I've certainly had a change of pace in the last few months. I had been at a site in Gaithersburg, MD when I was moved to Reston, VA for just two weeks. While in Reston I spent my time troubleshooting lighting circuits and laying out and installing light fixtures. From that brief stay, I was then for a short time moved back to a different site in Gaithersburg. Here a group of four of us spent a week doing preventative maintenance work by preparing all the panels, disconnects, crack units, motor control centers and more in the building to be thermal imaged. This allows potential problems areas to be identified before any issues would arise that would cause an unscheduled disruption in power that would threaten the type of work taking place. During that time we were able to identify four or five hotspots that were in need of maintenance. I was able to gain a better appreciation for the work we were doing because at the same time in school we were reviewing power quality issues with this type of work being one of the topics. This gave me a chance to really relate and understand all aspects of what we were doing and why is was necessary.
From Gaithersburg I was transferred to my current site in Washington, DC. For the past month and a half I've been working in an apartment building trouble shooting, installing lights, and finishing out floors. Despite the traffic and the few hours added to my day, it's been an okay job site. This is the most jobs I've ever been to with a single contractor and with it wrapping up in a few weeks it looks like my jumping around isn't finished yet.
Sunday, March 31, 2013
Saturday, November 24, 2012
Another move
Its been just over four months now since my last transfer when I moved to J.E. Richards, it seems as if time is just flying by. As written before, I spent about three months of my time in D.C. working at a large tenant build-out. Since then, in the last month I was moved to another job site in Gaithersburg MD, which is a completely different setting and type of work. From a large job with over eighty some people when I first arrived, down to a small crew of six or seven. The biggest difference is being in a place where floors were bare and being built, to now navigating through what seems to be endless lab spaces.
I have found it has been a very welcome change in most aspects. Most of all probably being the location, I don't think anyone would complain about being able to wake up an hour later and get home sometimes an hour and a half earlier. What I believe to be the biggest change though has been it the regards to the pace of work and safety on the job site. How I explain it to most people is that you have to fill out paperwork just to do the paperwork. This is my first time to experience or even see this kind of work. Where every detail of each specific job has to been described before the work begins in what they call job hazard analysis (JHA's for short) and also daily before work begins complete a ; safety task analysis (STA's). These documents along with sign in and sign out sheets in each area of work has led to there being over a hour of time just filing out paperwork some days.I have found that it can really drive you crazy but it does make you very aware of your task and any hazards that may exist.
Probably one of the best programs they follow is one we learn much about in school. When it comes to safety one of the most important for electricians is the lock out/tag out procedures. Up to now I learned a lot about the program in school and on the job,but until now have never really followed the rules to such an extent.I usually would just find one person applying a lock to a circuit being worked on, here though, every person working on or around the circuit applies a lock and fills out their own paperwork documenting everything about the shutdown which I've learned is the correct way for the program to work.
I have found it has been a very welcome change in most aspects. Most of all probably being the location, I don't think anyone would complain about being able to wake up an hour later and get home sometimes an hour and a half earlier. What I believe to be the biggest change though has been it the regards to the pace of work and safety on the job site. How I explain it to most people is that you have to fill out paperwork just to do the paperwork. This is my first time to experience or even see this kind of work. Where every detail of each specific job has to been described before the work begins in what they call job hazard analysis (JHA's for short) and also daily before work begins complete a ; safety task analysis (STA's). These documents along with sign in and sign out sheets in each area of work has led to there being over a hour of time just filing out paperwork some days.I have found that it can really drive you crazy but it does make you very aware of your task and any hazards that may exist.
Probably one of the best programs they follow is one we learn much about in school. When it comes to safety one of the most important for electricians is the lock out/tag out procedures. Up to now I learned a lot about the program in school and on the job,but until now have never really followed the rules to such an extent.I usually would just find one person applying a lock to a circuit being worked on, here though, every person working on or around the circuit applies a lock and fills out their own paperwork documenting everything about the shutdown which I've learned is the correct way for the program to work.
