I start at 45 years old as an apprentice Electrician and I was a Journeyman by age 49. I will be a Master Electrician by age 51. Good luck to all Sparky’s, it is a great Journey.

I’m 50 and pursuing electrical apprenticeship

I’m 29 and wish I listened to my uncle when I was a teenager, but glad to hear it’s not too late. We’re all trying to figure life out no matter what age.

I am a 50 year old black woman originally from Ghana. I took my aptitude test in October 2022 passed and on my way to the interview on the February 2023,my goal is to dedicate the next 20 years of my life to working as an electrician. I wanted to be an electrician since I was 8 years old, I will never forget the day my village got electricity for the first time. I thought the electricians who came to my village had performed a miracle,to me they were magicians who had turned night to day. I wanted to be like them BUT,I was a “Girl” my family told me only Boys can be electricians. In America Girls can be electricians too so at age 50 I am going to be one so help me God. I am soo fascinate by the trade.

Suddenly I dont feel so awkward about doing this at 38.

I turned 18 fresh out of highschool and here I am today 23, journeymen

Ha! I got accepted after 4 tries at age 49.

I'm 41 and was just offered an electrician job. I spent the last decade owning a gym and sold everything because of covid. I was a plumber for 4 years and a maintenance man for 5 years before that. I think I'm going to take the job. Thanks for the insight!

I am 61 years old and I am a first year apprentice

I started doing electrical work at the age of 55 I’m 58 today

I am 27 years old and right now I am in the interview stage of my application. Got my interview next month. Guys these videos really do help.

1st year. 44 years young. Learning that at this age, I have just as much to teach, than to learn.

48 and a second year IBEW apprentice.

I am a 56 years old journeywoman ; IBEW Local 3 New York City. I started my apprenticeship when l was 47. Here, the apprenticeship is five and a half years to finish. I got in the Local through the program NEW ( nontraditional employment for women). Being a woman in construction is not easy but the reward is great. In my Local, we have Mentoring Program and we placed journeywomen with female apprentices to guide them through the apprenticeship. Union Proud!

I'm 43 now, one year from journeyman test...i decided at 40 to start electrical career after lifetime of dead end sales, retail, a d hospitality jobs. I'm in better shape now the I was at 25, and feel great!! I stretch, exercise, and meditate before work everyday. This all started with my career change, which was best move EVER!

Applying at 25. Like others have commented, I actually think I'm going to appreciate the apprenticeship more and apply myself more diligently than if I had applied right out of highschool. I'm looking forward to getting started.

Thanks so much for making this video. I feel like it spoke directly to me. I’m 38, hate having a desk job that I’ve had for 15+ years, and have always enjoyed doing electrical work on my own home. I’m beginning the research process of my union options in my area and hope to start an apprenticeship within the next 6-12 months.

This makes me feel so much better. Took the aptitude test today, ill be 31 this summer and was worried that I am too old.

I’m 54 and I’m taking my apprentice course to prepare myself to get in to the job. And I feel young enough to work at least till I’m 70 or even 75 if a still have physical capability.Stoping is dying.

I started my Apprenticeship at 51. I will start 2nd semester next week.

I’m 41, college educated and just got offered a position at my local IBEW in the California Bay Area. Took me 2 years and 2 interviews to get in and I’m so glad I didn’t give up!! Really looking forward to this excellent career!

23 going on 24 and I personally feel like I’m doing this at just the right time. When I was younger than I am now, I wouldn’t have been mature enough to take it seriously. I would’ve given up during this long application process. Good video, Stephen! Love your content

I’m 26 and just about to make the jump from a banker to electrician. Couldn’t be more excited

46 year old man who spent 15 years in research and getting ready to start apprenticeship July 25 , was kinda nervous thought I was to old thanks so much for encouragement

Aye man, this was really encouraging! I've been in the restaurant biz for most of my life and it's feeling like a dead end, especially with this pandemic going on! I've just been browsing around and doing some research, trying to explore my options, and your channel has been super helpful to me. Thanks for taking the time to make these videos!!

