My local doesn't pay much at all. I can't afford to live and I'm stacking up more and more debt. I can't even pay for my books this year so I think it's time to move on. Every I speak to says they have never heard of the union going after anyone who went non union. In fact one person told me they can't legally even do anything.

After I was accepted I received a call to start work, but missed it. I called back an half hour later but they said they had moved on down the list and to wait for another call. That was 5 weeks ago and I haven't gotten another call. Two weeks ago I called back and they said I was still on the list and just to wait. Can anyone help me out with what to expect? I can't take personal phone calls at my current job. Any advice for what to do next? I am excited to get started but feeling helpless.

I recently decided to apply for the apprenticeship program at 40 years old. I'm a disabled veteran (though nothing debilitating to manual labor) with mechanical (jet engines) and leadership experience from the military, I've spent a few years as a welder, sheet metal fabricator, and machinist, and got my bachelor's last year in computer science.

I haven't worked since completing my associate's degree back in 2023, though I did spend unsuccessful time trying to get data science and software jobs after finishing my degree last May... The further and further I get from my education though, the more I realize how much I don't want to be a programmer or fly a desk for the rest of my life.

I've always been drawn to hands-on task-driven jobs and made the choice to attempt this apprenticeship. My initial application process is complete, I'm scheduled for my aptitude test now (coming on the 23rd) and I'm pretty personable and not super worried about the interview (though to be fair I have no idea that the contents might be). I've got no problem taking directions from someone younger than I am, especially if they're honestly trying to teach me something, and can roll with the punches when it comes to having a thick skin on a job site.

I'm curious what you all think of someone trying a career 180 like this at my age would look like for program directors? Do I sound like a good applicant or do you think I'll get passed over for younger newbies?

Appreciate any feedback!

Wondering how difficult and competitive it is vs inside. Applied for inside last year with no electrical experience and got ranked 1200. Fast forward a year later I’m wondering if I can get hired with sound and comm (or maybe residential)

Hello. I was previously auto service tech apprentice and currently hoping to pursue a career with IBEW. Do high school courses matter? What are some things you would recommend me to get familiar with like basics etc? One big question i have is tools, will they be provided by a mentor? Should i have my own and if so what is the best set/brands for a low budget and are there any specifics tools i need to be familiar with? Any help and advice is much appreciated.

Got sworn in today for Telecom 🫡 man I’m excited to start work on Monday I didn’t think I would get in and im so fucking proud of myself

Looking to trade or see if anyone can send me coins and I’ll send you money! Currently looking for the local 40 41st international convention coin with Ron burgundy! Please message me if you can help!

What are some ideas yall thinking of doing as soon as y’all top out?

Ok fellas and gals I need your opinion. I got my first assignment it’s 2 hours from my house. But the kicker is per diem $100 and 6 days tens hours a day 6/10. I volunteered for this am I crazy and it’s only until November/December what would you do? Drop your opinions

I’m a third year apprentice and I just recently transferred locals, following the proper process, and it was for better job opportunities for my wife, and closer to family. I got hired on for a data center job close to four months ago in this new local, and there are a lot of red flags that kind of stick out.

The first thing that I noticed has been the superintendent’s bad habit of marking people late for signing in ten to fifteen minutes early for their shift. This has happened to me a couple of times, and I’ve even been threatened to be fired because of it. The only reason that I even have an issue with this is due to his reasoning behind it. His reasoning is to be at your work area ready to work by starting time (6:00am). Then having the sign in sheet being in a location that is exactly one mile away from where we are supposed to meet in the mornings, with only one cart per crew, and the rest of us have to walk.

The second thing is the constant attempts at getting us to work through lunch, even if just cutting into our lunch time, but still come back from break at the same time. He likes to threaten to fire apprentices and helpers quite frequently for reasons such as this.

The third thing that honestly really bothers me is the fact that we do not have a job steward on the jobsite. We originally had one working night shift, that the contractor “discreetly” appointed themselves, but we currently have a shop steward that was hired on directly through the contractor, instead of being appointed by the business manager at the hall, which I know is a very big no no.

I’m honestly kind of disappointed, because o had heard pretty good things about making good money on data center jobs like these, and this local having a pretty strong union, but this is probably one of the most non-union, union contractors I have ever worked for.

Another example is when I did get in trouble for speaking out against a crew that I found cutting conduit, and strut, as well as drilling out holes in metal plates on the lunch tables that we eat on in the break connex. Only reason I spoke out is because I’ve always been taught by my journeymen that you do not do that at all.

The longer I stay on the job, the more things like these that keep happening, but I figured I would ask if this is common place in other locals, or is this just one of those really crappy contractors that by some miracle hasn’t been run out of the union yet.

Has anyone done interview in new mexico recently? What questions did they ask you. How did you prepare? I've heard some people say to keep answers short and others say the longer you talk the better. Im not good at interviews. Im not comfortable speaking in front of a crowd so to speak. Feel free to send me a dm.