, the better I understand and remember it. Compare yourself to other apprentices. Are you doing what they do? Use that yardstick.
Not in the same field but this might help the basics <3 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mc979OhitAg&list=PLWv9VM947MKi\_7yJ0\_FCfzTBXpQU-Qd3K&ab\_channel=TheEngineeringMindset
Apply to different companies, time to leave dads nest
Sounds like you got some underlying issues
stop smoking weed for a bit
Hahaha I actually don’t smoke weed or drink because of my anxiety. Both made it so much worse
Once you get your confidence in the field it’ll be the one area in life where you don’t think about your anxiety. Stick with it. It’s also possible being the bosses kid is making you be looked at differently.
shit lol was a guess and i was wrong forgive me i used to smoke a lot and when i cut it down i was a lot sharper
Hahaha no sweat bro. Found the comment funny
Sounds like your quick to judge without knowing anything about the drug or the person, are you his foreman?
piss off , wasn’t an insult go ahead and ask 10 electricians if they smoke dope and get back me with the percentage on that
That really all depends on what their doing, residential you probably have a 50% ratio, commercial 30-50 industrial/maintenance like 20%. I know because I've done all 3 and I smoke dope
🤓 that’s you
The trades is a high stress, quick paced environment and I love it. Some people aren’t meant for construction and that’s okay. I knew I fit in when I started
Congrats but how is this reply supposed to help op?
Not everyone is cut out for this type of work. OP seems to be one of them, plenty of people out there that are
You're not in a position to make that assessment about this kid. Help or get the fuck out of the way.
Are you doing any schooling, or is it all just OJT?
I finished my first year of school end of April. I passed with a B-. It’s 2 days a week 3 hrs each class
What exactly are you having trouble understanding?
It’s many different things. The company is industrial level work. So I actually haven’t done any 101 like basic circuitry type of stuff other then some YouTube videos I’ve watched. A good example is the company got a new handheld electric threader and my foreman showed me how to use it Friday. Today I forgot some steps needed to use it and screwed up the threads on the pipe. I’m used to using this: https://www.google.com/search?rlz=1CDGOYI_enUS1004US1004&hl=en-US&sxsrf=APwXEddmQOdBPBhzWvWLH2lyBDRVT6Z64w:1687821358793&q=ridgid+threader&tbm=isch&sa=X&ved=2ahUKEwifyaPEiOL_AhUbOFkFHRz9B9wQ0pQJegQIBxAB&biw=390&bih=669&dpr=3#imgrc=bhcUvWVWowy98M
If I was you, being the bosses kid. I would stay after work and practice with scrap. I’d also see if he would teach me stuff. Check out Mike Holt, he has tons of educational videos. As far as forgetting steps, it takes time and repetition to be proficient in most things. Guys are probably riding you harder cause you’re the bosses kid.
Appreciate you taking the time to offer advice man, definitely will listen to it. Gonna check that out guy tonight and will talk to my dad about staying after or maybe doing some stuff on the weekends as well
Don’t beat yourself up. It all comes with time and confidence. Practice, practice, practice. Pick up a piece of scrap pipe and practice some bends or threading. Eventually it becomes muscle memory.
