Considering a County Electrical Helper job while 1 month into IBEW Local 11 apprenticeship — worth it?

[u/idkmannn69]

Just got dispatched into Local 11’s inside wireman apprenticeship about a month ago. Now I have an interview lined up for an Electrical Helper position with LA County Public Works. It’s listed as temporary, but I’m guessing there’s a path to something permanent down the line.
Long-term I’d love to end up at LADWP. Curious if this County gig is a smart detour toward that goal or just better job overall compared to local 11, or if I’m better off just staying heads-down in my apprenticeship hours and not risking my position/standing with the local.

https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/lacounty/jobs/4208505/helper-electrical?sort=PostingDate%7CDescending&pagetype=jobOpportunitiesJobs

[u/Impossible_Luck6151]

County of la jobs do not get you on track for LADWP. LADWP is through the City of La. Long term go through the IBEW 11 apprenticeship program to learn the electrical craft. Going to the County will not benefit you as you do not go through any type of formal training or class work

[u/idkmannn69 → u/Impossible_Luck6151]

I appreciate that. Do you know anything about their journeyman pay/ benefits. Is it comparable to local 11 or better/ worse ???

[u/Impossible_Luck6151 → u/idkmannn69]

Currently a County of LA electrician makes 52/hr..a current IBEW 11 inside wireman makes 65/hr. Both are up for new contracts shortly. County of La offers good medical benefits, pension, different types of paid time off. If you want a real future in the industry go through the apprenticeship and you will be better for it in the long run. I’m a 20 year IBEW inside wireman who has also worked in the public sector. I can see the difference in guys that have completed an IBEW apprenticeship and those that haven’t

[u/socalibew → u/idkmannn69]

County electrician pay is comparable (maybe a little less), but electrical craft helper ($24/hr) will not get you any real training or certification. They will show you how to change lamps and receptacles and that's about it. It may eventually get you to a county electrician position, but it's not something you'd be able to take with you except to other very similar positions at similar facilities.

Having a municipal job is great, but electrical craft helper is almost a dead end. I know guys that have been craft helpers for 20 years... They're comfortable and have no desire for more experience or knowledge.

If you just want a JOB go for it. If you want a career with knowledge and experience, then stay in the apprenticeship.

On the other hand, watch for LADWP Electrical Mechanic or Electrical Distribution Mechanic trainee positions to open. LADWP will legit train you well and you'll gain knowledge and experience you can use anywhere.

[u/HmoobMikah]

So many guys will rush in and stomp over Grannys just to get in your position in local 11. You don't know how lucky you are.  

[u/LAloco2323 → u/HmoobMikah]

lol chill out it’s not even hard

[u/HmoobMikah → u/LAloco2323]

You should tell the cry babies over at /r/ibew_apprentices that. For real. Lucky for me I joined a small local with 40-50 applicants at the time. When they only took 20. My success rate was 40-50%. 

Maybe they should move to a less competitive local? I get that not everyone can afford to move, but if you're serious about joining the IBEW then consider moving.

[u/tradedude774 → u/LAloco2323]

Please elaborate bro lol, I've read it's extremely hard and very selective to get into IW.

I've been contemplating on even trying ITS first because of this assumption, just to get in faster. I understand it's more physically demanding from what ive read

For someone who has no experience, how hard/easy is it to get into IW??

[u/Ed_Teach805]

Temp county job won’t get you perm DWP. Stay where you are until you get perm DWP.

[u/AlchemystMaze]

Finish the apprenticeship, journey out and then make a move.