Apprentice Studies

Seems like a great day to talk about the school part of the trade. Not all states require some kind of college to achieve Journeyman status, but North Dakota does. I’m taking classes online through NDSCS and I really feel like the program has been forgotten about. Many of the books are from 2008 and the newest ones from 2017 which may sound new enough, but for a trade that evolves so fast, it’s kinda old.

Perhaps I’m judging too soon, after all, I took on the longest course first and have yet to get into another. That and just yesterday I logged onto my little homework submission to find some changes to the program. I’m glad they’re working on it. Stay tuned for any updates on if the program has gotten better.

Before I started classes at NDSCS, I was dead-set on doing the IEC program. There’s one book per year and a set day and time for the in-class portion. It can be done online or in person. I didn’t do the IEC route because it’s more expensive than what I’m doing now. The shop did not think the extra cost would be warranted.

Here’s the thing, the schooling is a more recent requirement so nobody I currently work with has taken it. *Sigh* Anyway, if you’re considering the two, IEC all the way. The books are updated and everything is included in the up-front cost. You do not have to be a member, but it’s cheaper if your shop is.

There are, of course, other places and ways to get the classroom requirement. The NDSEB website will outline all your options and include links. In short, there’s two main ways to go about it. The first is to go to school full-time for two years and then find a shop to work at for 3 to 4 years. The other is to take classes while you’re working for 3 to 4 years.

If you’ve been looking into the trades, you’ve definitely heard about the union. Here, there’s not many union options. The electrical trade has a great union setup to ensure good pay and benefits. Definitely look into it, but don’t discount the merit shops. They’re just as good or bad as you’re willing to accept a job for.

That’s all for today’s winter-storm-captive,

-Vessa