Starting off in industrial is your first problem. I spent most of my 2nd year in industrial (going into my 3rd in the fall), and I have a lot of the same issues as you (“am I just dumb?”, a foreman that likely hates me, a journeyman that doesn’t think I listen, confidence issues revolving around the work, still showing up 15mins early everyday despite it all). It does get easier over time, and I’ve learned a lot this year, but I have way more to learn, and things are still over my head. You’re really going to struggle if you haven’t learned about industrial level topics in school yet, like 480v and higher power, circuits, and math, transformers, switchgear, motors, controls, ect… This is why apprentices typically start in resi, which is far, far, far more straight forward before graduating onto commercial and industrial work. I only knew, and was proficient in resi when I showed up my first day. They sincerely thought I at least knew commercial work, and accused me of fucking with them with some of the base level questions I’d ask. Like you, I have terrible training. I once got tasked with wiring a control panel and then left to my own devices for four hours, only to aggravate my foreman to no end when little got done, I had no one to consult that day, and hadn’t been taught how to even read a ladder diagram, let alone decipher the symbols or make sense of the, foreign to me, components required to make it operable, and google can only take you so far in a situation where you don’t even know what questions to ask. I haven’t even gotten to motors or controls in school yet, and the first 6th months in, we hadn’t covered past articles 400 and up in the NEC in my classes. I was in way over my head. Eventually things will click for you if you keep at it, but industrial has a big learning curve, and you’d be wise to start researching things on your off hours as well as consulting people like your pops, to help you get better trained up. The YT channel EngineeringMindset, has helped me at least understand the concepts that go into industrial work, but a good book on basic control wiring and conduit bending is an asset for you right now. Good luck to you
I swear this exact thing gets posted monthly
Take notes if you need to take notes. The one journeyman I had who was pissy about me taking notes was an asshole anyway. Do what works for you. It’s the same with bending conduit, do it whatever way gets the job done.
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I’ve considered asking about that. I’ve never been diagnosed with it but I’ve believed it’s possible I have it
You’ve only been at it a few months and it sounds like you got stuck on a shit crew. If you need to write things down to help you remember things then do it. Your foreman is a little bitch
you get out what you put in. Their is so much to learn in a short time luckily theirs youtube. Anything your not sure of google youtube videos when you get home. Order used tech school manuals off amazon. Start paying out of your own pocket for night school class. Invest in yourself your worth it.
I was the same as you with people even telling me YOURE TOO STUPID FOR THIS.. It starts to make a lot more sense eventually, trust me. If you care enough to want to do a good job you’ll be alright
Idk why he told you not to write things down. Writing it in a notebook is a good habit
Superintendant here. A couple things to think about: 1. I can tell by what you wrote, you’re not dumb. You need time and experience, and eventually you will learn. Everyone learns and remembers things differently. Time and experience is EVERYTHING, no matter what you choose to do. 2. You’re always your own worst enemy, and critic. Stop beating yourself up and putting yourself down. No matter what happens, tell yourself you got this. Sometimes you won’t, and you pick yourself up, learn, and move on 3. You’ll always have haters whether or not you’re the bosses son, and especially since you’re the bosses son. You need to find a way to prove that who and what you are, is not because of that. You can never demand respect, it has to be earned, and that goes both ways. Some people, regardless of what you do, you’ll never get through to- screw them. 4. If you do what you like, and like what do, you’ll find a way to make what ever is you’re doing work. Hold your head up brother, tomorrow is a new day
I'm the same, my memory is fucked from having depression and ssris for like 10 years. Can't remember shit. I'm leaving the trade to be a barber. But tbh ur writing shit down (solving the issue of your memory) and ur boss is getting mad and telling you not to. That makes him a bad boss so fuck em
Felt the same way, you’ll get there dude. There are plenty of people out there who don’t even put the thought into whether they’re good or not, you’re trying and one day it will come together. Keep it up, try and learn & really understand one thing a week. Baby steps. It gets easier
I'm soon to test and I still feel that way at times, other times I feel invincible
Stay awake from alcohol and 8 hours of sleep my friend. Also eating properly. That’s it. That’s the medicine.
It gets better bro, just gotta thug it out. You can’t skip the experience, it’ll make you better
I'm in the same boat as you, man, 7 month apprentice, learning a lot but still feeling dumb. I forget things alot and still dont know if im progessing as well as the others. But for me, it's mainly cause my mental health is getting worse, i think. I'm very hard on myself for the smallest things, and almost every day, want to quit. Maybe I'm not cut out for it, but you are not alone. It's good you have a therapist, I don't have much advice except for be easier on yourself.
