Advice for newly qualified electricians

[Lou]

What is the best piece of advice you've been given over the years by other electricians that you would like to pass on to newly qualified ones?

 

[KennyKen]

Take pride in your work.. you can tell a decent spark by the way he or she approaches their install. Too many youngsters who don't even know how to install correctly to there specific specifications. Let alone test or fault find. Remember the basics first.

 

[westward10]

To avoid disappointment have no expectations.

 

[GMES]

Never expose the back of your neck too your mentor if he is wielding an hot teaspoon.
We've all been there as youngsters

 

[Wilko]

Every cable is live

 

[David M]

Protect your knees, ears and eyes at all times!!
If you don't, by the time you get to my age (21 ) they will be cream cracker ed!

 

[David M]

Protect your knees, ears and eyes at all times!!
If you don't, by the time you get to my age (21 ) they will be cream cracker ed!

Oh and I forgot to mention - Dust Masks!!! a must!

 

[Teridactyl]

Never assume = --- (out of) u (and) me
Take the time to check.

 

[Rpa07]

Having mothers voice in my head at the crucial "measure twice, cut once" times has ensured 'less' mistakes!
Preparing the area with dust sheets and carpet protectors takes time but is an investment.
Always have sweeping and cleaning equipment with you. Sit 'Henry' in the front seat then you can ride the 2+ lanes!

 

[David M]

Having mothers voice in my head at the crucial "measure twice, cut once" times has ensured 'less' mistakes!
Preparing the area with dust sheets and carpet protectors takes time but is an investment.
Always have sweeping and cleaning equipment with you. Sit 'Henry' in the front seat then you can ride the 2+ lanes!

A motto (my bold) that has served me well for many years! I even take it one step further these days:- If I'm measuring in metric and wanting to remember the size for example, lets say 1110mm I also note the closest imperial size (that's "inches" to you young ones) which would be 43". What this does, is it ensures that I don't cut something at 1010mm by accident. Which is easily done if you are just relying on memory or accidentally misread the tape.
Trust me it happens quite easily
I have seen this done at my cost, a guy working for me misread the tape and cut a kitchen work top 100mm too short!

 

[Diddy]

Fail to prepare = Prepare to fail. As above with regards protecting your body inside and out......Smile knowingly as the "Hero's" Slag you off and laugh at you.....Then smile some more when their backs,legs,knees,eyes,ears and lungs start to fall apart while you are still going strong like a 20 year old on heat.

 

[Pete999]

Listen to your Mentors, wear your PPE, don't let other Trades bully you, don't leave you tools and equipment lying around, give your self 20 mins at the end of the working day to account for all your kit and listen to your Mum if you aren't married, the you will have to to listen to Her.