Tips on Turning Side Work into a Business
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- Опубліковано 14 лип 2024
- 00:00 Intro
00:26 Advise on starting a business
01:46 Having a shop on your property
02:31 Work Truck
04:00 Word of mouth
05:02 Billing and Accounting
05:17 Budgeting
06:09 Outro
At what point do you stop working for someone else and take the leap and start your own business? At some point or another, every businessman and businesswoman ask themselves this question. As a successful business owner himself, Dustin with Electrician U provides some insight into this topic.
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The very first thing you will need is a license! If you are considering owning an electrical business, then a master electrician license is what you should have. Some areas may also require you to have a business license or something similar, but at a minimum a master electrician license is required. If you perform electrical contracting work without a license, you will get into a pretty good amount of trouble, and you DO NOT want to start your journey behind the 8 ball!!
Next, you would have to either clear it with your current employer and make sure they are ok with you doing it as you usually would start off slow, on nights and weekends, and your employer may take offense to your being a competitor. Not to say that all employers are like that; some are quite ok with their employees rising through the ranks into entrepreneurship, but some are not. Approach them with the idea that you are not stealing their customers (or employees!) or undermine the company or anything sinister, you simply are looking to better yourself and step out on your own! Heck, they may even be willing to give you some tips and lessons that they learned along the way. You never know until you ask, but just make sure everything with your current boss is on the up and up.
A place to work out of is also definitely important as you will have tools, materials, and all the items you will need to use to be a successful business owner. But, when starting out, this can be in your garage, shed in the backyard, sometimes even the pickup truck is what you have access to and will use. As you become more and more successful in business, you will eventually grow out of the garage, but initially save the money for something that needs a financial solution.
Speaking of a place to work, you are going to need some type of vehicle to get from your shop to the jobsite to do the work, to the supply houses to get your materials, and even a way to get to the places to BID the work you are intent on doing! A pickup truck or van are usually the go to choices for contractors. However, you don’t want to run out and BUY a brand-new truck/van, but rather wait until you have enough revenue rolling in to justify the purchase. Use what you have when you are first starting out until you can prove that you can do the work, bid the work properly, go through both highs and lows (on the financial end), and that you have enough work on the horizon to be reasonably comfortable.
When considering the type of debts that we all must face, try to stay away from the consumer type debt (buying things out of want as opposed to out of need) and think about purchases that will result in a debt you could leverage and make work for you. Dustin tells the example of a bucket truck for work. Yes, it is an expense, but making that purchase would open up a considerably larger quantity of additional work you could do. Makes sense, but do not make those purchases initially but rather after you are on your way to success.
Billing and accounting when you are first starting out should be simple. Make yourself a budget and stick to it. There are tons of different software’s available, but something like Excel or a spreadsheet can work reasonably well at the beginning. You just must have a way to track your expenses, billings, etc.
My two cents...
1. Hire a CPA.
2. Do whatever your competition will not do.
3. Work your ass off.
4. Pay your taxes.
I think that's four cents worth.
😁
I can only do the first three. 👹
@@Silver77cyn I mean all the other rich fucks in this world don't pay taxes why should I
You just opened a whole new genre for yourself! Please talk about business side! Like daily paper work, talking with accountant, dumb things you did initially starting, how you’ve grown. Kind of like journey2master
Word of mouth is huge , I’m on my 3rd week of being on my own after working for a company for 7 years . All of my work is word of mouth and I’m booked out atleast the next 3 months . Even though some days you’re out early , most the time you’re on the computer until 4-5 maybe even later getting people quotes calling inspectors pulling permits etc.. but it’s honestly fun, everyday is different it’s not going to the same place everyday seeing the same people being told what to do by the same people. It’s an awesome experience so far and I would push anybody that’s thinking of going on their own to just do it . Dont undersell yourself either make sure to charge what you’re worth and keep all your receipts ! Write offs is the biggest piece of being self employed seriously
Looking for an update on how your making out on your own. Been in the field 11 years. 3 yrs residential the rest commercial/ industrial with residential side work. Goal is to get my masters this year before the fall and finish out the two projects I'm overseeing and be on my own by 2026
@@ryguy11794 Hey man, this might be a stupid question but I'm getting out of the military this year and starting off as a first year apprentice. Is residential where most of the business gets generated for independent contractor work? And what is the ratio of service calls to new construction jobs? I plan on working commercial through IBEW until I get my Journey license but I am strategizing whether I should work for a private residential company after that to build experience for going out on my own in 10 - 15 years. Thanks :)
100 percent with ya I've been in business almost 3 years all my work trucks are bought and paid for no debt
I love how you googled exactly how you speak it. That's perfect
Appreciate your energy and genuine will to help! Thank you sir
That’s solid advice. I been struggling with this for a long time.