This was really good to hear, since I'm 37 and was considering a job switch. Although it's really tricky since the trades are SO male-dominated, so I'm not sure that it would be a good fit as a woman. But it's awesome to hear that I could finish my current career and then do an apprenticeship

44-year-old woman preparing for an apprenticeship. Encouraging to see others in midlife instigating changes.

Man this felt good to hear... I’m now starting at 32... pandemic shut down my dj business 😔 I won’t fully quite djing but I’m excited to start a new career path

Im 41 and starting my electrician apprentice on wednesday may 5th👍👍 you never too old to do what you like..😀

@Mad Electrician. Thanks for posting this. Very motivational. I tested and passed for inside wireman this year at the age of 48...waiting for my interview date. It's never too late to learn a new skill!

This is such a relief; I thought I was behind cause I wasn't jumping in right out of high school.

I really appreciate your content & time!! I’m 34 & in trade school now for electrical/electrician. 12/9/20 was my 3rd of school!

Starting my first year at 36!

I am 46 years old, and your advice in these videos has encouraged me to start getting the preparatory work done, as far as materials handler work and volunteering and extracurricular projects that reflect mechanical aptitude and an ability to work with tools, etc. your channel has proven an invaluable resource. Greatly appreciated. Every doubt that ran through my mind in the course of considering this career path, you have effectively dispelled.

21 and mainly interested in the field for being able to have a decent honest job while I figure out if I want to go to college later on, travel later, etc. So long as I'm not stuck in fast food, I'll take it. 5 years to me would give plenty of time to try practicing to use the job to build up just being independent and not needing my parents for everything.

I’m 42 and have been an accountant for 14 years. I have great benefits and pay but I’m bored out of my mind. I’m hoping to get into the 4 yr sound and telecommunications apprenticeship before I turn 43. In addition to this video, the video with your brother was also helpful because I too will be taking a big pay cut and a huge risk by switching careers especially this late in life. I just found your channel today, subscribed and will continue watching for more tips and tricks and encouragement. Thanks!

Thank you for this! I'm 36 and just going into a foundations program this summer....was getting a little nervous to be with a bunch of teenagers.

Thank you for taking the time to make this video

I'm 27 and I'm just getting started as a "shop helper" (i.e. laborer). I submitted my application for a non-union apprenticeship last week and keeping my fingers crossed that I'll get into the program

I'm 33 and I started an electrician trade school program last month. Thanks for the confidence boost.

My husband is 49 and has been a firefighter for 10 years and working in a plant for another 10....he is golden!!! He has his interview in a couple of weeks...

I started doing electrical work 5 years ago at 25, now at 30 I’m looking into unions here in Michigan, I’m also in my second year of electronics and electrical technology program. Thanks for all the videos you have up,very informative,

58 looking to retire early from a desk job. Handy with tools, do lots of diy including basic electrical work. Thanks for the insight. Need to find a way in now that I know it's possible.

Thank you for this!

Mid twenties. Planning a career change, pretty nervous about applying for apprenticeships and following down such a long route but hopefully will all work out. Just applied for marine electrician apprentice role which I'd be really excited to get.

Thanks for the insight. I am 47. I have been a trucking owner operator for 25 years. With decreasing rates, increasing fuel prices and strangling regulations I am considering the next stage in life.

Just turned 43 and started my 1st material handler job yesterday. Im going to apply for an apprenticeship when they take applications. Thanks for the encouragement!

I’m 23 looking at trade jobs and narrowed it down to become an electrician because of your videos. Hopefully I’ll nail everything and be a journeymen by 27-28 LETS GOOOOO!! PS: nice to know you’re a fellow Christian I don’t think it’s coincidence I found your page today.

I’m 31 perusing an apprenticeship coming in a couple days! This video really made it clear to follow through with this career! Thanks Steven! God bless!

You are a great motivational speaker. I could definitely see you teaching later on.

I am 55 and just got accepted into the program and I start class on October 15, 2021. Got accepted the first time I applied

I became an apprentice lineman at 32 years old. Best decision I’ve ever made.

Hi, Thank you for all the great content on your channel :-) I am looking to get an apprenticeship at the age of 41. I have spent the last 15 yrs as a Paramedic in Australia

Got in on the Sound and Communications side the end of last year at 43. Halfway done my 1st year and a few months away from being obligated. Couldn't be happier.

