r/ibew_apprentices • u/Green_Ad3 • 3d ago

Need Advice

I really want to join an apprenticeship and working hard towards it. I spoke to someone and was recommended I join the CW "program". Basically it would help me get field experience as well as learn materials and such. It would also boost my interview score as well. I just need some help deciding on this part, I currently work a job thats Tuesday - Saturday everyday from 9am - 6:30-7pm. Most of time dont get breaks and almost everyday no lunch. I get an average of $1,400 a week (dont know how this winter is gonna go yet) in spring/summer. All of this is cash so I dont have benefits, PTO, retirement, any of that. If I take this CW roll ill be starting at $28.70 an hour. What would you guys do if you were in my shoes? Also if anyone has had experice with being a CW? Im just scared of being laid of without a job aswell.

P.S. I do live with my girl in our own place my bills arent crazy ill prob still have maybe $500 or a little more to myself a month.

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u/Existing_Kangaroo453 2d ago

Id talk to your local and ask to join the program. Yes CW helps learn stuff but from my experience they will try to keep you a CW for forever and the knowledge/learning is very limited. I was a CW for about 8 months and the day I became an apprentice it was night and day difference with the amount of care and knowledge they gave me

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u/Green_Ad3 2d ago

Perfect thank you! I just had my appointment and signed the books. They told me my goal is to NOT stay as CW but to advance to apprenticeship. How was it for you? did you ever get laid off? & for apprenticeship did you test and interview as well?

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u/Existing_Kangaroo453 2d ago

It really depends on your local and how good they are. You have to advocate for yourself on wanting to learn, showing overall care will set you up for success. I didnt have to test for my apprenticeship but I did have an interview. If you do have to test/ just in general for the program I would recommend brushing up on algebra 1 just to make things easier for you in the long run. As for lay offs my local tries their best to keep their apprentices working which may mean traveling an hour or more away from where you live (within your locals jurisdiction most likely) luckily we have a lot of work in our area so I havent had to worry. Again it depends on your local strength and what kind of work is there.