Great video bro! Would love to see more stuff like this.
Great video.
Thank you.
Lots of good advice here! 3:14
Good practical tips. Thank you
My first work "vehicle" was an old beat down 99 f 150 that I used until about 2020. Fortunately, your quality of work and reasonable prices will be more than enough to get your name out there via word of mouth.
Great advice ... Hope all new business's do well ...
I would love a longer breakdown episode of this.
Passed my masters in Michigan last week. Love your videos. Don't worry about making videos to long. I know the analytics say that the new ADHD generation can't concentrate past so many minutes, but some of us love the longer videos.
Congratulations on passing your exam!
@@ElectricianU Thank you! Taking the electrical contractors test next week and I will be done with all this damn testing. I passed my Jman only 2 years ago. Seems like I been testing non stop lol
Your videos help a lot! I really appreciate all the work you put into them!
Reviews people always have something like me xoxox you are awsome appreciate all you do wish I would've taken up
I’ve worked for a company that only did commercial service. They employed a guy who had a residential service company and didn’t care since he wasn’t directly in competition with them
I think it’s better to take a business class or do sales training to start any business because that’s the backbone in every business is what I would add to your statement.
The one thing I wish you would have said that I did not hear is that just because you are a good trades person doesn't NOT mean that you will be a good business owner / manager. Those are two different skill sets. Unfortunately, far too many of our brothers don't realize this fact and compromise their financial future when they go out on their own.
If your starting a partnership, would you go with an LLC or an S-Corp and if you wouldn't mind explaining why that would be super helpful! Thanks Bud!
Nice video👍could you suggest some excel templates for doing side jobs estimates.
What do you need to start a side work business legally?? & and whats better comercial or residencial?
dudes a psychonaut I LOVE IT :D fellow sparky and cosmonaut at your service :D
Dave ramsey is smiling at the “don’t use debt to get your truck” advice
Talk more about this. All of it!
Hello. What is the best way to advertise. Do you have any preference?
Thx!
I do a lot of side jobs but the home owners wives often want me to work shirtless. If I comply, will I get into any kind of tax trouble later?
Is it better to start with service work, construction work or both?
What if you only want to do service calls only. I'm a Journeyman Electrician, would I have to have a master even if I'm only doing service calls in Texas?
Hi I am having a problem with my generator. Not turning off and power was restored.
How do you get into new construction electrical jobs for residential .
I have my masters, I just don’t know how to start. Where do I find commercial work to bid on. Do I have to start doing service calls? How do I find reliable steady calls? How much realistically do I need cash to start?
How do you keep side jobs coming in or find them?
1:10 "you're in competition"
Next step, sign up for coaching with us 😮 oh and make sure you didn't sign a non-compete agreement.
He sick as hell 🤣😂 heal up buddy. Get some broth. All love ✊🏿🖤
I’ve been doing electrical on the side for the last 20 years, when this Covid thing hit I was on a 2 week off 2 week on work schedule so I started my business legally. I tried doing everything on myself and it sucked , so I hired a CPA bought a used van, and started doing work and was overwhelmed with how much work I am getting. I guess my question is I have trouble keeping people or finding good help. I give bonuses on early completion of jobs, I pay my electrician really well and offer a training program for my apprentices so they can get licensed. I really work with all my guys closely and always open to new ideas and offer suggestions to make there job easier along with understanding they need family time to. But it seems when I get people where I can trust and feel comfortable with they seem to think they want to go out on there jobs and make the money I do under the radar and we both know that usually doesn’t work out in this day and time. Can you give me any suggestions on how you keep your help with you or how you pick your hired help? Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated. Keep up the good work!
Damn I wish I had a journeyman like you when I started that’s the right way to do in the construction industry
I don’t see the link for the discord
What can you do as just a master electrician? From my understanding you have to be a licensed contractor as well to be able to do “legit” work on the side? I’m not to familiar with it all yet so I’m trying to see what all side work can legally be done as a master electrician. Also do you ever need an electrical PE?