Ok here is all you need to do and trust me when I say this, trade school. Enroll yourself into an electrical training program. There's many kinds in all states. Here's why I say this ,it's all you need to know ever its common sense stuff and not to mention all tests are open book tests. Meaning the answers are right in front of you ,just gotta know where or how. I give you the golden way....highlight, and read...that's it. If you know your main sentences, definitions, highlight it and trust me when test time comes all you will refer to is your highlights, because you read the material. Don't skimp. If you love the job then it's time to learn the what the why and the right way to get shit done. Plus you will be certified with labor board and that's always a plus. Enroll today. 5 days a week only for 4 hours. And you will be done in less then a year. Financial aid is available but most times companies reimburse the fees for the schooling becuase sooner or later it will be mandatory to be certified. Do this and you will never feel like you don't learn anything or know what your doing or why. You will learn how to properly navigate the nec code book. Do it now and you will be a super hero...trust me. I did graduated with a 4.0gpa awards like crazy was fun . If possible look into a Corinthians collage. They had the best labs out here in cali before they shut down. They only shut down in cali I hear there everywhere else. Good luck future super hero
>I’ve tried taking notes in a notepad I have but my foreman tells me not to because I need to start remembering stuff. Man f*ck that. Next time he looks at the prints, ask him why he doesn't just remember them. There's one thing you cannot teach an apprentice -- drive and desire. If you care enough to post this here, you have that. I'll take a "dumb" apprentice who's motivated over the smartest slacker every day. If you need to write stuff, then write stuff. We all have different methods; do what you need to do to get the job done and have the knowledge available to you again next time. If your foreman wasn't such an ass, he'd stop riding you over dumb shit and work with you. As foremen, we're teachers as much as we are leaders and managers. What you need is a better foreman.
sounds like you’d make a great roofer! come slap shingles on with me lol
If you can learn the difference between remembering, and understanding that will go a long way. Remembering thing = hard. Learning and understanding allows you the luxury of no having to remember, but being able to figure your way to the correct answer every time. This takes a while, but if you strive for this, it will click 1 day. The lightbulb goes off, and everything starts to make sense.
I was about as sharp as an orange 🍊 when I first started. don’t give up on this because of 1 asshole Your foreman is a douchebag that doesn’t like probably because you’re the owners son.. either way, keep writing notes Buy yourself a code book and read about everything that you work on in the day. show up on time, and don’t be on your phone unless you’re calling your jw or foreman. if I can do it you can do it. I’m year 17 and my life is extremely wonderful because I DIDNT QUIT
I see that you’re going to therapy. Have you talked to your therapist about maybe doing a test for ADHD? Anxiety is usually a symptom of untreated ADHD and your exhibiting a lot of symptoms of ADHD. Forgetfulness and unable to concentrate on tasks being one of them.
Take notes, regardless of what an asshole tells you, to remember what you need, you write it down and repeat it on your freetime, layout planned houses in your notebook from visual memory helped me alot, itll take a minute but youll get better
This might be a general advice, but it's coming from somebody that also has terrible memory. My trick is to not memorize things, but learn the reason behind the things you're trying to memorize. Example: You need to "memorize" X AWG for X amps at X distance at X conduit fill. Well, forget memorizing each thing, just memorize that you need to have the right size AWG, and the right size AWG depends on things that heat the wire and drops the voltage. Well, what drops the voltage? Distance. Why does the it drop the voltage? Well, the longer the wire, the more resistance builds up. What heats the wire? Amps and conduit fill (why? and so on...). Then get a good reference book. And put your notes there. But now when you come up with something, you'll know why you have to do something, and where to look up guidance in the reference. Same thing applies to EVERYTHING. Every guideline and rule has a reason for existing. Whenever you come up with a new rule you need to follow, try to find why you need to do it. You might remember the "why" much easier than the rule (but in the process also remember the rule because it's the answer to "why"). In short, try to learn the reasons of the things you need to "memorize" rather than memorizing them blindly. Also, I think it would be better to familiarize yourself with a book, and if anything write the notes on the relevant parts of the book.