Sunday, September 16, 2012
3rd year
3rd year apprentice. Almost sounds strange to say thinking about how far I've come in which what seems so little time. Almost feels like just yesterday I was walking into the apprenticeship office to apply for this opportunity. And now almost three years later here I am having gained more experience than I ever could have imagined. I was just asked last weekend if I'm still enjoying it and if I could go back would I do anything differently. Without a doubt I replied absolutely not, I've found something that I really enjoy doing thus far and wouldn't imagine going back. Being able to really apply myself at work, all the benefits that have come along with being in the union, the pay, all things that I think someone of my age is lucky to have and all things that I look forward the continuing.
Moving up to the third year has also brought along some changes in scenery. For about the past month now been part of J.E. Richards one of the larger companies out of local 26. From working in College Park for the past year now have moved into DC for the first time, all which in itself is a new experience. Have moved to a pretty large tenant build out, largest of any job I have yet to be on. So far definitely have no complaints minus the traffic but hard to fight that. Have been able to work on a numerous amount of different project. From piping out electric closets, putting up numerous different kinds of lights, and most recently testing floors out it has been very good experience. In the short amount of time I have been there definitely have been able to learn a lot.
Moving up to the third year has also brought along some changes in scenery. For about the past month now been part of J.E. Richards one of the larger companies out of local 26. From working in College Park for the past year now have moved into DC for the first time, all which in itself is a new experience. Have moved to a pretty large tenant build out, largest of any job I have yet to be on. So far definitely have no complaints minus the traffic but hard to fight that. Have been able to work on a numerous amount of different project. From piping out electric closets, putting up numerous different kinds of lights, and most recently testing floors out it has been very good experience. In the short amount of time I have been there definitely have been able to learn a lot.
Sunday, June 10, 2012
OT
With work continuing to move along smoothly at the University of Maryland project, I've recently had the chance to mix things up and experience another first in my career. I was given the opportunity to work a few OT hours recently over the weekend on a shutdown. Working along with two others, together we were able to clock twenty-five hours tearing down an old motor control center and replacing it with an entirely new cabinet. This brought on one very nice paycheck along with work that I found to be very intriguing. Due to it being a shutdown it made it a very fast paced job with things needing back up and running before the start of the new week. This fact, along with it being work on motors, starters, and different controls, things that I have never had to work hands on with before made for a very interesting time. I found it to be a very good experience to have under my belt for the future.
I have also been lucky enough to tie in on the job training with the start of book four in the apprenticeship. Book four introduces you to motors, motor controls and everything else you could hope to know about this type of work. After being on this job I have found myself very excited to move into this lesson and further expand what I know. I have to say with over two years in the trade now I am still continuing to learn new things on a daily basis and really am enjoying going to work everyday. Below is a picture of the new MCC.
I have also been lucky enough to tie in on the job training with the start of book four in the apprenticeship. Book four introduces you to motors, motor controls and everything else you could hope to know about this type of work. After being on this job I have found myself very excited to move into this lesson and further expand what I know. I have to say with over two years in the trade now I am still continuing to learn new things on a daily basis and really am enjoying going to work everyday. Below is a picture of the new MCC.
Saturday, March 3, 2012
Moving Right Along
With a few months under my belt now at the University of Maryland site things are continuing to move right along. Lately, we've started to increase our amount of projects and break loose all over the site. We are now up to eight guys on site and it feels like we'll be adding a few more in the near future as the workload increases. I've been fortunate enough to get my hands on all sorts of different projects that I really find interesting. I've found that I enjoy understanding each aspect of the project rather than just a few select details.
Like I mentioned in my last blog, this is a slightly different kind of job than I've ever been on before. One being its a knew building coming out of the ground and two we are doing all the control work. So far getting to have a hand in many of the different projects has really given me a better understand of how all the pieces work together towards the final picture. In just running branch piping have really started to understand how different pieces all tie in. This past week we have spent piping out thermostats and trunk lines for different troughs and devices. I have gotten to understand how these devices drive others telling them what action needs to take place among other things. For example, how the multiple thermostats in each room cause a action in the supply and return ducts to keep the room temperature at a constant. Also how all of these devices tie back into a control point so all of this can be run and monitored from a central location. I'm finding all this to be very intriguing work, really enjoying my time so far and looking forward to it continuing.