Believe it or not, some states down south don't require state license. Don't ask me how
Great advice on the truck
You can just get a Mr sparky franchise. Lol
My boss gives me advice and parts for my side jobs. I'm a lucky sonova b
You're special edd bro.... LOL Good channel though. I wish your websight was as good. Tried signing up for the thing a while back and NOTHING worked... Shame. I'm stupid, I need all the info I can get...
I feel like this guy would know all this stuff if he was a master electrician lol.
What is the discord name?
discord.com/invite/7ykYfbh
Not everyone with a masters license works for an electrical contracting company . I don't. Maybe he doesn't either.
I can't agree with side work taking money out of my employers pockets, they strictly do commercial/industrial and my residential side jobs in no way compete with them!
Is being an electrician a good trade for someone who doesn’t like heights?
No
@@juanlara4127 why not? Are you an electrician?
@@basedandredpilled88 I am and We use ladders like you wouldn’t believe it as well as the occasional lift depending on the work I’ve been on scaffolding and 4’,6’,8’ are the minimum ladders we always use I’ve been on ladders that are 10’, 12’, and 14’ you shouldn’t be worried if you can deal with it but if you get vertigo on a 6’ ladder that may be a deal breaker
@@juanlara4127 those ladders don’t sound too bad.
@@basedandredpilled88 they’re not I haven’t felt uncomfortable at all
Don't start an account with your supply house YET
I disagree. If you start a business with the intent of relying on referrals your taking a lazy path that usually fails. If you don't plan to promote you are skipping a crucial step.
If you work for a commercial electric company, then usually they will have no problem with you doing residential side jobs as it’s literally not taking business away from them whatsoever (my company actually encourages it). If you work rezzy though then it’s probably not in your best interest to talk about side work at the company Christmas party or on the job around coworkers you don’t know or trust.
The discord group has been amazing so far. Been around for around 6 months and everyone is really helpful there.
I really don’t understand any professional electrician buying from Home Dept or Lowes who are the most uncompetitive supply houses and turn around and sell the same customers the material you buy and compete against you. There are reputable commercial industrial supply houses who work with contractors
Because they beat out supply houses prices on certain items especially residential stuff. Romex, resi grade panels. Home centers absolutely gouge you on large diameter wire and conduit though. It pays to have multiple suppliers price out your jobs.
Well since I asked this question I can expand upon it. 1. I will not be going against my employer because I am an "in house" electrician for 15 grain/fertilizer handling facilities. 2. Since I'm in a rural area a lot of the calls are for working ag related issues like irrigation systems. 3. The truck question. I'll be honest I worded that weird. Basically I'm looking for a new (to me) truck right now anyways, so I was curious about what everyone had and there set ups. Also I would think it would be awesome if you did like a podcast long episode going into all the details on this topic. Thanks for answering my questions!
Thanks for the great question leading to a great video that is helping us all. Best wishes and thanks for emphasizing doing this completely legal.
Have you looked into a Suburban or Tahoe XL? I see a few advantages to an SUV over a pickup or panel van: you can get them in 4x4, if all weather calls might be a service consideration; you can lock all 5 or 6 doors for security of your stuff; a long roofline for big ladders; lots of advertising real estate on the sides and rear like a van; probably much more comfortable and easy to find; pretty good access to the sides and rear, especially if you remove the seats.
👍
@@PatrickKQ4HBD it's something I've always thought I would do in the future and now it seems like a good of time as any. For the suv I have worked out of one doing construction and I did not like it at all.
My brother is a foreman for an electrical company here in Arkansas. They sign a no work waiver for a 50 mile radius from where the company is located. 2 guys were caught doing side work and they now walk with canes. Doing side work isn't a smart move everywhere. They're lucky to even be alive in all seriousness.
Lol wtf thats crazy
@@coachdsimpson Not crazy really, those 2 just crossed the wrong employer and met the business end of a conduit bender handle. They got lashed with a big piece of MCM wire as well.
@@blatantexpress9781 Kneecapping is 100% some mafia shit. We don't allow that in this country. Somebody violated their contract with you? Take them to court and decide it the RIGHT WAY.
@@PatrickKQ4HBD nobody violated anything with me bub, take your John Wayne shit on down the road, speeding is 100% illegal in this country too yet you see people doing that everyday too.
Maybe he's not going against current employer, by the employer only does industrial or only certain customers and his side work is residential or something his employer dosent do.