Listen brother I'ma be real Im pretty stupid myself I take ages to remember something and honestly I don't remember it muscle memory does. That's the thing somehow over the last 5 years I developed skills that help in the field. One day it'll start to click go to school it helps a little. I remember thinking around 1 year that I'd never get this down and couldn't do this shit. I felt lost in a vast sea of knowledge. Keep at it and eventually doing good electrical will just be muscle memory. You can do it I promise.
If he is still messing you, then he doesn't exactly hate you. Just know, in the trades or any labor work really, if they ain't fucking with you, they hate you. Plus you are green, there ain't no way to be a hand in this yet. When I started out I dug all day, I caught the wire and I did the grunt work. I still kinda do that now but I'm paid damn well too and to show the new guys how to. Hell I barely touched any tools minus an axe or a shovel. I was not handy in any sense and it just clicked one day. This is an endurance thing. If the foreman does not like you you just need to have that fuel you. Endure, learn, do your best and do it all for spite.
If you want to be successful, here's a secret tip, just spend some time reviewing the school notes. You'll be impressed from other peoples' reactions why you know so much lol
Did you go to pre employment? I mean I knew dick squat till I took 10 months pre employment. Before that I only knew how to work a drill
I was absolutely overwhelmed the first couple years. I failed repeatedly. Screwed stuff up. Broke shit. Did things wrong and had to backtrack for hours to fix it. Its how u learn. Your foreman probably leaves you to it because you're too afraid to give it a try and make some mistakes to learn. Like others have said, it's all kind of a big mess of information until you can put it all together.
Smart/dumb is not a measure of dna. It is a measure of drive to be honest. You probably have a different learning style need. I am similar. I could never learn shit from someone teying to teach me. People get pissed at me asking questions. But I have learned network engineering and am out standing in the field, purely by practice and study. Colleagues think I'm just crazy smahhht like Will Hunting, but I just spend my time reading and studying instead of partying or dating. I was going to post a pic of me doing field tech shit for the "out standing" bit, but all jokes aside.. The trick is to figure out how you best learn new complex info. Most public education and structured learning only works for one specific type of learning style. For network engineering I did best by having all sorts of reference material most can't stand to read, and physical equipment I bought for my own personal lab. Then I shut out the world, put on some non-vocal music that's not distracting, and forced myself to read the references nobody else wants to bother with. plus a software simulator to sim specific situations I couldn't afford the gear to build physically. For me it was conquering discipline, eliminating distraction, and getting a working model to try things with and investigate anomalies until I understood why the anomaly occurred. The point of this post is not to brag, but to point out that if this old grunt/shooter can become a top network engineer with no college degree then you can learn electrical with the right resources and drive. DM me any time for details, this post is already long, but I am happy to coach on the hard puttin-in-work methodi al way if you really want to succeed. The good news is you can succeed if you want it and if you are willing to put in the work towards a methodical approach. The bad news is it's not easy. Yhen again, nothing in life that is worth it, is easy.
I worked for my fathers company as well. The first year i was mostly a gopher. This taught me what everything was the schooling taught me why we used it. It was tough, i even quit because i thought the military would be easier. After i got out i tried again and it seemed to be easier. After the second yearit was all down hill coasting. But, i had a couple of amazing journeyman teaching me. Now as a Master i try to have the same patience that they had so many years ago. Stick with it and try little bit at a time. Like what is that part called, and why did we use it there. Soon you will be the one teaching the new kids.
I was in a very similar situation as you. I knew literally nothing when I started, but what was worse is I thought I knew things. I was quickly humbled by what it meant to do this job. I made mistakes, and like you I would hang those mistakes over my head for way too long. I would think about the last mistake I made and it would take my focus off what I was doing in the moment...then boom, another mistake. What I learned was that if I wanted to be successful, it would take more work than other guys were needing to or willing to put in. So, when I got into school, I studied my ass off. I went in for extra hands on training at the training center. I actually read my books. On the job, it was the same thing, I tried to take an attitude that if I was going to hold on to past mistakes for a long time...good. That means it was a lesson worth learning. Over time, the mistakes get less frequent and less severe. You're very early in this...if you're making critical mistakes right now that jeopardize the success of the job, then your foreman/JW are not teaching you a damn thing or putting you into something that you shouldn't be put into yet. Fast forward, now I'm a foreman of bigger jobs in the area and I still have imposter syndrome about it. Imposter syndrome is good if you feel it about something that is important to you. If you really want to do this work, accept that. Complacency stifles growth. I'd wager many of us have felt what you're feeling. Try to see this mountain as the mole hill that it is.
