Choosing Your Own Course

Back in June, all of the apprentices were bumped up to the next level: first-years became second-years, second-years became third-years, etc.  There is a sense of pride associated with the change and also a fair amount of added responsibility.  Every now and then somebody on the job will ask you what year you are--just out of curiosity--and as time goes by you surprise yourself with the words coming out of your mouth: "I'm a third-year," for example, when you still feel pretty new to the trade.  And the change isn't just in name only: apprentices also get their 10% raise, which amounts to an increase of almost $4/hr.  You can't beat it!

I mention all of this because it means that I'm officially a fifth-year apprentice.  I've got two semesters left of night school, and night school really is quite different than the day-school that you attend during your first three years.  Night classes are once a week from 5:00 until 8:00 p.m., and you get to choose which courses you want to take.  On top of that, these courses are also open to journeyman electricians who wish to continue their education.  Your class discussions get taken to a whole new level.

The list  of classes to select from gives you a fair idea of the wide range of work in the field.  Their are hands-on options, like welding, high-voltage splicing, and conduit-bending, as well as more theoretical subjects such as power quality analysis and industrial power.  The most popular class, and the one I'm hoping to take, is without a doubt the new alternative energy systems class.  It covers topics such as solar power and fuel cells--pretty relevant stuff in today's world.  It's so in demand that the hall offers two different nights of it per week!  The complete list of classes can be viewed here: http://www.washdcjatc.org/classes.cfm