When you think of the steps it takes to build a career it usually starts with four years of sitting in a classroom, a possible unpaid internship, and a strenuous job search before your career begins. This path tends to be the most typical but it certainly isn't the only choice.
An apprenticeship is a valuable path for people who want to push past the long classroom hours and are itching to get into the field right away. This week for National Apprentice Week we want to highlight some of the benefits of an apprenticeship and also learn from one of our own apprentices, Ryan Fowler, a Veteran and former Hamilton High School Graduate on his experience as an apprentice.
At Parkway Electric and Communications, we offer two apprentice programs: a Journeyman Electrical Apprentice Program and a Communications Technician Apprentice program. Here are some details on the program:
- Both Electrical apprenticeships and Communications apprenticeships are 4-year programs.
- You get paid while you work in the field full-time in these positions.
- Classes are typically one night a week for the electrical course and are also paid for. The Communications Apprenticeship platform is the BICSI certification program.
- You receive support and training from licensed Journeyman Electricians and experienced professionals.
- Your experience will be diverse and comprehensive. Working on many job sites and with varying customers.
Last week we interviewed Ryan Fowler while he was working on installing overhead conduit for power distribution and network riser piping at Western Michigan University.
He shares a bit about his experience and the benefits of being an apprentice at Parkway.
Why did you decide to pursue an Electrical Apprenticeship?
I knew I wanted to get into the trades, but I wasn’t 100% sure which trade. My dad being with this company for so long, he was kind of nudging me in that direction. I looked into the electrical background a bit and it seems like a really fun trade to get into.
There are a lot of different aspects to it. You are never doing the same thing every day it seems like.
I am glad I did this; it’s been really cool so far.
What are the benefits of participating in an apprenticeship?
I would say student loans are a big one. You are making money right off the bat, it’s not like an internship that is unpaid. You get on the job experience, whereas [with other jobs] there is a lot of classroom kind of stuff.
There is class time that comes with the apprenticeship but obviously, it's minimal compared to what normal college schooling would be.
What advice do you have for those interested in becoming an apprentice?
First off, I would say definitely go for it, if you are hesitant to get into a trade or get into an apprenticeship it’s a good place to start. And like I said, when you start right off the bat with work experience and making money, I think it’s a really smart decision.
Why do you feel like is the most rewarding aspect of this job?
I would say a sense of accomplishment. I noticed that with jobs in the past it hasn't been like that. I worked at a brewery for a while being a cook, washing dishes, and whatever else and I knew after a year I was definitely not staying there.
With this job when you run pipe or pull wire and you turn the power on things happen you know? It's cool seeing things from start to finish and being able to say, “I did that”.
Got a question? Interested in starting a project with the Parkway team?
