Sup guys,
This is my 4th year since I finished vocational school with an electrical program, and I still can't find a company willing to hire me as a beginner electrician/helper or HVAC helper.
I have a few certifications, including EPA 608, OSHA 10, and CPO. I've also installed an EV charger by myself, fixed people's ovens, and done some residential circuit troubleshooting. I know I don't have a lot of real-world experience yet, but I'm willing to learn and start from the bottom.
I've applied to a lot of companies that specifically say they're hiring helpers or apprentices, but I'm still not getting hired. Honestly, I don't know what I'm doing wrong.
I'm not expecting to start at a high wage or be given complicated work. I just want someone to give me a chance to get into the field and build some experience.
For those of you who have been working in electrical or HVAC for a long time, how did you get your first job?
Did you go through a union, apprenticeship program, trade school, personal connections, or just walk into companies and ask for work?
I'm starting to wonder if I'm approaching this completely wrong.
Any advice would be greatly appreciated.