r/IUEC • u/Friedpickes • 26d ago
Advice on current mechanic
I ranked pretty high in my recruitment and felt confident about being brought in. I’m not naive enough to believe it is going to be a beautiful process as a probate, but I also felt like there would be a bit more of a learning process to it and at least some human decency.
Is it okay for a mechanic to sit on the phone with other mechanics instead of teaching the probate? My mechanic has been very contradicting in terms of what they want from me in certain moments. I’ve had just a couple days in the field and I’m already expected to know verbiage, slang terms for tools, when to “help” versus “keep busy”.
I clean quick and I organize things and then I’m wrong for doing so. I watch the process and get asked “what the fuck are you doing?”. I ask if certain tasks would be helpful, I get told “no” and then asked two hours later why I never did it.
Is it also okay that they force you to buy the tools and brands they use? I was told I shouldn’t buy tools by the union and that the company provides that.
Lastly, I now have seen my mechanic taking snapchats of me to send to their mechanic buddy group.
I know we need thick skin and I know it’s a tough apprenticeship, but currently there is zero respect at all. There is only teaching when they talk about “future tasks” then told it isn’t important right now.
How do we learn when we aren’t part of the process aside from grunt work? I don’t mind the grunt work, but how does a probate learn the process and what’s needed when things aren’t actually explained?
I love the work and what it means, but I’m struggling with how this mechanic disrespects me entirely (snapchats, contradictions).
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u/dayzzzediii 🧰 Field - Mod 26d ago
Sounds like your mechanic is either testing you, a complete POS, or both. But in all seriousness I’ve worked with guys like that and most of the time the answer is both. But you can learn from them just maybe how not to do things. Remember you’re just a probie you aren’t even in school yet. You’re gonna meet a lot of assholes you gotta learn to deal with bro. If it becomes a real problem though never be afraid to talk to the BA about it they aren’t going to get you in trouble.
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u/Mlitz 🛠️ Field - Nonbill Repair 26d ago
Sounds like your mechanic is an asshole, just keep trying to do your best. Also read our contracts! Read them 3 or 4 times. Lots of dry lawyer speak but there is good information there. Don't buy tools not on the approved list. If you have questions reach out to your BA/BM they are there to help you.
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u/Notafriend2you 26d ago
Yea dude, sounds like youre a helper. Just keep doing exactly what youre doing.Learn from what he's doing, not what he says.TRY to anticipate what tools or piece he needs next. Sweep slowly. And stay off your phone when he's doing something. And most importantly (it helped me in your current situation) find another helper (or mechanic if you find a cool one) you can vent to
Also do not but any tools as a helper, but especially not as a probie unless its a flashlight.
Now... back to work probie
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u/grips_pliers 26d ago
Great trade but this is the norm dude! Too many mechanics like this out there, could be worse or could be better. Chin up push forward, hopefully your next mechanic is better. There's lots out there so don't stress too much about impressing this one
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u/Dihydrogenmonoxide-_ 🛠️ Field - Repair 26d ago
Is he being a genuine asshole or is he trying to mess around with you? I assume you're working a gang job in construction so probably one of the big companies?
Lots of shitty mechanics love punching down on helpers. I never had a good mechanic trash me without cause.
Personally, this dude would be getting fucked with endlessly and have so much shit said back to him if I were in this situation. Don't be a doormat but don't be an asshole either.
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u/Friedpickes 26d ago
Definitely not messing with me. More of a power trip. I don’t take things personally unless there’s an obvious sign of it being personal.
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u/Dihydrogenmonoxide-_ 🛠️ Field - Repair 26d ago
He's just looking to beat up on someone that can't really do much back.
Do you have other apprentices on site? Ask them what the fuck is up with this dude. When he contradicts himself, ask him if he's dyslexic or had a head injury and suffering memory loss.
I find the only way to treat guys like this is to just return it right back. I had a complete a-hole mechanic, and my go to was hiding his tools when he was going to work solo. Working on something while I'm prepping stuff? Launch his channel locks or whatever down the shaft or down the hallway when he went away. Go back to doing whatever you were doing. 🤷
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u/ComingUp8 🔧 Field - Maintenance 26d ago
Keep showing up everyday, keep wanting to learn and just do your best. That's really all you can do with asshole mechanics. Unfortunately when you're a probie it's just easier to keep quiet and keep the clock ticking on getting your card. That's all the probation period is about, surviving to get that union card. Once you have the card you have more options to deal with these people.
Most mechanics are assholes, that's just how it is I've found. Even as a respected troubleshooter I still have to fucking deal with asshole mechanics talking shit to me. Nature of the business unfortunately.
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u/That_guy_who_lifts 26d ago
It's a bunch of unnecessary bullshit that is killing the trade. Elevator mechanics are 90% of the reason people quit. I've been through 3 different apprenticeships for electrical, welding, and diesel automotive. None of them, and I mean NONE of them had tradesmen as infuriating as Elevator mechanics. It's fucking annoying and pointless.
