For a newcomer to the electrical trade, there are many moving parts on these job sites, so understanding how all the pieces fit together is critical — and how your role (as an electrical apprentice) fits into that overall big picture. In the last edition of E-Train, I discussed why it’s so important for electrical apprentices to understand the hierarchy of a typical electrical job site, and highlighted a few key roles, including project manager and superintendent.
This week, it’s time to delve into the world of the journeyman, what you can learn from him or her, and what characteristics and traits you will need to develop to advance to that role someday.
Electrical journeymen have pledged their unwavering allegiance to the goals and values of the companies they serve. They are patient and focused on achieving reasonable goals set by the customer and outlined by the boss or foreman.
They are itinerant electrical specialists who carry their skills from city to city, displaying knowledge and integrity consistently through all installations, no matter how big or small the project is. Journeymen have in-depth knowledge of electrical tools (hand and power), electrical materials, and various mechanical systems.
Electrical journeymen follow strict adherence to National Electrical Code guidelines and understand that navigating and interpreting the code is a journey, not a race. They have the keen ability and judgment to understand the present needs of the customer and use foresight to predict the future needs of the clients.
They will select and use materials of the highest reasonable quality while simultaneously keeping the company’s profit goals in mind. Journeymen understand their purpose and mission, achieve superior quality throughout their project(s) and tasks, and persistently display professionalism.
Another role of the journeyman is to cultivate trust on and beyond the job site. With that trust comes great responsibility; he or she "shall do no harm." Since this individual adheres to a strict regimen of guidelines set forth by the NEC and is devoted to understanding its layout, the journeyman understands that it sometimes may be better to call the boss in certain circumstances than going it alone — and potentially causing more harm than good.
When it comes to interaction with apprentices, the best journeymen always build confidence instead of tearing it down, promoting education and training while displaying a high level of patience. They set a good example by leading with diplomacy but know when to be firm, especially with making tough decisions on behalf of the boss and the customer.
As with the role of project manager and superintendent, the journeyman is a unique position you can aspire to reach further along in your career. You set the pace at which you go through this electrical journey, and your actions or inaction determine whether you achieve your goals.
De Loach, a master electrician and electrical trainer/instructor, is the founder of The Academy of Industrial Arts (www.taia-school.com) in Philadelphia. With more than 30 years of experience in the field, he will be writing regular exclusive content for E-Train and can be reached at [email protected].
