After further discussion with my best friend about the industrial construction industry, I deemed it necessary to work an entry level position to gain an understanding of the foundation of the industry.  Once secured, the experience of being an industrial electrician's helper was one of the most eye opening ones I've had in my lifetime.

​

It's common knowledge that, to fully understand something, one must begin with the most fundamental aspects of that subject.  With respect to industrial construction, being a "helper" accomplishes that.  Essentially, this position requires the least amount of technical understanding of the field, but a high level of motivation, mental resilience, and physical endurance.  In short, the helper shadows the prestigious (no sarcasm intended) industrial electrician around the facility to assist with holding/organizing tools and materials, marking and measuring, and any other activity to make the electrician's time more productive.

​

Even after learning from my legal job search, I once again tried the non-networking method of securing this construction position.  I wrote my name on a job application list at the human resources office with hopes of getting a call about a position.  It didn't work.

 

Historically, I did not enjoy asking for favors or, what I thought at the time was taking advantage of my relationships.  I was stubborn and believed I only deserved something if I earned it through hard work just as any other person could.  When I confronted my best friend about my lack of success in securing a helper position, he provided me with some of the most valuable feedback I have received to this day.  He said that, when he had mentioned my situation and approach to his dad, the response was something like, "that's not smart and if he wants the job, he should take advantage of the resources he has around him."  Again, it seems like common sense advice, but I was stubborn.  This was the last time I would exhibit this behavior. 

​

After I had secured an electrician's helper position, I officially entered the world of industrial construction.  This is when I learned how mindbogglingly massive the industry is and how little of it is seen or understood by the public.  It's also when I fully grasped what opportunities are available to a motivated person within it.

​

My first day on the ~$3.8 billion (link) construction job site was overwhelming to the senses.  With acres of employee parking for over a thousand workers and temporary lunch, office and sanitary facilities to accommodate them, it was barely fathomable.  The senses were inundated with smells of chemicals, exhaust, sanitary facilities, cigarette smoke, and sounds of giant pile-drivers, drills, cranes, and generators.  Not to mention, there were no signs or instructions to guide a brand new "green," 20 year old college student to where they needed to be on their fist day of work.  Crowds of battle-hardened men and women moved around the job site with astounding fluidity.  I have never felt like more of an alien with my shiny new hard-hat, clean steel toe boots, and ill-fitting fire resistant clothing.

​

I was assigned as helper to one of the top electricians on site.  Looking back on the experience, I'm sure he must have been the opposite of thrilled when he learned about his new helper's "green-ness."  Surprisingly, he was accepting.  He took time to explain things in great detail as we accomplished our daily tasks of wire terminating and electrical equipment installation.

​

I worked as a helper for two different electricians.  Both were unique and took me under their wing.  We worked grueling ten hour days, Monday thru Saturday in blistering southern heat wearing long sleeve protective clothing.  Washing that soaked clothing was a nightly activity.

​

An industrial job site is a completely unique environment.  The only way to fully appreciate one is by being physically present and involved.  Ex-convicts work alongside highly educated and extremely well paid electricians. 

 

I consider this experience my construction "basic training."  It was not easy and not comfortable.  I emerged from the experience with an invigorating confidence and vitalized interest in industrial construction.

​

My overall takeaways from the experience as an industrial electrician's helper:

​

• The power and importance of listening and watching

• The ability to communicate and empathize with industrial construction workers

• The sheer magnitude and uniqueness of an industrial construction project

​

​

Last updated 01.26.20 - PJ

​

​

​