Dude this is good info
Great advice all the way around!
I am sorry you are feeling sick bro. Get well soon.
Good advice on minimizing capital investments as much as possible in the beginning. Consider yourself lucky that your line of work doesn't require $100k+ to get started. You can do it with the skill, knowledge and tools you've already got. It's the best case scenario!
Hey Dustin, I'm confused about wiring for air conditioners with heat strips? Is it common to have 3 phase heat strips with single phase blower motors? I think a video breaking down wiring for air handlers would really help me out a lot...
Take a look at the Name Plate. Most times manufacturers have it listed if they are Single Phase or 3 Phase.
This is hands down the best advice I’ve heard
Definitely would like to see more video's of how to set up, start and get into keeping the jobs coming,
Not hating or anything my guy but most of us "real electricians" work for commercial or industrial contractors that resi crap we do on the side so we ain't taking no work away from our bosses
I disagree with what you stated about going to a supply shop to a home depot . First of all Box store's are only good up to
2in pvc. So let's just say box stores are ok for residential work.
If I get in a jam and need to buy something to get me out of trouble I look for mom & pops store's and second would be a small chain store. I try to give back as much as I possibly can and hope others do the same. I enjoy your content and videos I think you are doing a good thing for the F.N.G'S keep up the good work
FNG here. I'll second that!
@@PatrickKQ4HBD We all were there at one point. Before you know it you will have 20 yrs in your lower back and hip will hurt from wearing your tool pouch and your knees will hurt. Tip for you do not wear your tool pouch. Save your back
You didn't consider a person like me. I'm an industrial electrician so doing side work will have no effect on my employer. Thankfully I'm very well paid and don't need to do extra work.😁
I don't fully agree that side work is going against your employer because your taking money out of his pocket. It is going against your employer because most people doing side work are doing the work for much cheaper which overall brings down the value of the trade. Why hire a company to fix your electrical when you can hire a journeyman to do it on Saturday for half the price.
I see your point, but aside from the unlicensed journeyman issue, that's how capitalism works. There's always some moving balance point between the upward and downward pressures on price. The fully licenced weekender doing the job for less is tremendously valuable to the customer, even if his day job company may not like the competition. Competition for business is ultimately good for everyone, even though there are pain points for some.
@@PatrickKQ4HBD I don't think the competition is the problem. There not enough electricians as it is. The employer can't compete with the weekender because the employer has fees,taxes and workman's comp that they have to pay. A journeyman has to pay none of that and technically aren't legal on jobs over 500. Customer have no problem paying a mechanic 250 dollars an hour, whereas good luck charging that as an electrician. I think most employers would love to pay the journeyman a 100+ an hour if they could charge for it. But if there is 100 joe handyman charging 50 an hour that will never happen.
Learned a lot here
I was fortunate to have a great gig as a master electrician running industrial work for a larger company and able to start my business doing residential Sidework so I never really competed with my employer. Two streams of income. One for licensing a company, another from my customers; couldn’t beat it.
Diversification!
I just started my business in NC and this was super helpful. You're right. Word of mouth is huge. I'm slowly building my base and it's a lot of who you know out here, but that was a great video. Thank you.
Where at in NC
I have so much side work I don’t know what to do with it. But at the same time I like my steady income of about 2500 a week. It’s a hard transition. Currently living in California
Ive got a different problem. The shops in my hood are shite, managed by petty malcontents... ya know, the old-timer types that shite on everyone and treat their customers like idiots (cause society owes them). Their staff is young and seem pretty cool. How do I get worker to do jobs for me. Frankly, Im not gonna give the shop any more business anyways.
Entitlement is a sickness that is tough to break. Best wishes.
I remember I started watching your videos 3 years ago when I was wondering what to carry in my tool pouch. Now im striving for my contractors license. Lol you've helped a bunch man, thanks!
Watched that same video along with why you should become an electrician when I was between jobs trying to figure out wth I should do, love what I do now (not always the ppl I end up working with though) but every day is something new for the most part meeting new people and their pets who appreciate what I do to make their lives better and safe while I'm not stuck working in front of a computer screen all day being micromanaged by people who just see me as another number who's easily replaced.
Lol 3 years is not enough for you to get your license
That is awesome!
@@juliovalencia4948 Dude, he said "striving for". It means he's not there yet, but he knows where he's headed.