Like I mentioned in my last blog, this is a slightly different kind of job than I've ever been on before. One being its a knew building coming out of the ground and two we are doing all the control work. So far getting to have a hand in many of the different projects has really given me a better understand of how all the pieces work together towards the final picture. In just running branch piping have really started to understand how different pieces all tie in. This past week we have spent piping out thermostats and trunk lines for different troughs and devices. I have gotten to understand how these devices drive others telling them what action needs to take place among other things. For example, how the multiple thermostats in each room cause a action in the supply and return ducts to keep the room temperature at a constant. Also how all of these devices tie back into a control point so all of this can be run and monitored from a central location. I'm finding all this to be very intriguing work, really enjoying my time so far and looking forward to it continuing.
Sunday, January 15, 2012
New Site
It's been a while now since my last post but between school and work things are still going really well. With my last job site going into the finishing stages I now have been moved to another site on the University of Maryland campus. While still with the same company I am now getting to experience a whole new scope of work. A new physical science center is being built on the campus and we are responsible for completing all of the control work for the building. This has allowed me to experience a whole new set of thinking and requirements different than any job I've been on as of yet. Just looking at the various sets of prints and the hundreds upon hundreds of devices we are responsible for is almost overwhelming.The prints at first looked like a foreign language, loaded with symbols and terminology that I have never seen, let alone heard of before.
But with a few weeks under my belt now, I'm still no expert but catching on rather well and really enjoying the work. It has been my first chance to work with rigid pipe which definitely brings a few more elements to the table.You really have to study ahead of time and pre-plan how you intend to position each piece. Unlike EMT, rigid pipe must be threaded together so when installing in some of the tighter locations it takes major planing ahead for everything to work.
But with a few weeks under my belt now, I'm still no expert but catching on rather well and really enjoying the work. It has been my first chance to work with rigid pipe which definitely brings a few more elements to the table.You really have to study ahead of time and pre-plan how you intend to position each piece. Unlike EMT, rigid pipe must be threaded together so when installing in some of the tighter locations it takes major planing ahead for everything to work.
Thursday, November 17, 2011
Mixing it Up
After the past few months now of being on the fire alarm learning the in and outs have finally gotten the chance to jump ship so to say mix things up a little bit. Seems like for about the past month or so now have gotten the chance to do something totally different each week. From hooking up VFD's for air handling units, pulling feeders, setting and wiring up an UPS system, to simply hanging lights. Many of these I had never previously received the chance to be around or work with, so to say the least it has been quite the interesting month. Makes the days go quick when your constantly into your work and learning honestly say i have been really enjoying it lately.
One of the more interesting things was hooking up the UPS system(aka: Uninterruptible Power Supply). Put simply just a large bank of batteries together to supply power to certain equipment when the main supply of power goes out. Definitely was pretty cool getting to work with the system and very challenging getting the pieces set. Mostly because pushing 4,000 pound bank of battery's up a ramp isn't the easiest thing in the world but all in all everything worked out. Below is a couple pictures of two parts of the UPS.
One of the more interesting things was hooking up the UPS system(aka: Uninterruptible Power Supply). Put simply just a large bank of batteries together to supply power to certain equipment when the main supply of power goes out. Definitely was pretty cool getting to work with the system and very challenging getting the pieces set. Mostly because pushing 4,000 pound bank of battery's up a ramp isn't the easiest thing in the world but all in all everything worked out. Below is a couple pictures of two parts of the UPS.
Tuesday, October 11, 2011
Moving On Up
Though it may be a small step but still an important one all in the least, my fellow classmates and I now have all moved from the less then glorious first year classification to all being second year apprentices. This brings yet another small pay raise bringing us to 50% of what an A journeymen earns. This marks the third raise we've had in just our first year, no complaining there that's for sure! Also not to mention a new waive of first years to hopefully take our spots when the general contraction calls for a composition clean up crew.
But most of all which I find of the highest importance this marks the time when money starts to be contributed into our retirement fund. Though I don't pretend to yet fully understand everything that enters into this I do know this is a huge step in my career. It's very exciting to be twenty years old and have such a plan already set up. Really makes you think about what a great opportunity this really is definitely leaves you with a very good feeling.
But most of all which I find of the highest importance this marks the time when money starts to be contributed into our retirement fund. Though I don't pretend to yet fully understand everything that enters into this I do know this is a huge step in my career. It's very exciting to be twenty years old and have such a plan already set up. Really makes you think about what a great opportunity this really is definitely leaves you with a very good feeling.