Just made my profile today, as a veteran is was nice that they waived the application fee.. I’m 26 with a background in Mechanics. I always enjoyed working with tools so seeing your videos really opened my eyes to this career. I started my application today and have a lot of time to complete it as fast as possible. Hoping I can be in the apprenticeship by the end of the year! Your videos have helped a lot! Being that I hope to start a family in the next four years and wanted a career that will allow me to provide for them, I am so grateful to have come across this page!

I wanted to become an Electrician out of High school then decided not to. now I'm a second term apprentice and started when I was 25 and Happy I got back into the trade. I don't regret not going straight into the trade too much because of the different life experiences I have had.

3 months into my apprenticeship at 31! Its going great and still I'm so surprised I'm actually in the IBEW! Ive been watching this channel for some years now just hoping to get it...better late than never! Cheers ☕️

Im 26 and I’m just waiting to take my test I heard that in my area in NY they r really short staff so hopefully I will be able to get in this and really put in some great work

When I started my apprenticeship with IBEW Local 80s JATC (Norfolk, Virginia) back in 2002, the oldest first year apprentice in our class was 49 I believe. he retired from the air Force after 20 plus years and did several other things both before the military and after. He made it through the full 5 years and did very well. At that time at least, we did have to sign a SLA (student loan agreement) that was just what you said, you had to work out of the local for 5 years after you topped out. For those who left within that 5-year time period had to pay back the cost of a year of apprenticeship times how many years they did not give back of the five. I believe that worked out to be something along the lines of $1,800 for every year that was not "paid back". I believe they've done away with that now because of how many instances that had occurred and the legality of it in Virginia as it is a "right to work state" so because of that, the apprentices now have to pay the tuition and book cost for every year of their apprenticeship now. So if you're working out of one of the locals that still have student loan agreements, please keep in mind that for every person that does not fulfill that deal, it potentially can affect everybody that follows in those same footsteps down the road.

I'm 35 and looking to get into the trades. Electrical is one of the trades I'm considering. Thanks to this video it makes me feel better knowing I won't be the only "old man" doing an apprenticeship.

Thanks for making your videos

I’m 24 and I plan on applying next year during summer. Right now I’ve been doing what you said and brushing up on my math and reason a couple f electrical books so that I can have some kind of idea. I’ve also picked up working on the side with my friend and his dad and they remodel and do some electrical Work here and there

Awesome video motivated me a lot

im about to start the apprenticeship at 32 very helpful video i feel a lot better.

I will be 36 in May, thank you for sharing this video, the 441 union finally contacted me and I applied two years ago I can’t wait to get started I really hope they keep me busy.

Hey y’all! I’m a 24 year old rod buster apprentice! I’ve applied to the ibew 11 (eti) here in the Los Angeles area!!

I’m 18 turning 19 in April should be starting my apprenticeship soon hopefully this is the right path.

Applying at 30, will be 31 if I get in when it starts. I was going to do it 4 years ago and wish I’d stuck with it then. Need a change from the dead end, low paying office job. Very encouraging to see similar stories/age groups

3rd year union apprentice electrician, started in 2019 at age 30

I’m a bricklayer local 4 In/Ky but my oldest son got in IBEW local 482 Indianapolis a week after he graduated high school. He’s a 2nd year apprentice

best advice

34 years young 🌱 I always tell my younger classmates to invest now! I wish I did. But so glad I found my career now.

I'll be 29 this year and would not have guessed that it's an average age! Thanks for sharing

I feel like I wasted my 20s sometimes. I'll be 30 in August and I sometimes worry that I don't really have anything to show for it. I'm trying to put my best foot forward and build something I can be proud of while being an important part of my community. I passed my aptitude test now im just waiting for my interview sometime early next year. I really need a win here lol.

34 Electrical Apprentice. Barely starting out. Thanks for this

Yes.

I was 18, start electricians vocational school, and worked a couple of years in this trade. Now I am 40 and living in the USA 🇺🇸, I am happy to start apprenticeship program.