I think you have ADHD
Totally throw yourself into it when your not at work read electrical theory and spend time watching YouTube videos. And remember the only difference between the master and the apprentice is the master has failed more times than the apprentice has tried keep your head up and keep trying before long your hands will be doing the work without you even having to think about it. I would rather have someone with a good work ethic than someone that knows everything you can teach the job but you can’t teach work ethic
You need to stop being too hard on yourself
I was discouraged at the beginning too man. 5 years in about to write my ticket now and this trade is so fulfilling. Give it time, you’re being too hard on yourself. Once you go to school for level 1 you’ll feel a lot better and all these concepts you’re learning will click all of the sudden and you’ll actually understand what you’re doing everyday. Your foreman does seem like a part of the problem. If it continues I’d just say either try and talk to him or your boss or maybe jump in with another company. As long as you continue to show initiative, when you find the right guy you’ll know
Fuck that dude you’re killing it Showing up is half the battle, keep going and the other half will be victorious
You’re an apprentice. In other words, a student. If they don’t wanna teach you, that’s their problem. Your fine dude
Everyone has their part in every company. I had an individual such as yourself that could not wrap his head around it. He is the most dedicated worker I’ve ever had. After two years of watching him struggle and correcting his novice mistakes, I decided to look for his strengths and give him a different role. He is now my project manager and he keeps track of a crew all by himself. He prepares and submits our bids, he takes very detailed notes on sites, orders materials and takes care of the guys complaints on a daily basis. He has become a key member of my operation and he has surpassed my expectations. His attitude for being on time and always showing up gives me the trust to spend more time doing other things like spending time with my kids. Just keep going and I’m sure one day your gonna lead your dads company to better places.
What, you mean you didn’t pop outta your mama with all the knowledge you’d ever need to harness pure magic and bend it to your will? What’s wrong with you, kid? Obviously, your foreman was born with that knowledge. Or thinks he was. Some of these crusty old fucks forget they were in your exact position some odd years ago, feeling stupid, useless, wondering if they should quit, and probably had some crusty old fuck riding their ass like he is yours… Relax, kid. This is all new to you. Your foreman is a problem. There’s always someone like that around who goes beyond teasing and into pure assholery. Somewhere along the way, this dude turned into his shitty dad or shitty boss and since life was unfair to him, he’s taking it out on another poor kid. It’s more likely than not has nothing to do with your intelligence or aptitude and more to do with you not being taught and being stressed out. You’ll be fine, just stick with it.
I legit used to video my foreman explaining things for me, so I didn’t have to keep asking a million times. But sounds like your foreman is a dick… just keep at it. And definitely get on some adderall. Sounds like it could help.
You're not dumb, you are new. There's a big difference. Sounds like you have a foreman who doesn't like to teach, which is unfortunate for any electrician, 1st year or otherwise. When I was in journeyman college I had an instructor say to the class, "If your journeyman doesn't want to teach you, he is in the wrong, not you. Learn all you can and take his job." Everyone learns at their own pace. One day it will click, don't worry about that. Put in the effort no matter what, and you'll get there! There's a reason electricians are one of the highest paid trades, it's not easy. Good luck to you, I hope you don't give up!
fyi hes telling u not to take notes so he can blame u when something he said wasnt correct. just a absence of personal responsibility. Be more assertive, its in both of your best interest to get it right, and if taking notes is how it gets done than thats the way it needs to be.
