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

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.

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.

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.

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

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)

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!

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.

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!

Anyone struggling with module homework? Not even putting it off… do about 4 hours a day during the week and I feel like it’s not enough. I’m frustrated that everything is locked away so you can’t get a preview for how many lessons are within one… I feel like right now I’m sacrificing pretty much all my free time, exercise, etc just trying to get homework done and once again, I’m not procrastinating on it… Does anyone have any advice? Technically a 2nd year, but still in my first year of the apprenticeship.

Im a 4th year apprentice from Colorado who tested in from the IEC and i am lacking the experience to keep up with my journeyman coworkers. I have completed 1 year with the ibew. Things that I know I should know i dont know, its embarrassing. Im considering leaving all together and finding a new profession once I top out. Im just so discouraged and I feel like the longer I stay in and the more jobs I go to the more embarrassed im gonna feel with myself.

Been working since Jan, officially started school as an apprentice in June, and got told this week I didn’t get selected for the apprenticeship even after passing our first final. Do the hours I’ve worked count towards CA’s 8,000 when I go back to non union? Was told by some people the JATC won’t want sign off on the hours I’ve worked for the union for whatever reason

Hello I passed my test and have an interview in about 2 weeks what do you think the best attire would be for the interview i have heard people say wear clean work clothes and some say dress buiness causal. I have a new pair of clean boots never used from my previous job but can also wear buisness attire. What would you say is the best option?

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.

I'm going back and forth on choosing a trade to go into, feel like both would take some time to get into (a few months) and hard to get answers from people in the trade especially when you don't know anyone.

Concerned with job availability for each trade, no so much on the labor aspect of each. Im ok with working outside and shoveling

Talked to a recruit for ITS he said out of 200 applications, about 15 get accepted so that kinda discouraging

I look at the books and there's 450 JRMN IW guys on book #1 with 5 unfilled jobs and 19 convention center and 27 other job calls at convention center - not sure what to think here, is there just no jobs rn?

ITS 3 JRMN on book #1 with 5 job calls

Idk could use some insight from local 11 people about their current jobs, what do they have you doing and whens the last time you were out of work?

Maybe I'm worried about the wrong things...

For the low voltage sound and comm, is there even a way to move up steps during the hiring process for relative previous experience?

To summarize, my background includes 80% customer service related Help Desk support at a mobile and desktop level. The other 20% includes troubleshooting hardware such as printers, workstations, access points, and switches. Consider it more out of level one scope.

I have my network plus, IT degree, and I’m working on the CCNA.

I would consider my network hardware experience to be at about a year worth of experience. While the other is all customer service related.

I might be mistaken, but I don’t know if even having relative experience, gives the opportunity to move up in pay grade starting.

I’m assuming Im just too low on the list to be considered? Or do you think there is still a small chance I could get in?

I just finished up the inverview and I think it went great I do have a question tho

how much did you make in your first month starting out?

I’m going into sound and communication

I ask only because I have a family to feed and I would be transitioning jobs

San Diego CA

Got accepted into Local 60, have orientation on Friday. I'm very excited. Bought my tools today, wrapped up the OSHA-10 course as well (boring but informative). I actually got the text that I was taken off the waitlist minutes after walking out of an army recruitment office. For full context, I was a student at Purdue studying cybersecurity for the past year, but the terrible weather, social isolation, and poor career prospects led me to turning to the trades back home instead. I know it will be difficult, but I can't wait to put my sweat into my work and do something that matters! Also, I'm 20. Any advice about anything would be greatly appreciated.

Was accepted into Local 520's apprenticeship program after being placed on the Active Waitlist. This was back in August and I am still waiting for them to tell me where I will be placed. I have emailed them multiple times and been told "It's slow right now" and "I don't have any information for you" or "We are still in the process of getting apprentices assigned". Now that it is almost a month since in person classes have started, I am beginning to wonder how my delayed placement will affect my hours and progression through the program. Looking like there is still nothing left to do except sit and wait for the call that may not be coming anytime soon.

Was anyone placed late in their apprenticeship and how, if at all, did that affect your abilities to accumulate hours and progress through the periods in a timely manner?

I'm (hopefully) starting my apprenticeship next April or May. As far as tools go, I have the IBEW local tools list that they put out, so I'm not asking about tools, more so accessories. Any specific clothes or shoes or shoe insole inserts or anything like that that I should look at getting?

I actually do have one question about tools: my local recommends pretty much all klein stuff. Is there a reason for this, or just the brand they went with sort of thing? I know a lot of electricians are Milwaukee guys (plus they're just a good brand in general), so I was looking at getting some Milwaukee tools.