How to be a Good Electrical Apprentice

by Team Tradify, September 26, 2024

Joining the electrical trade is a great decision for those willing to work hard, learn loads and take charge of their future. It’s a rewarding career with loads of potential. But learning how to be a good electrical apprentice is about much more than fetching coffee or holding the tools. How you conduct yourself during your apprenticeship will set the foundation for your entire career. This is your opportunity to ask tons of questions and learn from experienced professionals who are there to help guide you.

Preparing for your apprenticeship interview? Practice with our questions for apprentices.

Ready to get started! Check out our articles for electrical apprentices:

Low on time? Skip ahead!

Ask a lot of questions
Keep up on your coursework
Show up on time
Don't show off
Try to do a good job
Act like a professional
Get as many tools as you can
Try a mix of electrical work
Use your PPE
Plan for your future

1. Ask a lot of questions

Your main job as an electrical apprentice is to absorb as much knowledge as possible, so you can pass your licensing exams and become an asset to your employer and the electrical trade. Don’t hesitate to ask for clarification if something is unclear or question why things are done a certain way!

You won’t always have a team of master electricians at your disposal, so make the most of their experience now. Demonstrating genuine interest by asking questions is the best way to learn. Keep a notebook and pencil handy at all times (or your phone), and document everything you learn on the job. This will become an invaluable resource for your studies and when it's time to sit your exams.

2. Keep up on your coursework

Being an apprentice is exhausting. Whether you’re transitioning from school or a different career, it requires a big adjustment. However, neglecting your coursework to catch up on rest is a bad idea.

The theory you learn in your coursework will help you develop practical skills on-site and understand the reasoning behind various electrical tasks. Since you don’t have endless chances to sit your exams, keeping up with your studies will prevent stress and panic when exam time rolls around.

It's also the best time to develop your critical thinking skills. Pay attention to how your trainers and classmates find out information. No one expects you to know everything all the time. Figuring out where to go to get the answers is an important skill to develop too.

3. Show up on time

One of the simplest ways to earn the respect of your crew is by showing that you value their time and the opportunity they’ve given you. Showing up on time and avoiding distractions like your phone are basic ways to prove you’re responsible and focused. If you’re constantly bored or disinterested, it might be a sign you’re in the wrong trade.

If you finish a task early or aren’t sure what to do next, ask for more work or clean up the workspace. Time management is crucial for electricians, and it’s a skill you’ll need to master if you ever plan to start your own business.

4. Don’t show off

As you settle into your role, you’ll pick up some tips and tricks along the way. That’s great! But be careful not to fall into the trap of becoming the ‘Know-It-All Apprentice.’ For the first few years, learn to accept that the people training you will have far more knowledge and experience.

If you notice a task being done differently than what you learned in your coursework, just ask why it’s being done that way. Assuming you know better than a qualified electrician is a quick way to get a bad reputation. If they can't answer, see if you can work out the right process together.

5. Try to do a good job

Mistakes are inevitable, and they’re a critical part of your learning experience. However, approaching each job with the intent to succeed will help you avoid careless, expensive or dangerous errors. Take pride in your work! Make sure you’re tidy—clean up any excess material, ensure everything is aligned correctly, and always leave the site looking professional.

For more tips, check out:

How to Be a Good Electrician.

6. Act like a professional

No matter the job location or how long you’ve been on the team, always present yourself as a professional who’s representing your company. Be honest if you don’t know the answer to a question, avoid tackling tasks you're not ready for, and carry yourself in a way that reflects positively on you and your employer. Small actions like showing up clean, prepared, and dealing with challenges calmly will grow your reputation as a reliable and valuable member of the team.

That being said, respect and professionalism go both ways. A bit of hazing is common in apprenticeships, but it’s important to recognise when it crosses the line. While some jokes and some time spent 'collecting sparks' are normal, your work environment should never make you dread going to the job site. If pranks are stopping your ability to learn, speak up, talk to someone within your course provider, or

Want to look the part? Check out our top picks for:

7. Get as many tools as you can

A good rule of thumb: if you’ve borrowed a tool more than three times, consider buying one. Building your tool collection shows your commitment to the trade and your career. If the pursestrings are looking a bit tight, check if there are any financial incentives available through unions or apprenticeship programs, or see if any of your coworkers are looking to sell their older gear.

Check out the top tools for electricians:

8. Try a mix of electrical work

In the long run, gaining experience in a variety of electrical work—residential, commercial, and industrial—will give you more flexibility in the jobs you can take on. Even if you’re almost certain of the path you want to pursue after getting licensed, learning different systems and techniques will only benefit you in the long run. If your apprenticeship doesn’t offer a mix of experiences, ask your employer or training program about opportunities to work in other areas temporarily. Use this time to test a mix of hands-on and off skills as well, such as the ability to read and interpret electrical blueprints, schematics, and plans.

9. Use your PPE

Many apprentices, especially younger ones, fall into the trap of thinking they’re invincible. But accidents happen to everyone, regardless of skill. Using proper PPE (Personal Protective Equipment) is essential to avoiding both immediate injuries and long-term health issues. Gloves, goggles, and other protective gear aren’t optional—take advantage of safety equipment like knee pads and hearing protection early on to prevent lifelong pain and hearing loss.

10. Plan for your future

Sometimes, apprenticeships don’t go as planned. If you find yourself unhappy, take a moment to consider whether it’s the specific situation or the electrical trade itself that’s not working for you. If you’re still interested in electrical work but think a different company might be a better fit, try not to burn bridges during your exit—you never know when you might cross paths with those people again.

Be honest with yourself. Now is the time to think critically about your future. It’s better to make an uncomfortable decision now than to spend years in a trade that’s not for you. Otherwise, enjoy this time! Absorb as much knowledge as possible and build connections—you never know how they might help you down the road.

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