Thursday, August 18, 2011
Piping It
Coming up on my third month now with the new company after transfer time and things are going great. Have gotten many opportunities to bounce around and work with a variety of different things and people which is pretty neat. Seems like everyone you work with always has some new trick up there sleeve for doing different things different ways pretty cool getting to see.
For about the past month now have been on the fire alarm crew running 3/4 pipe. In school during book one you getting a lot of time in one of the labs learning how to make a few different bends but other than that never really had the chance to work with any small pipe before. When we first started out it was pretty much just writing measurements down and attempting to make the bends. A few pieces and a few trips to the dumpster later started to learn things pretty quick. Now that I've caught on pretty well have gotten a lot more responsibility which I rather much enjoy. Have been able to work on my own a lot more as of late getting to take the measurements and lay things out for myself. Its pretty cool once you finish up and take a step back when everything looks good get a lot of satisfaction out of it. Also one thing I've found that I love so far about running pipe is once you get going and get into it the day flies by which is always a good thing.
For about the past month now have been on the fire alarm crew running 3/4 pipe. In school during book one you getting a lot of time in one of the labs learning how to make a few different bends but other than that never really had the chance to work with any small pipe before. When we first started out it was pretty much just writing measurements down and attempting to make the bends. A few pieces and a few trips to the dumpster later started to learn things pretty quick. Now that I've caught on pretty well have gotten a lot more responsibility which I rather much enjoy. Have been able to work on my own a lot more as of late getting to take the measurements and lay things out for myself. Its pretty cool once you finish up and take a step back when everything looks good get a lot of satisfaction out of it. Also one thing I've found that I love so far about running pipe is once you get going and get into it the day flies by which is always a good thing.
Monday, June 20, 2011
Transfer Time
Man oh man does time ever fly. It’s strange to think last year at this time I was just finishing up my first ever week in the electrical trade and as an apprentice. It seems like just yesterday I was walking into the job site brand new tool box, tools, and the feeling of apprehension knowing I didn’t know a single thing about what I was getting myself into. But boy am I ever glad I got the opportunity to do so. I've learned a countless amount of things this past year about this trade which has left me with an eagerness and desire to learn more. And with the first year transfer now in the books I now have that opportunity to build on what I have learned thus far.
For a year now basically I have been working on power distribution systems wiring up transformers, distribution panels, running bus duct, pulling high voltage cable...the larger end of the spectrum so to say. This past week got to see another side of things as been doing rough in work all week. Quite the change of pace must say, big difference from pulling high voltage cable to stringing MC. But it’s a welcome change as I now get to learn a whole new side of things. Almost like starting all over again as I've never done any of this type of work before. But it’s a challenge that I’m enjoying so far as I’ve gotten to see how it all comes together.
For a year now basically I have been working on power distribution systems wiring up transformers, distribution panels, running bus duct, pulling high voltage cable...the larger end of the spectrum so to say. This past week got to see another side of things as been doing rough in work all week. Quite the change of pace must say, big difference from pulling high voltage cable to stringing MC. But it’s a welcome change as I now get to learn a whole new side of things. Almost like starting all over again as I've never done any of this type of work before. But it’s a challenge that I’m enjoying so far as I’ve gotten to see how it all comes together.
Wednesday, May 11, 2011
Long Nights
Oh the joys of night work. When my formen asked me two months ago if I'd be interested in going on the night shift bus duct crew for a little a while found myself thinking wow, this shift could really work out for me. Working four tens getting friday day and sunday night off along with making 15% shift differential, this sounds great!. Along with knowing the work was good hanging bus duct which is farily enjoyable, just a ton of heavy lifting thats for sure. All in all thought it be pretty cool to give it a try and switch the ole routine up for a while.
But after arrivng home last week after being up for 28 hours for the third time found myself thinking what have I gotten myself into. Having school on tuesday days means I get off work monday nights. Then go to school for eight hours tuesday day followed by working 10 hours tuesday night. That paired with me living an hour and a half a way means no sleep for Mike. Makes for a pretty interesting drive home to say the least, lots of coffee. The good news is only have to make that adventure once every two weeks so really not that bad. With only about 2 weeks left now thinking back im glad I chose to join the crew. Work with some really good guys which makes the nights go fast and a lot more enjoyable. Also get to learn a good bit looking over prints and laying out racks among other things which I much enjoy doing. Some days are definitely rough and getting anything done during the week at home is almost impossible but all part of it. All in all its been a good experience so far glad I chose take part.