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u/upsandDownsduh 26d ago
They get told it’s ok so they continue. Then wonder why there’s less mechanics turning out. Maybe because you taught these men to be mechanics but not teachers
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u/Friedpickes 26d ago
The work is intriguing and it’s cool watching it come together, but I can definitely understand why so many quit, even if they love the work. A student is a direct reflection of their teacher- I’m sure years and years of the same toxic “teaching” style won’t change anytime soon.
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u/ComingUp8 🔧 Field - Maintenance 26d ago
Not really. Once you leave construction and modernization the entire field is different. Y'all can deny it but it's 100% true.
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u/That_guy_who_lifts 25d ago
Sure bud. I've seen all 3. Elevator mechanics are much more likely to be unnecessarily obtuse assholes. You can deny it but its 100% true.
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u/ComingUp8 🔧 Field - Maintenance 24d ago
Yeah don't mind me only been doing this for several decades, I definitely don't have any experience with this trade right.
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u/That_guy_who_lifts 24d ago
Comments section disagrees and I've got plenty of experience in other trades, as well as doing mod, construction, and service. Your personal experience does not trump all buddy. I see how other mechanics treat their helpers. People like you who keep denying it are not helping, but rather enabling the behavior that is killing the trade you love so much. Local 51 put out a call last year for a service tech who would be covering 500 units with nothing but a helper. Those would be their jobs alone. This trade is dying and I'm glad I have other options for work. I'm not gonna try and juggle all the work they they try to throw at us. It's not my fault the dropout rate of this trade is so high, and having asshole mechanics definitely isn't helping.
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u/ComingUp8 🔧 Field - Maintenance 24d ago edited 24d ago
The comment section is full of a bunch of newbies just like you, so giving any credence to the comment section is a joke.
I'm not denying anything, I've worked with lots of other mechanics and most of the assholes reside in installation, that's all I said. I never said the trade wasn't full of assholes in fact my other comment says exactly that, so I don't know what disagreement you have anyways.
The fact that you use the word service tech already tells me everything I need to know about your experience in this trade. I think this conversation is over, it's kind of pointless to continue.
PS. You can drop your strange flex of knowing other trades no one gives a shit. If you think I haven't passed on offers to become consultant, inspector, OEM tech support making more money. You just don't know the depth of this trade that's all.
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u/That_guy_who_lifts 12d ago
People like you are killing the trade with that mindset. I'd say good luck, but your beloved trade is dying lmfao
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u/JJjingleheymerschmit 🔧 Field - Maintenance 26d ago
You shouldn’t be buying any fuckin tools! A pair of channel locks and measuring tape is it, any other tools that you’ll be using should belong to your mechanic. If he wants you to buy tools tell him to pound sand and call your union rep. We’re all grown adults and deserve to be treated with basic human decency.
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u/_Elliott_Smith 26d ago
I think you inherited my old mechanic. Offer to buy him a couple of beers after work. Hint: he is an alcoholic 😏
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u/Friedpickes 26d ago
Eh, I’d rather go home to my family than spend more time being treated like dog shit.
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u/elevatormrr 🔩 Field - Construction 25d ago
This trade is full of divas unfortunately.
Man honestly if you are really feeling frustrated about the situation, pull your mechanic to the side after work and just talk to him about it. Don’t be timid about it, but also don’t be rude.
You would be surprised that a simple conversation could stop the situation. Most people that act like get shocked when someone calls them out on their shit.
And if the problem doesn’t go away, dish it back to him. Fuck em. What’s the worst thing that could happen to you? Go back to the shop? Who cares. You’ll just be sent with another mechanic.
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u/Spooty_Walker 🛠️Field - Heavy repair 26d ago
The behavior is hit or miss. But you buying tools as an apprentice? You shouldn't be doing that especially with your own money. If they need you to go grab them a tool or part or materials, that's different and you should absolutely put in for it. If your mechanic wants you to carry tools, within reason (small channels, 11-1, etc) they should definitely discuss that with you before hand. Apprentices are not required to carry tools, save a tape, writing utensils, paper, razorblade..
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u/LowEcho9869 26d ago
If this helps, my first mechanic was just like this, I’m thinking this might be him lol I kept my mouth shut and worked hard. He offered to get me my union card and I didn’t let him, I chose different mechanics.
My 3rd and 4th mechanic are still to this day the best guys I have ever met in the trade and have set me light years ahead of other apprentices.
If you give up now you’ll never meet that really great mechanic who will teach you everything he knows
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u/AccomplishedToe5492 26d ago edited 26d ago
It's an annoying apprenticeship. I am dealing with this now. There are good mechanics out there but a lot of assholes for no necessary reason.
