The Young Electrician Podcast

Ruben Young

The career-building podcast for electricians ⚡️ This show is for electricians in their apprenticeship through early journeyman years who want more than just a job — they want a future. We focus on career strategy, income growth, skill development, leadership, and long-term direction in the trades. From navigating apprenticeship and negotiating pay, to building professional discipline and planning real career paths, this podcast exists to help electricians build real careers, real income, and real direction. This isn’t hype. This isn’t hustle culture. This is mentorship, strategy, and encouragement for people who want to build something that lasts. If you’re ready to stop drifting and start building — you’re in the right place.

  1. May 5

    Pass Your Exam In 90 Days

    How to Pass Your Electrical Exam in 90 Days (Step-by-Step Study Plan) ⚡ Passing your electrical exam isn’t about being the smartest person in the room—it’s about having a clear, repeatable system. In this episode of The Young Electrician Podcast, we break down exactly how to go from overwhelmed to exam-ready in just 90 days. You’ll learn how to build a solid study structure that actually works—covering when to study, where to study, and how to stay consistent even when life gets busy. We also walk through the proven strategy of going through your prep book three full times, so you don’t just recognize answers… you understand the material. If you’ve been putting off your test, failing to stay consistent, or just don’t know where to start—this episode gives you a clear roadmap to follow. In this episode, you’ll learn: How to structure your 90-day study planThe best study environment for retention and focusWhy repetition (3 passes through your prep book) is the key to passingHow to stay disciplined and avoid burnoutWhat separates people who pass from those who keep retaking the exam Your license isn’t just a test—it’s a gateway to more opportunities, higher pay, and long-term career growth. This episode shows you how to take it seriously and get it done. ⸻ 🔧 Sponsors Jobber – Get organized, get paid faster, and run your electrical business efficiently: https://go.getjobber.com/theyoungelectrician Ask BonBon (formerly Ask Neta) – AI Electrical Code App designed to help you navigate the NEC faster and smarter: https://update.askneta.com/ruben?qr ⸻ ⚡ Follow The Young Electrician Website + FREE Ebook: WWW.TheYoungElectrician.Com TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@theyoungelectricianpod Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/the_youngelectrician/ YouTube: www.youtube.com/@theyoungelectrician Plug Into The NEC Newsletter: https://plugintothenec-newsletter-c7c296.beehiiv.com ⸻ 📚 Recommended Study Resources (Affiliate Links) Using these helps support the podcast and keep content like this free. Prep Books: PREP BOOK 2023 https://amzn.to/4bZuHAQ PREP BOOK 2020 https://amzn.to/4ttFkS3 MIKE HOLT PREP BOOK https://amzn.to/3OoNZ9C NEC Code Books: 2020 NEC https://amzn.to/4dtXDC2 2023 NEC https://amzn.to/3QqWQIn NEC 2026 https://amzn.to/41kRCQN NEC HANDBOOK 2023 https://amzn.to/48lpXmB NEC HANDBOOK 2026 https://amzn.to/4mktjMz Study Aids: NFPA 70 UGLY’S https://amzn.to/4txffBJ MIKE HOLT NEC TABS https://amzn.to/3PXNPq7 IBEW APTITUDE TEST https://amzn.to/4dv7iIz