But after arrivng home last week after being up for 28 hours for the third time found myself thinking what have I gotten myself into. Having school on tuesday days means I get off work monday nights. Then go to school for eight hours tuesday day followed by working 10 hours tuesday night. That paired with me living an hour and a half a way means no sleep for Mike. Makes for a pretty interesting drive home to say the least, lots of coffee. The good news is only have to make that adventure once every two weeks so really not that bad. With only about 2 weeks left now thinking back im glad I chose to join the crew. Work with some really good guys which makes the nights go fast and a lot more enjoyable. Also get to learn a good bit looking over prints and laying out racks among other things which I much enjoy doing. Some days are definitely rough and getting anything done during the week at home is almost impossible but all part of it. All in all its been a good experience so far glad I chose take part.
Friday, April 15, 2011
Greetings
Hello to everyone pleasure to be writting to you all today. My name is Mike Gerrick your new blogger for the Local 26 class of 2015 Apprentices. My first shot at this so please bare with me and hopefully over the next couple of months, and years for that matter, I can give a little insite into the life of an apprentice and member of IBEW Local 26.
Guess for starters a little bit about myself; im 20 years old born, raised, and live in Hanover PA..(and yes for those of you who put two and two together there and are calling me crazy right now I do commute to Washington everyday but get into that a little later). I've been working for Local 26 since June of last year and am just now entering into book 2 of year one. I currently work for T.A. Beach Corporation and am working in Bethesda, MD at the National Institutes of Health. Now for the driving, you like many of my fellow classmates may think im nuts, but in all actuality a lot more guys do it then you may think. Drive about an hour and a half both ways rigth now, but also split driving with a journeyman which does make things a lot easier. All in all though do what you have to do and so far dont mind it at all.
But you may be wondering how I came about this career. All throughout high school you always hear college college college is the way to go. This is all fine and dandy but I, like many, had absolutely no idea what I wanted to do for a career. Then talking to my uncle who is member of local 26 I became aware of the Apprenticeship program. After researching, reading these very blogs, I found myself saying "wow" this seems like a really good deal. Five year program in which you get paid to go to school, only have to go once every other two weeks while working every other day..how can you beat that. Next thing you know here I am and I honeslty wouldnt have it any other way love every part of the career so far. I came in as my journeyman put it as green as green could be. I never could of imagined I would of learned as much as I know today and I know there is only more to learn which I look forward to doing.
This is definitely a great opportunity that I am glad to have and willing to keep working for. But good luck to anyone that is interested in joining hope I was somewhat of a help.
Guess for starters a little bit about myself; im 20 years old born, raised, and live in Hanover PA..(and yes for those of you who put two and two together there and are calling me crazy right now I do commute to Washington everyday but get into that a little later). I've been working for Local 26 since June of last year and am just now entering into book 2 of year one. I currently work for T.A. Beach Corporation and am working in Bethesda, MD at the National Institutes of Health. Now for the driving, you like many of my fellow classmates may think im nuts, but in all actuality a lot more guys do it then you may think. Drive about an hour and a half both ways rigth now, but also split driving with a journeyman which does make things a lot easier. All in all though do what you have to do and so far dont mind it at all.
But you may be wondering how I came about this career. All throughout high school you always hear college college college is the way to go. This is all fine and dandy but I, like many, had absolutely no idea what I wanted to do for a career. Then talking to my uncle who is member of local 26 I became aware of the Apprenticeship program. After researching, reading these very blogs, I found myself saying "wow" this seems like a really good deal. Five year program in which you get paid to go to school, only have to go once every other two weeks while working every other day..how can you beat that. Next thing you know here I am and I honeslty wouldnt have it any other way love every part of the career so far. I came in as my journeyman put it as green as green could be. I never could of imagined I would of learned as much as I know today and I know there is only more to learn which I look forward to doing.
This is definitely a great opportunity that I am glad to have and willing to keep working for. But good luck to anyone that is interested in joining hope I was somewhat of a help.
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