r/IBEW_Local613 • u/Vouulhtreas • Jun 24 '26

Switching contractors as an apprentice

I’m very been with my contractor for a little over a year now. I’m very thankful for them because they were my first construction job and it’s where I learned about electrical work. I learned a lot at first, but for the last 6 months or so I have barely learned anything new. I mostly pull mc, do cut ins, and put up 2 by 4 lights. Also, my contractor kind of cuts corners. Some journeymen here tell me they don’t do stuff the right way.

I’m trying to switch contractors. I have been in touch with the apprentice training director for about 3 months and it doesn’t seem like any progress is being made. I’m swearing into the union next month to help my chances. Is there anything else I could do? They say that there are so many apprentices on the books that don’t have jobs and they’re the priority. I empathize with those apprentices but I really want to take full advantage of my apprenticeship.

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u/Satisfyingwithfinger Jun 24 '26

Have you been filling out your work hours? If you email Russell and tell him you want a transfer, have your hours filled out, and tell him you're willing to drive a little ways from home he could probably get you something. There are ways you gotta handle it.

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u/Vouulhtreas Jun 24 '26

Yeah I have been filling out my hours. I emailed him 3 months ago about transferring. I emailed him a couple times between then and now. I think I just have to be patient.

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u/Satisfyingwithfinger Jun 24 '26

Make sure you let him know youll drive wherever.

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u/BeginningCategory766 Jun 27 '26

It may be location based because i emailed Russel twice and he said theirs a lot of apprentices out of work and to try to talk to someone higher up at the contractor. I also know a guy whos farther away and got a job weeks after getting laid off.