    20 min

  2. Apr 14

    Study Like A Professional - Electrical Exam

    How to Pass Your Electrician Exam (Step-by-Step Study Plan That Actually Works) Most electricians don’t fail because they’re not smart enough… they fail because they don’t have a clear plan. In this episode of The Young Electrician Podcast, I break down a simple, proven 6-step system to help you go from "thinking about the test" to actually passing your journeyman or electrical licensing exam. If you’ve been: • Overthinking what to study • Jumping between too many resources • Studying inconsistently • Or delaying scheduling your exam… This episode will give you the exact structure you need to move forward with confidence. We cover: ✔️ When to schedule your exam (and why it matters) ✔️ How to choose the right prep book or course ✔️ The ideal weekly study schedule ✔️ Why finishing ONE resource is critical ✔️ How to review wrong answers the right way ✔️ And how to walk into your exam ready to pass This is the no-BS blueprint for electricians who are serious about leveling up their career. ⸻ 📘 FREE EBOOK (Start Studying Smarter Today) Study Like A Professional: https://designrr.s3.amazonaws.com/youngruben23_at_gmail.com_341454/study-like-a-professional-1-3dd59d9a_c.pdf ⸻ ⚡ Recommended Prep Tools (Affiliate Links) These are the exact tools I recommend using. * These are affiliate links, and using them helps support the podcast and keeps free content coming. Ask BonBon – AI Electrical Code App https://update.askneta.com/ruben?qr Prep Books: PREP BOOK 2023 https://amzn.to/4bZuHAQ PREP BOOK 2020 https://amzn.to/4ttFkS3 NEC Code Books: 2020 NEC https://amzn.to/4dtXDC2 2023 NEC https://amzn.to/3QqWQIn NEC 2026 https://amzn.to/41kRCQN Study Tools: MIKE HOLT NEC TABS https://amzn.to/3PXNPq7 MIKE HOLT PREP BOOK https://amzn.to/3OoNZ9C NEC HANDBOOK 2023 https://amzn.to/48lpXmB ⸻ Sponsors Jobber – Run your electrical business like a pro: https://go.getjobber.com/theyoungelectrician Ask BonBon (formerly Ask Neta) – AI Electrical Code App: https://update.askneta.com/ruben?qr ⸻ ⚡ Follow The Young Electrician Website + FREE Ebook: WWW.TheYoungElectrician.Com TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@theyoungelectricianpod Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/the_youngelectrician/ YouTube: www.youtube.com/@theyoungelectrician Plug Into The NEC Newsletter: https://plugintothenec-newsletter-c7c296.beehiiv.com ⸻ Show Notes Episode Breakdown Step 1: Schedule Your Exam First • “If it isn’t scheduled, it isn’t real” • Why deadlines create urgency and focus • How far out you should schedule Step 2: Pick ONE Prep Resource • Why resource hopping kills progress • How to choose between books, courses, and apps • Commit to one primary system Step 3: Study 3–4 Days Per Week • Consistency vs intensity • Building a sustainable study rhythm • Example weekly structure Step 4: Complete the Entire Prep Book • Don’t skip sections • Why weak areas matter more than strong ones • “What should you focus on more? All of it.” Step 5: Review Wrong Answers • Your wrong answers = your study guide • How to track mistakes • Turning weaknesses into strengths Step 6: Take and Pass the Exam • Mental approach going into test day • Confidence through preparation • “One season of sacrifice can buy you a lifetime of progress” ⸻ Key Takeaways • A clear plan beats motivation every time • Consistency > cramming • Finishing is more important than perfect studying • Your mistakes are the fastest path to passing ⸻ Who This Episode Is For • Apprentice electricians preparing for their first exam • Journeymen ready to level up • Anyone stuck in “study mode” but not making progress • Electricians who are serious about building a long-term career

    23 min

  3. Mar 26

    From Electrician to Contractor: What You Should Be Doing Right Now

    Most electricians wait until they’re ready to start a business before they begin thinking like a contractor—and that’s exactly why so many struggle when they finally make the jump. In this episode of The Young Electrician Podcast, we break down how to start preparing for becoming an electrical contractor no matter what stage you’re in—apprentice, journeyman, or already doing side work. You’ll learn how to build a strong financial foundation, develop real-world skills beyond installation, and position yourself to succeed when it’s time to go out on your own. We cover: ● How to budget and manage money like a contractor ● Why building credit now can make or break your future business ● How to choose a specialty and master it ● What to start saving for (and why it matters more than you think) ● The difference between soft skills vs hard skills in the electrical trade ● How estimating, communication, and job flow impact your success If you’re serious about becoming an electrical contractor, scaling your income, or building a long-term business in the trades—this episode will give you a practical roadmap to start today. 🧰 Sponsor ✅Try Jobber FREE for 14 days No credit card or bank info required 👉 https://go.getjobber.com/theyoungelectrician ✅ Ask BonBon *Formerly: Ask Neta* https://askbonbon.com/RUBEN 🌐 Connect With Us Brand Partnerships or to be a Guest on the Podcast: Email: TheYoungElectricianPod@gmail.com Website + FREE Ebook: WWW.TheYoungElectrician.Com TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@theyoungelectricianpod Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/the_youngelectrician/ YouTube: www.youtube.com/@theyoungelectrician Plug Into The NEC Newsletter: https://plugintothenec-newsletter-c7c296.beehiiv.com

