FZ_logomark_4x-min
FZ_Endeavor_logo lockup_4x-min
  • About Us
  • Services
        • Industrial Tech

          State-of-the-art technology solutions to strengthen and improve your facility.

          Learn More
        • Electrical Innovation

          Talented electricians, technicians, and engineers customize comprehensive electrical solutions.

          Learn More
        • Electrical Services

          Electrical solutions from large-scale projects to routine maintenance.

          Learn More
  • Resources
        • Case Studies

          Over 40 years of experience solving our customer’s most complex problems.

          Learn More
        • Materials

          Industry insight and capabilities designed for success.

          Learn More
  • Careers
  • Blog & News
  • Contact
  • Design Engineering
  • VDC
  • Manufacturing
  • DO NOT DELETE THIS – Should be last item always
  • Electrical Solutions
  • Systems Solutions
  • Audio Visual Solutions
  • Outdoor Solutions
  • DO NOT DELETE THIS – Should be last item always
  • IIoT & Digital Solutions
  • Industrial Networking & Cyber Security
  • Factory Automation & Robotics
  • Panel Build
  • DO NOT DELETE THIS – Should be last item always

FZer Spotlight: Jimmy Martin

January 14, 2022 Tagged With: apprentice, career, careers, careers page, ceca, electricians, fzers, jobs

We interviewed Jimmy Martin, Electrical Journeyman at FZ's Charleston, SC branch, to better understand his experience as an FZ employee and as an apprentice. Check out what he had to say!

What made you interested in the trades?
"I had some prior experience in the electrical field and knew that I wanted to do something where I could work with my hands. I also knew that a career in the trades was very stable and in high-demand, so it seemed like a good opportunity."

How did you find FZ?
"Honestly—through a simple Google search. I noticed that they offered the learn-while-you-work apprentice program that I was interested in. It also just stood out as a reputable company."

How long have you been working at FZ?
"I've worked at FZ for nearly five years. I joined as a first year apprentice, working full time and taking one night class a week until last year when I graduated. I've since gone on to take (and pass) my Electrical Journeyman's Exam. All that to say, I currently work as an Electrical Journeyman in Charleston's Electrical Service Group and am hoping to take my Master Electrician exam in the next month."

What have you enjoyed about FZ?
"Obviously I appreciate the benefits—good pay, good health insurance, good perks. I also really enjoy the work I get to do. I get to work on a broad spectrum of all types of electrical work and am not pigeon-holed into one type of thing. We have a saying in the field that we get to work on everything from 'millivolts to lightning bolts.' I love the variety and feel like I'm never bored.

I also have to say my supervisor, Mike Branham, has been super supportive throughout the years and is a major reason why I love working at FZ."

Can you talk about your time as an Apprentice? What was it like?
"It was good! Overall, I appreciated being able to work full time and make money while taking a night class one night a week through CECA (Charleston Electrical Contractors Association). I didn't ever feel too overwhelmed by the experience and appreciated being able to learn onsite as I was learning in the classroom at night."

Did you feel prepared for your exam?
"I was definitely nervous going in. It wasn't that I didn't feel prepared, it was just knowing that I had been working for four years towards this goal. After taking it though, I felt like I was very well-prepared."

You recently competed at the Ideal National Championship's Elite Electricians Competition. Can you tell me about that?
"Yeah, this was actually my third year representing the State of South Carolina at the Ideal National Championships. Basically, Ideal Industries travels around the nation, performing qualifying boards where they test electricians and apprentices on different tasks. The top times for each state then compete at a national level. In 2018 and 2019, I competed in the Student/Apprentice category. In 2019, it was actually an International competition and I made it to the semi-finals and placed 7th overall. Recently, I competed in the 2021 Ideal National Championships as a Professional. It's definitely high-stress, but a really cool opportunity."

What would you say to someone who is considering the trades as a career choice?
"Do it! It's a worthy and fulfilling alternative to going to college. With our industry in such high demand, there are so many opportunities and ways to be successful."


Interested in an Electrical Apprenticeship at FZ?

Learn More
Jimmy Martin -1

Jimmy Martin competiting at the Ideal National Championships in 2019

Share this Blog Post

Share on Facebook
Share on Linkedin
Share on Twitter

Leave a question or comment: 

Please enter your name.
Please enter a valid email.
Please enter a message.
Send
Message Sent! Message failed. Please try again.

Search

Categories

Keep up to date.

Subscribe to be notified when we release new blog posts, news and case studies.

Related Posts

FZer Spotlight: Ashish Phansalkar
Marlin Feyen honored at 16 over 60 Gala
Marlin Feyen Honored at 16 Over 60 Awards Gala
Corey McCann working on electrical
FZer Spotlight: Corey McCann

Filed Under: Electrical Innovation, People Tagged With: apprentice, career, careers, careers page, ceca, electricians, fzers, jobs

Feyen Zylstra_logo lockup_4x-min

Safety. Professionalism. Integrity. It’s how we’ve been shaping the electrical and industrial tech industries with innovative solutions since 1980.

Useful Links

  • About Us
  • Services
  • Case Studies
  • Careers
  • Blog & News
  • Contact Us

Services

  • Industrial Tech
  • Electrical Innovation
  • Electrical Services

Stay In Touch

Terms and Conditions
Privacy Policy
© 2019 Feyen Zylstra