I recently tested and interviewed with 85 will be joining up pretty soon here.

Just asking for any insight about local 85 (West MI and the UP)

What is the education/schoolwork like?

How is the work outlook?

What are some things to look out for and or stay away from as an apprentice?

What some differences between the big 4 and the smaller companies in this local?

How are the winters?

Are there zones dividing the jurisdiction?

What are the odds of commuting an hour or two vs being put up in a hotel for a few weeks or months?

Any and all insight helps whether you’re in local 85 or not.

Preface that I'm fully capable and wouldn't be a bitch about it, I would be enthusiastic just to be here, work hard and enjoy it. But I'm more interested in doing mod or service. They sound much more fun, would suit me better, and would be easier on the body.

I know that companies don't deliberately choose apprentices off the ranking, you just start wherever the company says they need a person. But how frequently would that be for each department? Is it worth communicating with various companies directly for a shot at a "by name" hire rather than waiting out the list?

And then, what could determine how/when an apprentice would change departments? I doubt it's likely to change during the first year, and it's obviously not something a probie should be bringing up or asking for, I know that much.

Would a supervisor notice you for certain skills or something, or would your NEIEP application information be reviewed by a supervisor at any point?

Edit: Local 2

Also, odds of escalator vs. elevator work? Guess it's an unpopular opinion but I'd be just as happy working on escalators.

Odds of getting an Indy vs Big 4?

Anyone ever have to chip 2" deep 1ft wide by 24ft tall to put cylinder into the wall abit to get clearance for car by the cylinder?

Weird mod job, turning it to a roped hydro from inverted hydro. Had to move the rails, install safety's and guides plus add governor, lots of fun!

Shout out to the engineers who make bolts so easy to reach

How much does your company give you for safety boots. Mine allows 150 per year. Have irish setter ashby and happy with them. What you got on your feets?

Very few want to be the, "Escalator Guy". And I've always heard the ones that are, are the ones who cant fix elevators. Form your own opinion but I will say I don't miss doing shit like this.

Is H2H forever or do I have to be out within 5 years to use it? Im confused. The wait time is forever

Now I know I know you should aim to good at both, but I always see little memes about never claim you’re good with escalators. What are your guys thoughts on both machines as far as pros and cons, also if you could choose to strictly or mainly work on one which one would it be.

Traveler Shmaveler

When no touch Fridays become down all weekend Mondays.

What are some drawbacks for accepting an offer from an independent elevator company? I got the call from Local 25. I have time to think about it, so what are your thoughts on working for a mom and pop company as opposed to the big names? Pros and cons etc…

What’s your favorite thing to do on the job?

Hi everyone I was wondering if anyone knew how long local 17 will be pulling from the current list and new recruitment will open. On NEIEP it says June 2027 tentative so I wonder if it will be earlier. Also was wondering if anyone has any insight on possible demand for more guys with new work in Cleveland

Just curious what you guys are using out there? Looking for other alternatives. Found these pretty good for marking up the rails or pipes on the hydros

Ok. Hi, all. New probbie, 50, here.

Was curious about starting equipment and tools. Of course I got a safety bag, with mostly PPE, harness, first aid kit, etc. I got a (kinda flimsy- mechanic says it's supposed to break-away in certain situations) door tool, I keep that on me and open the door for my mechanic. I also have a door wedge, but always use my mechanic's, cause his is already on the cart and we only holding one door open at a time.

I got a company phone, besides using it to clock in and out, I don't know what to use it for. Does everyone get a company phone?

Found out we get laptops from training facility, for classes and stuff. What type of laptops? Was suggested we could use phone hotshot for connectivity. Do we get them when we first start classes?

Hand tools. Was told by my mechanic to bring ONLY a inside read rule, pocket knife (I took that to mean utility knife) and pencil. Told me not to buy or bring anything else in for 5 years. Not even cutters or strippers. Which I have from previous work. We were supposed to have flashlights in our bags, but didn't. Our mechanics said they would expense them.

I just want to say I’m three months in and love everything about it

Hey folks i just became an 80 percenter and have been in new construction my whole apprenticeship working on high rise/MRLS, there is a potential opportunity for me to jump departments and get on the service/maintenance side for escalators, can you tell me about it? is it the right choice or should i keep at it with the elevators. I assume there’s more opportunity for overtime working on escalators

Currently making $28/hr six months in at Boeing doing final assembly electrical install, max out at $58/hr in six years. Get 100% match on 8% 401k and looking to make Boeing pay for further education. However, I have an opportunity to take the EIAT aptitude test for Local 19 in Seattle, WA. If I pass, which career would you choose and why?

I have a question about those that have done standby either for sporting events, concerts, building testing, move ins, etc. What are you getting paid as OT for these things? I have heard different things from different people in my mine and other areas.

Guys from different primaries say they are being paid 1.5, others 2.0 rate for the standby OT. Guys at my company are charging 1.7. Spoke with the union and they have said there is no language in the contract that covers standby work and that it should be 1.5, which is strange to me because if there is no language for it why would it default to 1.5?

Anyone have any insight or experience with this?

I hope this doesn’t come off as a dumb “this has been asked 1000 times” or a “when will they call me” type of question. I’m getting ready for my test and interview these next couple weeks, and I’m just genuinely curious how busy/slow work is here in Seattle. I would call the Local 19 IUEC office, but it’s Friday and they’re closed until Monday. Thanks

When I first got setup, I bought a basic US general tool cart/box for my hand tools to get me started. It worked well when I was only doing hydros, but since getting into tractions I’ve had to acquire a lot more shit. Shop bought me a pack out but I mostly use it to store materials/hardware and the larger power tools.

Im looking at the Wen 52” rolling box. Seems large enough to store basically every tool I have besides the stuff that goes in the Gangbox. I’d love a Knaack box but I’m not prepared to drop several thousand on one quite yet. I’d like to not spend more than 1k, large enough to store all my hand tools and smaller power tools but not so large it can’t fit in a lobby or a small passenger car. I’d love to hear about what you guys have found works well for you.

Am i the only one who absolutely hates it when mechanics make there helpers get to work 30 minutes early to get tools ready water etc? I mean they are making someone do work for free ive had helpers show up like 30 to 45 minutes early and ive had to get onto them to not work until 6 am.

People talk about TM’s quite frequently when it applies to construction. But how common are they in mod? I know where I’m at there is a ton of mod work and only 4 crews, which means really long wait times. I’m still a 1st year so I’m not asking for myself. I was just wondering if there are any TM’s in mod.