@@PatrickKQ4HBD he needs to worry about finishing his apprenticeship first
Amazing
I quit the company I worked for 12 years 6 months ago to go off on my own. I'm booked for the next 6 months atleast. The company I used to work for actually started throwing me jobs. Honestly the best decision I ever made. I started doing side work after 2 years and grew a huge client base that recommended me. Today I got a call from some who recommended me on a job I did 8 years ago.
I would focus on getting vendor accounts setup and getting a line of credit setup. Then pay them on time RELIGIOUSLY. a Small Business with no credit line is not going the succeed long term.
I started doing electric when I was 16. I worked up to doing light commercial because my dad was doing a ton of construction in the 80's. We always had trouble getting material because we weren't contractors. I walked into a mom/pop wholesaler in the dead of winter on a drizzly day. 19 yo kid with dad's blank check in my pocket. I told the owner's son at the counter what I wanted and he motioned me over to his dad. I overheard the conversation where the dad was totally p.o'd over a contractor who had picked up $50k worth of stuff and the following week filed for bankruptcy. When the dad hung up, he yelled at me "What do you want!" I told him I needed about $10k worth of stuff, wasn't a contractor and I had a check in my pocket. With a straight face I told him "And I won't fk you in the a$$ like that other guy did." He stared at me for a second, blinked and saod "Gimmi the fkn check!" He called the bank and saw that we were good. He yelled over to his son, "Jeff..give him what he wants". It was the start of a wonderful relationship. I'd walk in with a set of plans and bounce ideas off him. He'd make suggestions that helped him get rid of panels he couldn't sell. The dad died after many years and they closed up shop and the son reopened another warehouse 50 miles away. I only got to see him a few times after that, but he also opened doors for me at suppliers that refused to sell yo me before. I made good money on side jobs.
@@obsoleteprofessor2034 absolutely agree!! Had a similar experience when I started my business. I bought from the same gus for 20 years before he retired and shut it down.
my dad will give me his electrician company and everything so i just want to know if i should graduate or go to college. im 14
College is for suckers
College if your interested in expanding your dads company along with extra stuff related to say anything engineering/electrical. Graduate means that your are 100% prepared and you ready to take on the role of working at your dads company (which being a recent high school grad you aren't). I say make a map of everything you need and where you would be 5 years down the line. Just mark out option A being graduating and Option B being going to college.
Long-term, yes to both - by age 30.
I’ve been doing side work since I was first able to 4 years ago..when I got my journeyman card I started paying advertising companies for leads and the work is increasing. All employers that say no side work can literally go f*ck themselves. Ain’t nobody telling me I can’t work and make money. If you don’t want me working in my spare time then you best pay me to stay home. I also only take cash and checks, well, bc f*ck the government taking money I’ve literally bled and sweated for. They take enough already. If you want anymore financial or career advice let me know.
Great tips! Need more on this topic, just starting out on my own too and need tips all the time!
Best of luck!
We need a poll. Cocaine or covid?
Damn son you got your own bucket truck??
I knew he was a lighting guy lol
More, more, please.
Longest journey start with one step at the time
Gee Dustin, you got a cold, COVID, or a cocaine habit?
Bad ass stickers
Love these videos!!
You did miss talking about getting all the insurance policies he will need to get along with a bank business account. Liability insurance is a must for sure. Vehicle commercial insurance. In Canada we have to have WSIB and pay them. This is just a few of what you need.
Canada is not a normal example of insurance. In the USA you don't need that much insurance.
Can you explain WSIB for us Yanks? Thanks. 👍
Is anyone Having trouble finding 3 ph meters or is it just texas I've searched every store 100miles of DFW
There's a shortage on the east coast too
@@JustinL614 I found one single phase meter in the last 2 months but no 3ph
@@FKNSENDIT We've been having trouble with empty shelves even at home depot trying to find stuff like boxes. Idk how it works in Texas but here if you file a job you can fill out a form and request the meter pans from the utility company. Then they come and put in the meter after. I wonder if you can do that.
U sound a little nasaly bro u sick?
BEST CHANNEL ON UA-cam!!! Keep it up
It is 100% possible that he may not be in competition with his current employer. Many electricians I know work in a maintenance capacity for plants, schools, mines, etc. rather than in a contracting capacity. No competition there.
Not only that but most side work is small enough work that most contractors won't find worth it
It's not about being in competition. It's about being available for your employer. That's what employers frown upon. Try to tell your boss you can't come in saturday because you have to finish your job instead of his or you're working for someone else lol.
