I work with just about anything that needs electrical power in a building - both residential and commercial.

EDUCATION | I have my A.A. degree and completed a five-year apprenticeship program through the Union.

HOW TO GET STARTED | If you're interested in becoming an electrician, begin by applying for an apprenticeship at your local Union Hall or training center, for example the SFJATC, (San Francisco Joint Apprenticeship Training Center). You must present proof of your high school diploma or equivalent, as well as proof that you completed a full year (two semesters) of high school algebra and received at least a "C". You have to be at least 18 years old when you apply for the program. Be willing to adapt to different challenges and don't be afraid to ask questions; people will be helpful. Learn your craft well. And, don't be afraid to get shocked once in a while - it will happen!

MUST HAVE TRAITS | You can't be afraid to get your hands dirty. Have some mechanical aptitude and a willingness to move around you will work at different job sites constantly.

how I got started | I was ready to get married and was looking for a job that would allow me to support a wife and family. My future father-in-law was an electrician at the time, (he has since retired), and he was the one who put the idea into my head. He enticed me by telling me about the details of the job and highlighting all the perks! I looked into it and applied. I took a math and comprehension test and was also interviewed. It is a very competitive program, but I must have given the right answers because I was put through on my first try! From there I took classes two nights a week (receiving college credit), and was given on-the-job training five-days a week.

why this job?| I saw a future in it. Will we ever see a time when we won't need power/electricity? I knew my services would be in demand. I wanted what being an electrician had to offer in regard to perks, as well: an annuity plan, pension and health benefits, good pay and great hours.

why I love this job!| The biggest thing I love about being an electrician is taking a job from start to finish. So much goes into each job and I enjoy a great sense of accomplishment. I can't help but smile when I flip on a bank of light switches and they all work! I love seeing the results of my labor. Also, I work with great people. We went through our apprenticeships together, we work together - we're family.

my typical day| As an electrician with the Union, I work seven-hour days, typically from 8:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. As a foreman, I make sure my crew has enough to do each day. I spend time looking at blueprints so I know what needs to happen at the job site and make sure we are on schedule. Depending on the needs of the day, I may spend time splicing a junction box, trimming out plugs, installing light fixtures - I'm never bored!

what they are | Currently, my biggest challenge is the economy, but unlike many other trades, there's still work. Another on-going challenge is adapting to each individual job. Each one has its own obstacles as no two jobs are ever the same.

all about growth | Practical perks! Also, there are a variety of tasks you will learn as an electrician and you will always be in demand. There are opportunities to work your way up. After your five-years of training you can become a journeyman, a foreman, a general foreman, a superintendant, and then an estimator

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