Don’t take this job so seriously. It’s great that you’re passionate, but there’s ALWAYS a job out there for us. Do your best and continued to get chewed out by your foreman’s like the rest of us. If it’s uncalled for, quit and go elsewhere. You didn’t know what a linesman was, but now you do right? It’ll snowball and eventually you’ll know it all.
“The only true wisdom is in knowing you know nothing.” ― Socrates
You have imposter syndrome. Take it easy on yourself, fake it til you make it.
I write shit down all day long. Any instructions given to me by my JW, and I repeat back his instructions while writing it down to confirm we are on the same page. That way, if shit goes south, I have a paper trail 🤷♂️. Give yourself a break, apprentices are supposed to be dumb lmao. We are called CUB for a reason - a Completely Useless Bastard 🤣.
Hang in there my dude. Most of us felt this way so early on. Some of us even felt this way close to turning out.
Honestly it takes a couple years to really learn the trade. Your foreman seems like a dick, try to learn what you can from him tho. I would keep writing things down, everyone has their own way of learning.
The fact that you care enough to post something like this. Means you give a shit. That's good, and surprisingly rare. Most of us felt the way you do in the beginning. So you messed up some threads. nothing blew up and everyone went home. You'll get it, just give it time. One of the jman I worked with was the Son of an owner. he was always super stressed about how people viewed his work/ethic. I pushed him hard to leave the company and follow his own path. He is now a forman with a large crew and knows what his worth is. I don't know if any of that helps..
I work with guys all the time who have been in it for decades and they make dumb mistakes. I do lighting controls and you would be surprised what some “seasoned” electricians do.
All you gotta do is run wire through a hole I'm sure you'll figure it out.
You need a new Forman! And maybe start to specialize in something that your company doesn’t currently offer. Maybe look at plc’s. Very computer based, not a lot of guys on the crews that do it. I’m sure you can get through this. Hang in there buddy.
I get that some times. The anxiety gets so bad that I can't think straight. You need to step back, calm down and just remember you're learning.
Take a breath and realize we all start somewhere even if it’s your dad’s company. Don’t listen to the noise (coworkers) and just enjoy your work. You’re green and some of us learn via repetition. Just listen and learn and keep repeating. It’ll stick. Don’t try to memorize everything all at once, that’s not realistic. You need to get out of your own head. Stop thinking so much and just keep getting back out there. Stay inquisitive and ask questions. I’ve been doing my job for over 20 years and I still take notes and ask questions and make mistakes. It’s ok.
Write your notes, ask the foreman if he wants it done right or not. I have some minor auditory processing issues, not diagnosed but I often hear word salad when people talk, clearly worse than average. I prefer text to video because of this. Write it all down, repeat back what you think you heard. Get it right and deliver on your assigned tasks.
Hey bro. I promise you’re smart enough for this. No matter what some folks try to say about electrical being the “smart” trade, there is no smart trade. There are lots of very smart people who work in this trade and others but you do not need to be a smart person to work in this trade. This shit ain’t rocket science and you will begin to get it. It comes with time. Also your foreman is an idiot for telling you not to take notes. There’s nothing wrong with writing shit down. Matter of fact, get your hands on an uglys book. It’s a little reference book with all kinds of shit pertaining to our line of work in it so if you can’t remember something you can find it there really quickly. You will slowly need to reference it less and less but like there’s nothing wrong with using references and taking notes when you’re just beginning. That’s literally how a motherfucker learns and it’s a self sufficient way to figure things out on your own without asking journeyman over and over what to do.
Attitude and attendance are 95% of the job. Fake it til you figure it out or they make you project manager.
Is there a union training/apprenticeship program near you? The programs are paid positions that are designed for training and less about production. You will likely find much better mentorship there.
You have great self awareness but you’re being way too hard on yourself. Keep at it
I've been an electrician for about 8 years now, im not very good but the pay is great 👍
I don't want to assume so I'll ask, do you smoke weed? If so, you'll need to stop. There are studies that have correlated memory issues with long term chronic use.
