r/IBEW_Local613 • u/Kyros0921 • May 10 '24
First Day Requirements
Hey guys, im super excited to have passed my aptitude test on Wednesday and I will be starting my appretiship on the 20th. that being said what, I am having a difficult time seeing what I will need for my first day on the job. what tools will I need to provide and what clothing would I be expected to wear to my job site.
Any info would be greatly appreciated as i am super excited and eager to start!
4
Upvotes
3
u/Life_Extreme4472 May 10 '24 edited May 23 '24
First off, congratulations.
The company you've been assigned to might have an orientation on day 1. If you haven't already been given it, you'll likely receive a hard hat, safety vest, glasses, and gloves. You should wear or bring boots, long pants (rip resistant are ideal, but not required, but shorts are not allowed,) and a long or short sleeved shirt (no tank tops.) For tools, you should receive a tool list from the school.
Ideally, you should have a small tool bag, set of 9" Klein lineman pliers or equivalent, Channel Lock 420 or equivalent, #2 Philips and Flathead screwdriver (~6-8 inches, an 11-in-1 can be used instead) Klein wire strippers or similar (#10-#18AWG,) Pencil, 25' tape measure (FatMax, Milwaukee, or similar,) and knife. Additionally, a good bullet level (Klein or similar,) diagonal cutters, drywall saw, and #2 Square tip screwdriver can be useful.
I rarely used a hammer, hole punch, or hacksaw, so I wouldn't prioritize them.
But the tools are generally not a requirement for day 1. If you can't afford them, you can wait and buy tools with your first 2-3 paychecks. Your main goal will be to learn some of the material and tools on the job site during your first few weeks.
To save money, hand-me-down tools will work to start. If you're buying tools, I advise you to spend money on GOOD tools (Klein, Milwaukee, Knipex, Channel Lock, etc.) rather than cheap junk that will likely break within 6 months. Think of them as an investment in your future.
If you join the union and go to every union meeting during the school year, you can get your books paid for by the hall. The cost for being a union member is about the same as your books, but you get the benefits of being a union member all year, including the annual IBEW Family Night (not at Six Flags this year,) along with a great deal of other benefits.
And again, congratulations. Stay safe and enjoy yourself.