    36 min

  4. Mar 10

    S2 E14 l 7 Mistakes New Journeyman Electricians Make

    7 Mistakes New Journeyman Electricians Make (And How to Avoid Them) Passing your journeyman electrician exam is a huge milestone—but it’s not the finish line. In this episode of The Young Electrician Podcast, Ruben Young breaks down the 7 biggest mistakes new journeymen make after getting certified and how those mistakes can slow down your career, limit your income, and keep you stuck. If you’re an electrical apprentice preparing for the journeyman exam or a new journeyman electrician trying to advance your career, this episode will help you avoid the traps that hold many electricians back.  You’ll learn how to think like a professional electrician, increase your value in the trade, and build a long-term career in the electrical industry. ⚡ Who This Episode Is For This episode is for: • Electrical apprentices preparing for the journeyman exam • Newly certified journeyman electricians • Electricians looking to increase their income • Tradespeople who want to build a long-term career in the electrical industry 🔧 Sponsors Jobber Get organized, get paid faster, and run your electrical business efficiently. https://go.getjobber.com/theyoungelectrician Ask Neta – AI Electrical Code App Your AI companion for navigating the NEC electrical code. https://update.askneta.com/ruben?qr ⚡ Follow The Young Electrician Website + FREE Ebook WWW.TheYoungElectrician.Com TikTok https://www.tiktok.com/@theyoungelectricianpod Instagram https://www.instagram.com/the_youngelectrician/ YouTube www.youtube.com/@theyoungelectrician Plug Into The NEC Newsletter https://plugintothenec-newsletter-c7c296.beehiiv.com ⚡ Share This Episode If this episode helped you, share it with a coworker, apprentice, or someone studying for the electrical exam. Helping the next generation of electricians grow is how we strengthen the trade together.

    26 min

  5. Feb 24

    S2 E13 l How To Pass The Electrical Exam On A Budget

    How To Pass The Electrical Exam On A Budget | Journeyman Electrician Test Prep Studying for the journeyman electrician exam doesn’t have to cost hundreds of dollars. In this episode of The Young Electrician Podcast, I break down how to pass the electrical exam on a budget using free and low-cost practice tests, NEC resources, and apps to help you pass If you’re preparing for your electrical license exam, journeyman test, or brushing up on NEC code knowledge, this episode will give you cost-effective tools to help you out We cover: • The best free electrician practice tests online • How to use this info to study the NEC efficiently ⸻ Free Practice Tests & NEC Resources The test material is really good on this website. I use it for my weekly prep group. Good luck! Journeyman Electrician Practice Test: https://www.tests.com/practice/journeyman-electrician-practice-test Electrician Practice Test: https://www.tests.com/practice/electrician-practice-test Electrician Math Practice Test: https://www.tests.com/practice/Electrician-Math-Practice-Test Free NEC Online (NFPA 70): https://www.nfpa.org/codes-and-standards/nfpa-70-standard-development/70 ⸻ How To Use These Practice Questions Effectively Don’t mark and skip questions you know — take the time to find them in the NEC so you’ll get better at navigating. Don’t do these questions just once — take these exams multiple times. You’ll learn something new with every pass through. Don’t just find the answer — go to the table of contents and check the chapter every time you answer a question. This will help you get familiar with the structure of the NEC. ⸻ 🔧 Sponsors Jobber – Get organized, get paid faster, and run your electrical business efficiently: https://go.getjobber.com/theyoungelectrician Ask Neta – AI Electrical Code App https://update.askneta.com/ruben?qr ⸻ ⚡ Follow The Young Electrician Website + FREE Ebook: WWW.TheYoungElectrician.Com TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@theyoungelectricianpod Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/the_youngelectrician/ YouTube: www.youtube.com/@theyoungelectrician Plug Into The NEC Newsletter: https://plugintothenec-newsletter-c7c296.beehiiv.com ⸻ If you’re serious about getting licensed, increasing your income, and building a real career in the trades — this episode will give you a practical, affordable blueprint to pass your electrical exam with confidence.

