What would you expect from a trainee ?

[Matthew87]

Evening guys, im looking for a little bit of advice and guidance for my current situation please

I currently work full time as a trainee electrician, and have had this job for the past 6 weeks while studying my 2365 level 2 at college on evenings

what I would like to know, is from your experience with trainees, what would you expect from somebody at my stage of training ? And at what rate would you expect the trainee to be progressing with jobs they are able to do ?

I always try my best, and at the minute my jobs are basically sweeping up and carrying tools, which im fine with

I just want to make sure im doing everything I can to make it worth his while having me as a trainee

Thanks very much

Matthew

 

[jaypp]

sweep up properly, put tools/materials back as you found them as this will show you can be trusted to carry out simple tasks. try to anticipate when, for example, sparks is up steps and needs tool/screw/sleeving/lamp/diffuser etc., before you're asked. wait till spark says 'let's have a break' as they'll want to stop at a natural point, not at 10am on the dot, for example

 

[trev]

unless i had it rough lol.

No you didn't mate. I wasn't allowed to sit with the qualified blokes on breaks. Bill Wade had an interesting teaching technique, he'd tell me, then show me and if I got it wrong he'd crack me.

 

[Matthew87]

Thanks guys, that's put my mind at rest a bit then !

A few of the hands on jobs I've been left to carry out are :

chasing out and capping for extra cables

using the hilti for drilling and fixing conduit boxes and saddles

Terminating sockets

replacing gu10 bulbs

Replacing transformers on 12v downlights

Routing and termination of cat5e

 

[trev]

What year are you in?

 

[lockhes]

And don't think your the best and know it all as we're always learning

 

[Matthew87]

I'm in my first year at college Trev, been there since September and have been working full time as a trainee for just under 6 weeks

Thanks

 

[trev]

I'm in my first year at college Trev, been there since September and have been working full time as a trainee for just under 6 weeks

Thanks

Right so you're still wet behind the ears. You're going to be fetching and carrying for a while yet, if you were my apprentice you wouldn't be doing any terminating yet. However, the simple fact that you've asked the question tells us all a bit about you.

Stick with that attitude mate and don't be scared to ask questions

 

[jaypp]

Thanks guys, that's put my mind at rest a bit then !

A few of the hands on jobs I've been left to carry out are :

chasing out and capping for extra cables

using the hilti for drilling and fixing conduit boxes and saddles

Terminating sockets

replacing gu10 bulbs

Replacing transformers on 12v downlights

Routing and termination of cat5e

guess you're doing ok then! keep it up and try not to rush anything as silly mistakes take longer to put right! and always ask if you're unsure. good luck

 

[snowhead]

try not to rush anything as silly mistakes take longer to put right!

Especially on a Friday afternoon

 

[PEG]

You seem to have a good attitude and the advice given is worthy...MANNERS are the key whilst learning,as you get older and more experienced,you will know the tips and help that was priceless,and what was worthless...but keep polite while you are receiving both...oh,and please don't ruin this touchy feely thread by telling us your 54 years old with grown-up kids...:blush5:

 

[GLENNSPARK]

theres a young 17 year old lad that comes out with us....

i have him with me when testing quite a bit..

he already knows r1 r2 rn, R1 Rn & (R1 R2)..and what the outcomes are

he knows what values he should be expecting when going around the points (R1 R2) on a ring final

he knows the procedure for a safe isolation...

he knows how to carry out IR testing in a safe compliant manner...and knows the min acceptable value for both global and individual testing

he knows the procedure for Ze..and what the max values should be

he can carry out RCD testing...both times & ramp...manual and auto

I have taught him this in the time he has been with us...his training started before he started attending college

i dont hold with just iddly piddly bits n bats here n there....if they have the mental capacity to take it in regardless of their age....then show em....then let em loose (under supervision)....

throw a bit of percieved `danger` into the mix...thats how you captivate their attention....all under supervision of course....

 

[GLENNSPARK]

oh i forgot:

i have also explained a bit to him about the 2391....and terminology etc...

 

[Badged01]

Shoot, hope the 'young' lad that works with me hasn't been reading the posts on this thread! There will be a rebellion, he'll be expecting me to pick him up in the morning (not before 9 mind) and be getting his bacon butty and coffee for him before I carry his tool bag onto the job!

Kick-up 'em up arse, clip 'em round ear ........

 

[Badged01]

..... and on that note I better go out now and hoover the van, get rid of the 'sticky' mags off the dash and sort out his mobile phone charger for him. Don't want any complaints to his 'human rights' life coach!

 

[Pete999]

Hi mate, it depends on what sort of Sparky you are currently working with, if he / she is the same as the bloke I learnt from, then your on a winner, on the other hand some of them aren't really interested in anything but getting the job done.

Watch and learn, ask questions no matter how daft they may sound