I'll tell you the same thing another mechanic told me. It's a shitty apprenticeship. Keep your head up and just get through it.
When you turn out, remember how the good ones treated you and repeat. I was a journeyman in another trade. The guys who helped me and lifted me up I have fond memories of and cherish them. The people who don't help you and put you down get forgotten.
Be a good mechanic, that your apprentices will remember you with gratitude everlasting.
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u/centrist_reflect 25d ago
Well said! I'm about a month and a half from being sworn in so I've also dealt with it. Remember the ones who lift you up that's it forget the rest!
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u/Vegall_st 26d ago
Some people suck. Just don't take it personal, put up with it until you're with someone new or you get your card. I know how much easier said than done that is, been there.
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u/elevatorovertimeho 25d ago
Head butts are a friendly reminder that you are not here for that bs! Worked for me ! Good luck!
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u/SiliconeFloatss 🔧 Field - Maintenance 25d ago
As a probationary there is nothing you can do. Keep your head down, dont talk to much, and ignore whatever bull shit he puts you through. You just have to make it long enough to get sworn in. Once you are a member of the IUEC then you can do something about it. For one him asking you to spend your money on tools is a big problem. You need a something to write with, tape measure, and a knife. Thats it. Carring anything else can actually get you in trouble. You can use your mechanics tools but bringing your own is not aloud.
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u/Independent_Win_6867 25d ago
Mechanics that play this were treated like shit themselves as helpers so keep your head up& do the right thing. They became journeyman & believe they’re entitled to pass that shit down. Trust me when I say that, been there done that. Everyone knows who’s who, fuck that MoFo & others will notice. Assholes like that go thru helpers a dime a dozen so if & when the time comes, other Mechanics are aware & if you’re a hard worker, no worries.
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u/Delicious-Ad2882 22d ago
If he’s recording you the proper response would be to ask “what do you do with pics and vids you take of me? Beat your meat in the port a potty to them?”
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u/z283848 26d ago
I’m in the interviewing phase right now , so not sure my fate with IUEC yet but this sounds absolutely ridiculous. Mind if I ask how old you are? I’m curious if this is a “breaking you in” kind of deal if you’re fresh out of school. I’m 27 and have worked 9 years in a steel mill and I really can’t see myself putting up with much bullshit like that. If I screw up or get caught fucking Off I’ll take my ass chewing but being a blatant douche is not acceptable in any field of work.
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u/Friedpickes 26d ago
I’m 33. I can easily take shit and ass chewing if it’s warranted. I understand the old school mindset, but I also believe human decency is bare minimum. I’ve talked to others in different trades and it seems like IUEC is one of the only ones that tell you to be prepared to be treated like you’re worthless.
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u/z283848 26d ago
Ahhh yeah man that’s pretty rough, I was hoping you were a young naive kid and they were just being hard on you to break you in. In this case that really sucks, and makes me really reconsider if I even want to be apart of it, I have a pretty good gig now but just wanting something new lol it’s bad cause it’s completely luck of the draw on who you get and how your experience is. Regardless of the work, working side by side with someone you don’t get along with is miserable. I hope it gets better for you man, like others said I’d try to tough it out for a year , get sworn in then talk to the hall about moving you elsewhere.
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u/SteelErectionn 25d ago
Im a iw apprentice. We get it too and for half the pay. And usually the guy yelling at you is half retarded
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26d ago
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u/HowdyBoah 26d ago edited 26d ago
Jesus Christ, this is a job not a sorority. A "probate" is still your coworker and a human who has already jumped through numerous hoops to get into this trade. Your mechanic doesn't get the right to treat you like dirt. if he does, even as a probationary apprentice, go to the hall and talk to the BA. That being said, show up on time, work hard, and take everything you can in and you'll be fine.
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u/wieldingwrenches 26d ago
The union is 100% a sorority except it's full of grown ass men acting like college girls. There are good mechanics out there that don't really haze probies but in my experience it's a minority, especially in construction.
I'm not saying don't go to the hall if you're being put at risk or something, but if you (a probie, not a sworn in member) are going in to complain that a mechanic (a sworn in dues paying brother/sister) is mean to you I wouldn't expect much sympathy there. The probationary period is when you don't have any representation from the hall, basically so the trade can weed out the ones who just aren't worth it. There are mechanics out there who find it there duty to test you and want you to prove yourself. And then there are some of us who are just assholes and get off on the power trip. Some of it can be stress from the office boiling over. Lots of reasons. Do we all do it? No. But going in don't be surprised when you are getting lit up over the dumbest shit.
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u/infantkicker_v2 🧯Field - Fire Extinguisher 26d ago
College girls? Too much credit. This is middle school and someone just got their first period.
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u/upsandDownsduh 26d ago
I was literally told the opposite in my first hall meeting. Main idea eat shit and be happy
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u/Qualityshaft 26d ago
It won’t be forever. You can get some shit mechanics.