    20 min

  6. Feb 9

    S2 E12 I What 15 Years in The Trade Has Taught Me

    We all have lessons to pass along that we've learned from bumping our heads over the years. This episode is a few of the things I've learned along the way on my electrical journey and career. Jobber: ⁠https://go.getjobber.com/theyoungelectrician⁠  Ask Neta: Ai Electrical Code App https://update.askneta.com/ruben?qr Wbsite and FREE EBOOK: WWW.TheYoungElectrician.Com TikTok https://www.tiktok.com/@theyoungelectricianpod?is_from_webapp=1&sender_device=pc IG https://www.instagram.com/the_youngelectrician/ Youtube www.youtube.com/@theyoungelectrician Plug Into The NEC Newsletter  https://plugintothenec-newsletter-c7c296.beehiiv.com #electrician #construction #electrical #tradelife

    18 min

  7. Jan 12

    S2 E11 l Setting Goals for 2026

    OUR FIRST GIVEAWAY! ENTER TO WIN EITHER A 2020 OR 2023 NEC AND JOURNEYMAN PREP BOOK! *LISTEN TO THIS EPISODE TO FIND OUT HOW TO REGISTER!!! Goal-setting ground rules: They have to be realistic They have to be obtainable within the yearThey have to be something you actually want or need It has to be something you can control (a wish: something you hope happens. A goal: steps you will take, actions you will take), you’re going to take action Choosing your goals: CareerPhysical Relationship FinancialSpiritual Self care Your goals have to take priority in your life.  Finding your goals: What do you want? Or what are you lacking?Write all the things you can think of down Pick 1 or 2 that you either really want or that seem really tangible and easy  break down the steps Create a time frame or timeline (most goals shouldn’t take a year) Trim the fat - what needs to be removed from your schedule to get your goalSet a reminder for 2 weeks from now  Join our Tuesday night prep group: Just email: TheYoungElectricianPod@Gmail.com and ask to be put on the weekly email list for the group! its $10 a week. We meet via Zoom for 1 hour every Tuesday at 6 pm pst! Try Jobber for 14 days FREE, no credit or bank info required. Use the link and get 20% for the first 6 months!!! https://go.getjobber.com/theyoungelectrician website ⁠⁠WWW.TheYoungElectrician.Com⁠⁠ TikTok ⁠⁠https://www.tiktok.com/@theyoungelectricianpod?is_from_webapp=1&sender_device=pc⁠⁠ IG ⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/the_youngelectrician/⁠⁠ Youtube ⁠⁠www.youtube.com/@theyoungelectrician⁠⁠ Plug Into The NEC Newsletter  ⁠⁠https://plugintothenec-newsletter-c7c296.beehiiv.com⁠⁠

    26 min

  8. Jan 5

    S2 l E10 Taking Ownership of Your Career in 2026

    OUR FIRST GIVEAWAY! ENTER TO WIN EITHER A 2020 OR 2023 NEC AND JOURNEYMAN PREP BOOK! *LISTEN TO THIS EPISODE TO FIND OUT HOW TO REGISTER!!! Its never too late to move your career forward! One of the things I've realised in my career as an electrician is that I stay stagnant or I move forward based on my own choices. January is the perfect time to get back on your grind and make big advances in your life and career. You can get your electrical license or electrical contracting license in just 3 months from start to finish if you have the hours! You just need to put the time and effort in. Join our Tuesday night prep group: Just email: TheYoungElectricianPod@Gmail.com and ask to be put on the weekly email list for the group! its $10 a week. We meet via Zoom for 1 hour every Tuesday at 6 pm pst! Try Jobber for 14 days FREE, no credit or bank info required. Use the link and get 20% for the first 6 months!!! https://go.getjobber.com/theyoungelectrician website ⁠WWW.TheYoungElectrician.Com⁠ TikTok ⁠https://www.tiktok.com/@theyoungelectricianpod?is_from_webapp=1&sender_device=pc⁠ IG ⁠https://www.instagram.com/the_youngelectrician/⁠ Youtube ⁠www.youtube.com/@theyoungelectrician⁠ Plug Into The NEC Newsletter  ⁠https://plugintothenec-newsletter-c7c296.beehiiv.com⁠

    28 min
See All (38)

4.8
out of 5
6 Ratings

About

The career-building podcast for electricians ⚡️ This show is for electricians in their apprenticeship through early journeyman years who want more than just a job — they want a future. We focus on career strategy, income growth, skill development, leadership, and long-term direction in the trades. From navigating apprenticeship and negotiating pay, to building professional discipline and planning real career paths, this podcast exists to help electricians build real careers, real income, and real direction. This isn’t hype. This isn’t hustle culture. This is mentorship, strategy, and encouragement for people who want to build something that lasts. If you’re ready to stop drifting and start building — you’re in the right place.

Information

You Might Also Like