Electrical Apprentice-Entry Level
Minimum Requirements:
•At least 18 years of age or older
•High School Diploma, GED or Equivalency
•Able to pass Basic Skills Test and Drug Screen.
Job Description
An apprentice electrician is an entry-level electrical trainee enrolled in an apprenticeship program to learn the skills and acquire the experience necessary to become a journeyman electrician. As an apprentice, an electrician will receive a combination of classroom education and paid, on-the-job experience.
A Rethink Electric apprentice will spend five years progressing through REAP, our in-house (DOL certified and NCCER accredited) apprenticeship program, and will learn a broad cross section of electrical work on their way to earning their journeyman status. This will include skills as diverse as how to design, install and repair solar, commercial, and residential electrical systems, how to install and maintain data-telecommunications wiring, system troubleshooting, quality assurance, and more. Apprentice electricians work under the observation of journeyman- and master-level electricians, building their skillset, continuing their education, and moving up the wage scale as they progress. This work takes place year-round, indoors and out, in all manner of weather and conditions. It generally includes physical labor such as digging, lifting, carrying, climbing ladders, using hand and power tools; as well as mental exercises such as measuring, applying mathematical concepts, reading and understanding blueprints and schematics, and learning leadership skills.
Electricians’ work is often strenuous. They may stand for long periods and frequently work on ladders and scaffolds. Their working environment varies, depending on the type of job. Some work may be performed outdoors, in all manner of weather conditions, or in confined areas, ditches, or other uncomfortable places. Electricians risk injury from electrical shock, falls, sprains, strains, and cuts. To avoid injuries, they must follow strict safety procedures. This position is mainly based in the six-county area, but may involve overnight travel for work, generally within Illinois, Indiana, and Wisconsin.
An apprentice electrician must have mechanical aptitude and be comfortable working with their hands. They must be able to follow directions, as most jobs begin with a blueprint that details where electrical devices need to be installed. An apprentice also needs to know how to ask for assistance, and be willing to become a capable problem solver. He/She should be organized, analytical, and possess the necessary strength and stamina for the duties of the job. Apprentices need to be able to act on the instructions from a supervisor and work well alone or as members of a team.
Essential functions include but are not limited to:
•Measure, cut, and bend wire and conduit, using measuring instruments and hand tools
•Maintain tools, vehicles, and equipment and keep parts and supplies in order.
•Perform semi-skilled and unskilled laborer duties related to the installation, maintenance, and repair of a wide variety of electrical systems and equipment, with a heavy focus on commercial solar systems.
•Disassemble defective electrical equipment, replace defective or worn parts, and reassemble equipment, using hand tools.
•Thread conduit ends, connect couplings, and fabricate and secure conduit support brackets, using hand tools.
•Examine electrical units for loose connections and broken insulation and tighten connections, using hand tools.
•Drill holes and pull or push wiring through openings, using hand and power tools.
•Clean work area and wash parts.
•Dig trenches or holes for installation of conduit or supports.
•Strip insulation from wire ends, using wire stripping pliers, and attach wires to terminals for subsequent soldering.
•Trace out short circuits in wiring, using a test meter.
•Install copper-clad ground rods, using a manual post driver.
•Break up concrete, using an air hammer, to facilitate installation, construction, or repair of equipment.
•Erect electrical system components and barricades, and rig scaffolds, hoists, and shoring.
•Transport tools, materials, equipment, and supplies to work site by hand, hand truck, or heavy, motorized truck.
•Construct controllers and panels, using power drills, drill presses, taps, saws, and punches.
•Raise, lower, or position equipment, tools, and materials using hoist, handline, or block and tackle.
Continue reading to learn more about Rethink Electric…
Who and what (and why) is Rethink Electric?
Rethink is a dynamic, diverse, and growing organization with visionary leadership, dedicated and skilled field employees, and an agile mind-set. Started in 2014 as a residential solar installation company, we have parlayed that beginning into our position as a recognized leader in both residential and commercial solar installations. We have an in-house electrical apprenticeship program open to all of our field employees.This year will be a life-changing experience for all of us here, as we are poised to grow rapidly to meet the green energy demands of today, and the future.
How would a position at Rethink Electric benefit me?
Identify all of the attributes a company presents that appeal to you…did you include things such as: A diverse team that cares about you and your success? Flexibility in schedule and work location? Benefits including insurance, 401K, paid time off, and opportunities for continuing education? A dynamic environment that adapts quickly to change? We are all of this and more. The most important thing to know about Rethink is that we are truly a family-we care about and support each other, in our work environment and in our personal lives. We are mothers, fathers, volunteers, coaches, mentors…we are, in short, passionate people who are out to make a difference in the world.
What on earth is R.E.A.P.?
We have a saying here at Rethink, that you “reap what you sow” This is true at all levels of the company; so much so that we named our (DOL certified and NCCER accredited) apprenticeship program R.E.A.P. The Rethink Electrical Apprenticeship Program.
This program is 5 years of education and work, starting with year Zero: This is where our employees learn the basics of solar power and electricity, work through OSHA 10 and 30 hour certification, and get extra education in technology, construction management, construction financials, and other facets of the company from our management team; to aid in their understanding of how a simple, everyday decision impacts the organization as a whole.
Years 1-4 are a traditional electrical apprenticeship, culminating in 8,000 hours of electrical work and a journeyman classification. We couldn’t be prouder of this program, and are excited to see the continued growth and development of each apprentice.
Tie it all together
There is no more dynamic, supportive team to support your growth in the electrical industry than those of us at Rethink Electric-we want nothing but the best for you, whether that is a position here at Rethink, or success elsewhere!
Job Type: Full-time
Pay: $17.50 - $34.20 per hour
Benefits:
Schedule:
COVID-19 considerations:
100% vaccinated company
Experience:
•Electrical experience: 1 year (Preferred)
License/Certification:
•Driver’s License (Preferred)
Work Location: Multiple Locations