[RE-wrenches] Apprentice interview

[Ray Walters]

Hi Luke;

I would say that the ability to think is the primary attribute I'm 
looking for, and the difference between an apprentice and a laborer.  It 
is indeed rare.  Most folks really just don't soak up much of the 
knowledge we're trying to pass on, either due to lack of interest or 
lack of background.  They're going to need to put in some study time on 
their own, reading Solar Pro, Homepower, the RE Wrenches list, the NEC 
code, product brochures, manuals, PV Design books, and then ask lots of 
questions when they come back to work.
As mentioned before, living off grid is a crash course in this subject; 
you've got to understand what's going on with the system or you'll soon 
be sitting in the dark. It creates an innate desire to study up on the 
subject.  I have some very well informed customers that will not suffer 
talking to fools.

R.Ray Walters
CTO, Solarray, Inc
Nabcep Certified PV Installer,
Licensed Master Electrician
Solar Design Engineer
303 505-8760

On 4/30/2015 12:46 PM, Luke Christy wrote:
> Since we're pretty far down the road of throwing out traits that define the mythic ideal employee/apprentice, I'm going to add what I think is one of the most important (and probably most difficult to find) traits, which is the ability to THINK (preferably quickly) on one's feet to solve a problem, as well as willingness/desire to learn new skills and improve the skills one already has.
> It doesn't seem like it's asking too much to find someone with those abilities, but it sure is rare to come across.
>
> -Lukw
>
> Luke Christy
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