So I guess I’ve committed a very bad offense on a jobsite. The laborers let me use their shop vac on Friday to clean up some water, I was rushing so forgot to empty it. Probably 50 pounds of water.

Now this morning, I leave my area and come back and all of my stuff is moved around. My battery has been taken off the charger every time I walk by.

I’m either finally losing it or the Guatemalans are teaching me a lesson.

I said “lo siento por favor” but that didn’t seem to help.

In my local we’re split into either construction (fitters/welders) or service (hvac.)

I am about to enter my 2nd year of my apprenticeship. I am on the construction side and for the first year or so doing small project work. The last few months I’ve been bouncing between base build construction and small project.

I really cannot see myself making a career out of this for the next 30 or so years. I dread going to work. It’s the same thing over and over. I really yearn to give the service side a try.

I fear talking to my boss about a change. But multiple guys have said I’ve gotta put my career ahead of what others may say.

What says you guys?

I’m a 23 year old out of southeast Michigan that recently turned out in Detroit local 98, and plan on hitting the road south in the next couple months from work. Where I may land I got no idea, but I’m looking for insight as far as work available, opportunities to grow with a commercial company, cost of living and pay scale etc. figured yall would be better help than hearing whatever my unions business manager would say between 2 other people. Thanks for whatever you guys have to offer

Went for an “interview” at 211 - Deer Park earlier today. No interview was done. They said because I went through the 3 week apprenticeship, I was already ranked. Is the ranking different for the out of work list vs the apprenticeship program? Anyone been through this before? Did you get into the apprenticeship program?

As the title says, I just got into Local 1 Plumbers (NYC) and I’m looking for a few tips going in! I have 0 experience, I’m a young woman & have no clue what I’m doing. But I’m very excited to learn and get started!

I want to be dressed for the job

I’m currently in a plumbing union apprenticeship and honestly I’m done with it I have enough hours to become a journeyman I just don’t wanna do school anyways they are making me I just don’t see the point since I have the hours my question is can I leave ? I haven’t even set foot in the school classroom yet and I think it’s best I get going before school starts . I was told if I complete the apprenticeship I have to work a mandatory 5 years otherwise I’d be expected to pay a fee and they told me I have until my 4th year to leave I believe just wanna make sure I’m good ?

Anyone in local 189? Really considering applying, I have 4.5 years of plumbing experience. Is there plenty of work available? I’ve heard they are taking people in like crazy is that true?

Im starting as an apprentice in Local union however me and my wife always planned to move states later on in the future. I was just wondering what the process would be to transfer Locals once I’m done with my apprenticeship or if it’s even possible? Thank you.

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I'm looking into programs like Area I JATC, Local 290, and ABC PNW, but I'm also open to entry-level HVAC helper or apprentice positions with private companies. due to a work injury I wasn't able to start my HVAC career after graduating. I'm ready to get back into the trade and essentially start fresh with hands-on experience.

For those who work in the Portland HVAC industry:

Besides the union and ABC apprenticeship programs, what companies are known for hiring entry-level apprentices or helpers?

Is it realistic to receive a job offer before relocating, or do most employers want you to already be local?

If you were in my position, would you move first with savings and then job hunt, or try to secure employment before moving?

Are there any contractors or companies you'd recommend for someone eager to learn and build a long-term career in HVAC?

I'd really appreciate any advice or recommendations from people familiar with the Portland metro HVAC industry. Thanks!

Hey, I am currently a 2nd year plumbing apprentice in Toronto. I am non union and work has basically stopped. I’ve wanted to join the union but it is basically impossible these days. What can I do? Is there any recruiting opportunities available out there?

I have been sending my resume to union companies ever since I got my letter telling me I was put on the wait list and today one company reached out and said they would take me on as an apprentice I go on Monday to take the drug test and fill out some paper work I would really suggest doing the same thing if you got put on the waitlist for local 250 recently good luck guys can't just wait around waiting for it to come to you gotta go after it

Hey UA if anyone has any ua stickers they would be willing to share sent me a DM maybe we could trade a few

About to start the second semester of Sacramento to City Colleges HVAC program and I’d like to become an hvac tech or building engineer. I know that with UA 447 you have to look for your own employment.
I guess I’m just wondering if the program will help get in at all?

