I finally got the call!

So I start Monday for Kone. I have only ever worked as a butcher/cook, and have no experience in technical trades. What advice do you have for someone like me? I am very capable of learning, but paranoid of making a mistake and blowing my opportunity. What is going to make me stand out? Obviously the not texting on your phone/farting around is clear to me immediately.

Congrats!

Be there 15-30min early in your boots. DONT EVER BE LATE (there is no acceptable excuse.) Bust your ass, take notes, you’ll have a lot to remember. Take your time, it’s better to be yelled at for not being fast yet than to do Crap wrong because you rushed and get a real ass chewing or losing your. Work as directed and be safe.

My current helper worked In the kitchen as a cook. He’s pretty damn good. He’s a 50 and we’ve built cabs, he already wires the car top by himself, limit switches, pit work etc... not to mention stacking rails, fronts, (which is the first thing you do afterestablishing the OH/Pit, then drop lines.) With him, he wants to learn, and picks everything up too fast! Which is excellent for him and helps me out a ton. If you want this, you can make it. I always tell my helpers this, I’d rather have a helper who doesn’t know everything and hustles. Speed will come as you learn the RIGHT way. Be safe out there. Never be afraid to ask questions.... especially if you don’t understand, or you THINK you heard you’re foreman say something. Always make sure you know what you heard/task at hand.

This is the best advise you can get, allot of new guys thing speed is the main factor, its not. Listen to what is being asked and clarify if you don't get it. Its faster to do it once then twice. Remember your mechanic is doing things that are now second nature to them, its easy to forget its not second nature to you.

And always do as exactly as asked, never assume you are more clever and have a better way, there is generally a reason why you are told a certain way to do something. Don't be afraid to ask why you do it that way, but don't change a method willy nilly.

Congrats man, you finally got called for Local 81 or Local 16? I know you've been sitting at the top for local 81.