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Ryan Davis (R Davis Electrical): Apprenticeships, TikTok & Going Solo | S2E1
Description
Is running a bigger electrical business really worth it if you never get time to enjoy life outside work?
Electrician and social media creator Ryan Davis, better known as R Davis Electrical, joins Keiran Yates and Pete Withers for the opening episode of Season 2 of Off The Job: A Tradesman Podcast.
From starting a four-year electrical apprenticeship at 16 to running his own electrical business, employing staff and building a following on Instagram and TikTok, Ryan has experienced plenty of different sides of the UK electrical industry.
In this episode, Ryan explains why running a larger electrical company wasn't everything he'd imagined. Managing employees, organising subcontractors and dealing with the constant pressure of keeping jobs moving eventually made him reconsider what he actually wanted from his business.
He also shares how posting photographs of tools on Instagram turned into a growing social media audience, why he enjoys creating content and how working independently gives him more flexibility to spend time with his children.
Naturally, the lads get stuck into a few familiar arguments along the way, including whether electricians really have it easier than plumbers!
IN THIS EPISODE:
- Starting an electrical apprenticeship at 16.
- Traditional apprenticeships versus short electrical training courses.
- Electrical qualifications, practical experience and industry standards.
- Running an electrical company with employees and subcontractors.
- Why Ryan decided to return to working independently.
- Building an audience on Instagram and TikTok.
- Domestic versus industrial electrical work.
- Difficult customers, quoting jobs and knowing when to say no.
- Finding a balance between business, family and life on the tools.
- Football, trade banter and the usual Off The Job conversations.
Whether you're an apprentice electrician, electrical contractor or self-employed tradesperson, Ryan's experiences offer an entertaining perspective on what it means to build a business that works for you.
ABOUT OFF THE JOB
Off The Job: A Tradesman Podcast is a UK trades podcast hosted by Keiran Yates and Pete Withers, featuring honest conversations with tradespeople, business owners and familiar faces from across the construction industry.
Discover more episodes:
https://tradeapps.co.uk/off-the-job-a-tradesman-podcast/
BUILT BY TRADE APPS
Off The Job is produced by Trade Apps Ltd, the creators of Gas Certificate App and Electrical Certificate App.
ELECTRICAL CERTIFICATE APP
Running an electrical business means dealing with more than the work on the tools. Electrical Certificate App helps UK electricians manage digital electrical certificates, customer records, jobs, quotes and invoices in one place.
Create EICRs, Electrical Installation Certificates, Minor Works certificates and more.
Start your free 14-day trial, with no payment card required:
https://electricalcertificateapp.co.uk/
This is an archive episode from Season 2, originally released in 2024. Ryan's business circumstances and future plans reflect the time of recording.
Content warning: Strong language and adult humour.
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⚠️ Warning: Contains adult humour and strong language. Tradesmen banter ahead.
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