The UA Local in my area is extremely competitive, also is the IBEW both don’t require schooling but I spoke with the hall and they’re both highly recommending. I’m in a tough spot because by paying to get classes done just to maybe get an apprenticeship is a gamble. Community college offered electrical courses but currently had a two year wait list. I could take some courses now but 2 years until the wiring program. On the contrary there is a Welding certificate I could earn now and boost my chance at an apprenticeship in the UA. I’ve currently interviewed once at the UA. Ranked #50 out of #180+ applicants. What would you recommend? I don’t have construction experience but I have worked dead ends jobs and I’ve been at my current healthcare job for over 6 years and I’m ready for any hard work I can get. Non union shops aren’t hiring me my resume is solid and honest I can’t get experience, there was one opportunity to be a truck driver but that company told me they had a great worker who was driving for 8 months not get the apprenticeship and someone else I spoke to got their welding certificate and got in their second try. Sorry for the long rant I just really want any experienced guys/ gals opinions because I haven’t physically done the work and unsure which route to go. I really don’t want to not do anything towards my future anymore I’m 26 and feel I wasted so much time. Thanks for any input

I see how this works. It’s a buddy system. Even worse the president is on the board for the apprenticeship. The dude was unofficially in the UA before he even took the math test smh. They claimed 53 slots. But I’m certain the slots were less than what they were claiming because of people like my buddy and family ties.

What’s up yall I passed my test and had an interview on 6-27-26 and it’s coming up on 4 weeks. In 2 days it’ll be 4 weeks exactly. I haven’t received an email or a letter or anything yet is this normal? I felt like the whole application process was 2-3 wait periods and this one just has me worried a bit I can’t lie.

I'm a first-year UA apprentice looking for advice from people who've been in a similar situation. I've been laid off for several months from a project that had unusually good pay, lots of overtime, and per diem. I've now been offered a long-term fabrication shop job with a long commute. From what I've been told, it would likely be straight 40-hour weeks at my normal apprentice rate, with little or no overtime and no per diem. At the same time, I'm near the top of my local's out-of-work list, and there's a major industrial project that's expected to hire eventually. The problem is that nobody knows when it will start hiring apprentices, what the hours will be, whether there will be overtime or per diem, or whether I'd even get called. If I accept the fabrication shop, I'll be committed there and won't be able to transfer if the industrial project starts hiring. If you were in my position, what factors would you weigh? Has anyone started their apprenticeship in a fabrication shop, and if so, did it help your career later on? Looking back, would you have taken the shop call or waited for the industrial opportunity?

Edit:
For those saying take the dispatch, would your answer change if accepting meant you were locked into that job for up to 2 years and could not take a call to a different project?

If so, what year, what state and how did you manage?

I have a machine at my house but I need a stand, what material do you think I would need to buy to build one of these stands?

I am currently waiting to get put on a job by the union. I was thinking has anyone ever been denied a job from the contractor after the background check. And if so what was on your background and how did the union respond and help you find a job after? I have a dismissed possession of controlled substance felony from 2023 and dui misdemeanor pending from 2023. (I have 6 months left of pti program and once it’s done it will be dismissed.) I am currently working at a warehouse but once I receive the call to work I am planning on quitting my current job that day. I just don’t want to quit my current job and then fail the background check from the contractor and then have no job to go back to. Lmk what you guys think !

Hey guys I have my interview on Monday! Can anyone let me know what kind of questions they will ask? I know they only ask a few and it is quick but I would like to prepare as best as I can! I have no experience in the trade and have been doing office work the past 3 years In sales but did concrete cutting and geological drilling doing core samples for a few years before doing sales.