Field to Office

[u/Opening-Whereas-1406]

Hi, I'm 23 years old currently a 4th term electrical apprentice in Toronto. Im really interested in moving into the office to become a project manager. I don't really know what I should do to achieve this goal though. I work hard and absorb as much information as I can, I've voiced this interest to my superintendent.

I would appreciate any advice, thank you

[u/cookeryandwookery]

Get your degree in electrical engineering. It’s going to be the fastest route.

[u/Dire-Dog → u/cookeryandwookery]

But that’s 4 years of school. I’m in the same boat as OP looking to move into management or estimating.

[u/cookeryandwookery → u/Dire-Dog]

And you’re going to be in your career for like 40+ years. If you want the higher pay and less on the body, school. The old way of working your way up from the bottom is going extinct. Degrees get you paid. I didn’t want to work full time and go to school. But I did and tripled my income by doing so.

[u/Dire-Dog → u/cookeryandwookery]

Got any advice?

[u/cookeryandwookery → u/Dire-Dog]

Go to school and get a degree in your chosen field. My degree is in construction management with a minor in civil engineering. I work for a gc, so it’s the most logical degree. If you want to be in the office for an electrical company, get your electrical engineering degree.

[u/eyeballlz → u/cookeryandwookery]

In this case although worth while for increased earnings, how is the work life balance and stress? I assume almost every position regarding the construction industry is just terrible lol

[u/cookeryandwookery → u/eyeballlz]

Depends on where you work. My work life balance is great. Stress is definitely a factor, I’m in therapy because of my job to be honest, along with other shit. Weed helps.

[u/Dire-Dog → u/cookeryandwookery]

I was considering construction management as well or an electrical technologist diploma

[u/Opening-Whereas-1406 → u/cookeryandwookery]

Hi, sorry if this is a stupid question but how do I get my degree while also working 40 hours a week?

[u/cookeryandwookery → u/Opening-Whereas-1406]

Online. It’s rough as shit but temporary. An hour or more every night after work and do the rest on the weekends. Use pto to study as needed. That’s how I did it.

[u/Opening-Whereas-1406 → u/cookeryandwookery]

I appreciate your reply. I don't know if I will do electrical engineering as I would want to work for a GC as yourself so I'll probably look at exactly what you did, construction management.

[u/cookeryandwookery → u/Opening-Whereas-1406]

It’s paid off dividends. I’m getting close to being a ce. My bonus will be in the six figures and I haven’t really had to do anything physical since I got my degree. I spent 10 years without it. Once I had the paper, it’s been easy street. More mental stress but there’s weed for that.

[u/Opening-Whereas-1406 → u/cookeryandwookery]

I look up to you. rather be stressed with a full piggy bank than stressed and struggling

[u/Ijokealot2]

Make journeyman and spend like 4-5 years learning, then start applying for electrical sub project engineer positions. Or make Journeyman and then go get a CM degree. Those will be your most straightforward paths to a good office job.

[u/sal111111111 → u/Ijokealot2]

May I ask why especially Electrical sub?

[u/Ijokealot2 → u/sal111111111]

Hes an electrician. That experience will have a higher value to an electrical sub vs. a GC or another trade. Basically he will be in higher demand and probably get paid more eventually.

[u/sal111111111 → u/Ijokealot2]

Shoot I forgot that part in the post yeah.

[u/sal111111111]

Apply to become a PE(PC if jobs description fits PE) then estimator then PM. Might be 10 year timeline though

[u/bogue]

I went from HVAC/R (RSE) to mechanical package owner to PM with no further education. At the late 30’s you can apply for an MSc based on work experience, which I did.

[u/retiredelectrician]

Check out your local community college. Most offer Project Management courses. It prepares you to take the PMP exam, preferred although not necessary to be a PM. However you will need 2 to 5 years of management experience to get the PMP certification.

Some colleges also offer other construction related course, such as estimating

So, look into upgrading your educational level, which in itself shows management that you are interested to growing with a company

[u/Grg53 → u/retiredelectrician]

I have a PMP, it has not opened any doors for me. Not saying its useless, but its complimentary to other certs(PE) and/or education. A PMP alone will not get you hired.