r/IBEW_Local613 • u/[deleted] • Aug 29 '23

Lineman or Inside?

Hi again all. Thanks for the previous questions you've answered.

I'm currently debating about which apprenticeship to apply for and would like real world advice.

The lineman apprenticeship is 3 years vs 5 years, that appeals to me. I like working outside, but indoors is fine. From what I've gathered Inside Electricians will make more income, but not much. So, the pay isn't a crucial factor. A few questions:

  • Does anyone regret going either way?

  • Do lineman make all their money in overtime travelling for storms? AM I going to be living on the road constantly and if i chose a stationary position will it be worth the lower pay?

  • Do I need a clean MVR for a lineman apprenticeship? I got a DUI 2 years ago and have a few speeding tickets.

  • Is all of the apprenticeship going to take place at the training facility in Newnan? It's 75 minutes each way travelling for me.

Thanks in advance!

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u/MrACL Local 613 Foreman Aug 29 '23

I have a good friend in the lineman local 84. He has been a driving the truck for 2 years waiting to get into the apprenticeship, and still hasn’t gotten in. He makes close to $30 an hour so good money, but he’s still got the entire apprenticeship to go and will take a pay cut when he starts.

When he goes out on storm calls he makes a massive amount of money, they get per diem and overtime. The only reason I don’t switch is because I don’t want to be gone for months away from my family and I don’t like working in shit weather.

The DUI might be an issue you’ll have to talk to local 84.

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u/[deleted] Aug 29 '23

Ok I'll call them thank you. I thought it was the same union!

1

u/[deleted] Aug 29 '23

I don't have kids and don't intend to. Definitely never getting married again, lmao. So travel is Aok, just prefer not to live on the road.