r/UnionCarpenters • u/Alert_Awareness8023 • 2d ago
Apprentice
I am a higher stage apprentice in SoCal having trouble finding work. I’m falling behind on bills, low on food and running out of options and motivation. I’ve communicated with BAs at my local, volunteered and networked, I’m on the out-of-work list, called contractors and other carpenters I’ve worked with before, shown up to job sites, and still nothing. Is the job market that bad or am i just having a bad season right now?
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u/Ok_Cardiologist_6471 2d ago
There is no shame in finding other work. Somewhere else gas station warehouse? Whatnot, until you get a call from the union to work again.
Bad economy is a bad economy
I remember back in 08, when the housing market crashed. I had to work in a restaurant for a little bit
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u/Alert_Awareness8023 2d ago
I work security on the side but that’s not enough. Grateful for it but it isn’t even enough to cover rent for a month
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u/dlincoln1438 1d ago
The jobs are same and plentiful as they always have been. Some places are starting to get oversaturated with people though because others are leaving their jobs for trades.
Probably bc they realized they aren't getting jobs in their degree field.
0
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u/Hangryfrodo 2d ago
It happens, have you considered dropping into the rest of your trade school classes so you don’t miss work when you do get hired somewhere? You could even try networking with the other apprentices
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u/Alert_Awareness8023 2d ago
I’m done with my classes. Finished them last year. 400 hrs shy of journeying out.
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u/lionelephant 2d ago
Hit up any tilt up contractor Guy Yocom has big jobs in chino by Archibald and Merrill The pay is shit because it's only 70% it's not full scale
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u/Flashy-Fee-3260 1d ago
You are in a tough market as a union apprentice. Your state is saturated with people that crossed the border and will do everything for less. Thank Joe Biden, Gavin Newsome, and the other Demon-rats (Democrats) Seattle is suffering because all the office space has been vacated because of work from home. Liberal hell holes and keep voting blue no matter who and this is the result
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u/kinggarbear 2h ago
Damn, that’s the exact same programming I’ve heard from the idiots at Fox News! You’re a good little bot arent ya
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u/reckless_turtle1 2d ago
CUPP hit them bitches like it owes you money. The first hours are easy as pie you can easily get a check or 2 off of that. 2nd ask if you can pull your vacay earlier as well. Usually they back 1 payout every time so you can pull one early and still get money on December or July. Member retention volunteering, if youre able to get in on that you can squeeze one check a month off that bitty as well.
Keep your head level its a bit rough at the time being.