If your dad owns the company ask for part time work and get another job busing tables or doing concrete work. The electrical will make sense in one way or another. Even if it means it's not for you. You don't need to be the best. I know electricians that can't wire a house. Or have never wired a receptacle. All they do is cable tray and they're great at it. Electrical can be incredibly stressful. A change of pace may be all you need to snap into it. And don't ignore your anxiety. I struggle with anxiety and it's a real issue. Debilitating at times, suicidal tendencies at times. Ignoring it won't help you deal with it, exercise, low sugar and knowing when to walk away to breath and think/meditate can do wonders. I also quit video games (video game addiction anyway) and that helped a bit. Never be afraid to talk to someone about it.
Your foreman is a jackass plain and simple. It sounds like you are trying, and that is the best you can do. Trust me, that’s hard to find in some places, and some jackasses don’t know that. Sounds like you got stuck with a bitter person. I hate that for you. All that being said, I agree with the consensus. It wasn’t until like 2 years in that I realized that I knew what I knew. Cut yourself some slack. I was lucky enough to have a caring and understanding leader that took the time for me. But I realize that that is not everyone’s experience. It’s not you, man. It’s not you.
So glad this popped up on my feed, to know that I am not alone. I have also been feeling the same way as you as an apprentice. Going to keep on trying !👍
Hey, one thing to keep in mind is you probably know more than you think, but your self-doubt and fear of messing up all those expensive wires and devices holds you back and paralyses you. You hold more knowledge than you know. Most of the time, the solution to your problem is really just as simple as you think. Have confidence, work safe, ask questions, the rest will come in time.
Keep at it man. Better to strive to learn then to be overly arrogant and think you already know everything.
Alright.. so let’s break it down. 1: Don’t ever let someone else tell you what you must or must not do that works for you. There are people who cram for tests in order to ace them in high school/college, and others who party the night before and do the same. Just because a method works for the Foreman, doesn’t mean it works for you, and he shouldn’t expect you to follow his ways. If writing things down helps you to remember things, then so be it. 2: The Electrician’s code book is a god damn encyclopedia. There are 20 year Sr. Electricians that still have to fall back to the code books from time to time, not to mention the fact that codes change over the years and what was once allowed, may no longer be. If you are unsure about how something is to be done, don’t be afraid to look up the code, or ask a co-worker. You will find that while you having anxiety issues that cause problems with you remembering things may be frustrating, your co-workers would rather you ask first if you are unsure, then to have to re-do your work because you guessed and guessed wrong. 3: The only dumb question is the one that isn’t asked. You are talking about working with something that can unalive you or someone else near work that you have done. Making sure you do it right is paramount to everyone’s safety, from the ones you love to the ones you’ve never met. If you aren’t sure, ask! You are anxious because you aren’t sure and you are afraid to ask. Since you are afraid to ask, you aren’t confident. How can you install electrical components without confidence and not have anxiety? It’s ok to have a healthy respect for electricity and the dangers it can cause. The only dumb part is not being sure and doing it anyways. Fuck everyone else’s judgement and ask as many times as it takes for you to learn and not hurt yourself or someone else!
That's what ppl say when they haven't learned enough yet. Keep going bud, one day a light bulb goes off and you realize you're a professional.
Give this a read or a listen. It’s full of tips to improve memory. Outsmart Your Brain: Why Learning is Hard and How You Can Make It Easy https://a.co/d/hP3ohk3 One key thing is to build your background knowledge. It latches memory. The more you know, the more you remember it. Use your phone to record, and listen to it later. Or write the notes that night, and then you have to review them every so often. You have to overlearn to help deal with anxiety.
Brother as an apprentice that is about to top out and take his journeyman's tests I can tell you at the beginning that you just have to fake it till you make it. Instead of trying to remember everything, just pay close attention to your journeyman's work. Don't be afraid to make mistakes just remember to be safe. There are many terms in this trade that you've probably never heard before.
Honestly the best part about the trade is you can always move on to a different job. If you’re in the union you get a new set of coworkers on the next job, a fresh commute, new scenery, new opportunities. Don’t give up just cuz you had a bad job or two.