@@JustinL614 I get what you're saying but no employer should be able to force you (or guilt trip you whatever you wanna say) to work weekends unless you're a salary worker I suppose. Any company I've ever asked for has been like hey could you possibly work Saturday? You respond with a no I have plans or something to that effect. Obviously don't be a jackass and say you can't because you have side work lol
@@erich1380 Lol I don't like employers that do that but I have seen it happen. I've also seen employees started to migrate towards another company slowly and bosses trying to prevent that sometimes by being overly aggressive.
@Les It's 100% possible and 100% impossible so it cancels out lol
We can definitely use these types of “dad advice” videos in regards to starting your own business. Pain and failing are good educators but if there are issues that we can anticipate it helps us to keep our eyes peeled for them. Your advice on not accruing debt until cash flow is realized is great! Same thing with the work truck.
I get a vibe that someone watches Garand Thumb 🤔 hahaha
I was gonna turn my side stripper business into full time until I found out you gotta work out
😂
Thanks! This is the first truly smartass comment I've read here.
"I've already been talking about it way longer than I probably should've"
Bro, I would seriously LOVE if you did a full 10, 20min or however long video just on this topic. All the down and dirty details and spreadsheets I would watch and rewatch. At one point it was my long term goal to start a business, but I also find the idea very intimidating. This was a nice kinda broad overview of how a guy might get started, and it's kinda got me thinking in that direction again.
Agree x1000 would help a lot of us guys trying to venture out on our own
Agreed
I support this comment
More!
DEFINITELY need more videos on this topic man
Thanks for the great tips! I’m waiting on the State of Texas to approve my journeyman test application. When I acquire my license I’m definitely working towards a masters with the intent of becoming my own boss, so small tips like this are very much appreciated 👍
A journeyman card is not considered a license though. Doesn't Grant you any legal permission to do electrical work
@@erich1380 True but is that what he said? No. He said he had the intent of becoming his own boss later on after acquiring a license which does grant legal permission.
@@JustinL614 he said when he acquires his license he's gonna work on his master's aka he's calling getting his journeyman card a license which is not a license. Am I being petty? Lol yeah but license is a word in our trade used to indicate you are an electrical contractor
@@erich1380 Okay I get what you're saying so we're going to have to ask him if that's what he meant. The way he wrote it seems to me as that license wasn't referring to the subject of the last sentence but was a new subject of the next sentence.
@@JustinL614 I suppose it's possible he worded it backwards on accident but it wouldn't make any sense to aquire a license THEN get a master's. A license is harder and does more for you than being a master does of course
Do you have any advice for someone starting out in the field. In my area the electricians are rarely hiring and when they do, they only hire you for what they need then let you go. Outside my area all the companies want you to have a certain amount of years working experience in the field like I try to explain to them how will I get a job in the field if nobody will hire me. I have 4 safety and pollution certifications, osha 10 hour construction, cpr, nccer core, hvac level 1 and 2, and electrical level 1 and 2 but they want working experience in the field
May I ask, where do you live?
First stop focusing on what they're doing because that may lead to resentment. Most of the time when you're being let go and don't know why it's because you didn't meet their expectations. When I first started I got let go too but now I get calls begging me to come back from several companies so I get to choose what I want within reason. It's a better position to be in.
Secondly, don't count on certifications. I keep telling people this and I'll say it again. I've had plenty of people who had even more certifications than you but weren't worth half of what they were being paid. Being overly certified in safety often translates as you are there to waste as much time as possible.. In the same regard we've seen plenty of electricians come out of a school who were taught the wrong way. That's why people want experience. It's almost a turn off to employers. Personally I would rather hire and train someone from the ground up. I've trained apprentices in 2 years to be able to produce more work in a day than mechanics who have been in the business for 20 years because the mechanics already were ruined by bad work ethic and way too much focus on safety that is usually just harped on for insurance purposes..
Third and most importantly get your hands on as much type of work as possible. You may be educated in certain aspects but there may just not be that kind of work available and you have to be a do anything kind of guy. Meaning..don't just learn how to memorize and take tests. Both are important but you have to show you can work to most people and a paper is not going to convince them. Learn the principles of how things work mechanically, electrically, structurally.. etc. Those are things you will learn by experience but a deeper knowledge can be had by closely paying attention to advice from people who are successful electricians. This channel is pretty good to learn the basics.