I’m 28 and currently getting experience in telecommunication wiring. Once I finish this I just need two semesters of college algebra and I can apply! Hopefully I can start applying by the time I’m at least 30

Finished apprenticeship at 36 then started my own business and being your own boss at 41 now I’m soo happy that I made this decision quitting office job so It’s never too late, It’s all depends how bad you want it !

Thanks man

That's cool that older apprentices get accepted. I spent decades as a waiter and the age discrimination is real. I actually left it behind. But I guess that's what I should've expected from a low technical skill job. I've been toying with the idea of automotive electrical as a late in life career. I love cars and will work until I die if I can help it.

I’m currently 17 and turning 18 in March, I’m in my senior year of high school and my parents want me to become an engineer or an architect but I’ve been thinking it a lot because I have found out that most engineering careers are really high stress and some you might be working overtime, they want me to become an architect bc they think that architects make really good money but I have made some research and found out that they don’t really make a lot of money and they require expensive long education. I’m really thinking of becoming an electrician because you don’t have to pay for education and I can start saving and investing at a young age. I also want to be a part time dog breeder and invest my money in top bloodlines, I already own a “quality” dog and I’m about to breed her, to what I have researched breeders also make good money. I already discussed this with my parents but they still want me to go to college and be someone “big“ in life. I have been thinking of becoming an architect because I have always been a A’s and B’s student but I am tired of going to school and think that I might drop out if I decide to go to college to become an architect. What do you suggest me to do? My parents think that I have to go to college to succeed in life.

im 36 currently going through my term 2 of trade school, after years of doing stone work being the only guy with a license and picking up 6 guys in the morning for work, one guy smoking a joint, one guy drinking a beer, another guy doing a line every morning, at lunch i had to take 3 guys to methadone clinic so they could work the rest of the day, bottom line im 36 and im rocking my electrical apprentice!!! never too old to start something new guys!

I’m 31, about to be 32, and diving back in full force. I plan on starting school next year, but I’m also working in the field as well.

So, I worked at a union shop as a payroll guy. You actually have a thing in your total package that actually pays directly into the JATC. This fund is, most of the time, paid by the contractor as part of your fringes. THAT is your paying it forward. As a Journeyman, your hours worked equals money towards apprenticeship costs for the new guys.

I'm 23 with an Associates Degree in Political Science and I'm currently a Manager at a Target in Vermont. I don't want to be in retail much longer and am thinking of pursuing a career as a union electrician like my uncle. Having a strong foundation for the rest of my life for when I start a family is something that's hard to find in the US these days.

I'm going to be out of the Army when I'm in my early 30s. I was discouraged but this makes me feel better to pursue this.

39 yrs old 8 yrs driving semi. Trying to get in my local IBEW. Never too old.

Just got accepted to my Local’s apprenticeship program. I’ll be 45 soon. I figure that if they accepted me, then it’s not too late.

Attempting to get into it. Turning 20 soon

Just turned 30 and I just decided to go after the IBEW apprenticeship program, to help offset my income dip in the early phases of the program I'm planning on buying, fixing and selling auction cars

Ery Gaton. I am 50 and I can not wait to start.

I’ll be 35 next year when I start my apprenticeship. Really looking forward to the career change after 23 years in Retail/Customer Service.

23 right now and a high school drop out with their GED. I fully believe I am capable of achieving this. I’m going to start off as trainee for a year first so when I apply for my apprenticeship I’ll be 24 to 25.

Thank You for this-47 and want to do this but filled with doubt

Thanks for this video I’m 30. And my interview is next week. I keep worrying I’m too old.

42 y/o 1st year apprentice in Vancouver BC. The majority of people are recently out of high school. but there are a bunch of peeps in the mid 20's a few in the 30's and then there are the unicorns in their 40's!! :)

I’m 16 years old and I’m in a Indian capital technical school that my state offers and my high school pays for all costs,I got into electrician for 2 years(still on my first year) and it’s focus is to prepare me for immediate employment with electrical contractor,apprentice completion and advanced certifications from the first semester I’ve been there I have learned step by step on electrical wiring and next semester my instructor will teach us on how to bend conduit,still have a lot to learn :)

I star the school at 26 got done at 27 just about to star working now -I be done at 31 it’s never to late to change your life

46, applied and just scheduled my math comprehension test.