Inside wireman here. Can anyone share some insight on how the process works for starting a lineman/sub-station apprenticeship to eventually become a lineman/sub-station tech? Currently living in AZ. I do know I’d need a CDL Prior to starting anything. I’d appreciate any info given. I know my jurisdiction is SWLCAT.

I’ve been thinking about joining, or trying to at least, but my knowledge base isn’t very large in terms of the avenues of work available. I have no experience but I’m looking for a career tbh.

Alternatively if anyone knows any other industries with widespread union coverage that has apprenticeships, I’m all ears

Watt is your favorite small leather tool pouch? Not looking for something to big to hold my whole tool list. Just something to keep myself organized while performing daily tasks. Recommendations much appreciated

Been having issues with contractor paying benefits. Is there a way I can verify it other than calling the hall?

I keep reading this online. Looks like a lot of other trades are having or will have shortage of people on the near future, but with electricians at least on her it seems like there’s tons of people wanting to join.

Hmmm

https://thepopulisttimes.com/turmoil-dnc-abruptly-lays-off-workers-without-severance-after-record-donations-prompting-unions-outrage/

Have a question primarily for the parents in here.

I’m currently a 4th year in CT on the non-union side and waiting to get licensed to switch over ideally. Also, I’m a father to 2 little kids, one of whom is in school.

Not a huge fan of my current company, but we have a ton of flexibility as far as coming and going. My wife is the only one who does her job at a clinic, so it’s a big deal if she calls out, so I’m normally the one that does.

Obviously, I’m sure it’s all dependent on who you work for, but my real question is for those of you in a similar situation, has it ever affected your situation with the union for having to take care of your kids even if it meant calling out?

This is just something that’s been on my mind so figured I’d see if it was even something to think about when switching over

I live for these moments. Everything is fast-paced with little margin for error. And the drive home after 12-16 hours of working like a dog is glorious. The whole experience is akin to going 10 rounds with Margot Robie in a single night. By the end, you're completely exhausted, but you wouldn't have it any other way.

Hi brothers and sisters. I hope you can advice me on this. I had vascular surgery on my neck and shoulder in September and have been out of work since the surgery. The surgery was successful but any repetitive motions computer work etc, causes major fatigue. I am doing PT and everything to return to work by January. I know the healing is slow.

My question is has anyone had to learn to work with their non dominant hand and had luck? I am in the utility side of the electric industry. I am afraid that if I cannot do my job 100% in January I will be hosed. My manager and supervisor say just get well. My union steward is aware of all this.

It is really stressing me out and I feel so useless to everyone. Maybe I worried about nothing. Any comments, advices or funny remarks are welcome. Thank you.

Sorry if this post isn't allowed. I will delete it if necessary.

Would this be good for union workers and American workers in general if this happens? With the boomers leaving the work force and potentially millions of cheap labors getting deported would this give us a better bargaining chip?

Everyone contractor has a guy like this: was with the contractor his entire apprenticeship now 15 years later he is Superintendent. He loves the contractor more than himself. Tells all the pre apprentices if it does not work out here they will Walmart greeters. If Something happens close to quitting time , and he sends a message saying nobody is going home until the job is done. Has not been to a Union meeting in 10 years but knows everything that is going on with the hall………..

I am currently a CE3 in the local 369 in Kentucky. I am originally from Connecticut it's not that I don't like it here every one is really great and I enjoy working with everyone. The only reason is all my family is up in Connecticut and it's hard to look after them being so far away. How would I go about doing something like that with out pissing people off?

I realize, by posting this in the IBEW sub, that I'm basically asking for biased answers. That's okay. I know next to nothing about how the industry operates, so I'm fine with getting specific perspectives. I'm asking around other places too.

But basically, I'm interested in making a career jump into low-voltage work. No prior experience; just a layman interest in it.

I was talking to an acquaintance who does it (non-union), and he said it was his impression that the vast majority of low-volt jobs in Indiana are probably non-union, mostly because Indiana is a pretty shit state for unions (his words).

I did see that IBEW has an apprenticeship for what they call "telecommunications technicians," which seems to be roughly their equivalent to a low-voltage program.

I guess I just want to get a sense—especially from any locals—of whether that is a good route to go, or if I should try non-union work first and just go from there.

I'm in Indianapolis. Closest local to me would be 481.

(25 m, philly) I'm dropping out of engineering school (Mechanical eng) and planning to pursue the trades. Since control's engineering was one of the fields I was interested in, is there a pathway in the IBEW to becoming a controls electrician?

I was wondering if getting into the IBEW would eventually allow me to get into more technical electrical work as it's something I'm still interested in pursuing. Or is the IBEW purely construction?

Frankly, building trades really don't interest me as much as the more technical ones.

Any advice would be appreciated.

4th year here. I've been with the same contractor for my entire apprenticeship. I have experience at a bunch of different jobsites (industrial, commercial, service), but I still feel a sense of impostor syndrome even amongst my classmates. So I'm not entirely sure how to take this news. I kind of just nodded when one of the senior project managers told me this because it was completely unexpected.

On the one hand, I'm sure getting experience as a foreman would be greatly beneficial in rounding out my electrical education. On the other hand, I was just hoping to be a regular JW for a couple years to get my bearings. I'm also not too sure people would take me seriously, since a lot of them still remember me as the super green bootcamper I once was.

The company I'm at had a big round of layoffs recently and expect a handful of senior guys to retire in the near future. PM reassured me that I was never considered being laid off. I knew there were a few untouchable company guys, but I never expected to be lumped in with them.

I'm just wondering if I should stay with my current contractor once I top out (whether that be as a JW or foreman) or drag up. In your opinion, do I owe it to my contractor to stay on? I was looking forward to travelling once I got my card.

What’s the Low Volt work in Minn/St. Paul or Duluth area look like?

So I'm not totally against using cell phones at work. And I even occasionally play music with my cell phone if I'm working by myself.

But there are some people who have their ear bub in and are carrying out a full blown out loud conversion with someone on their phone. How can they do that and work effectively I'll never know.

I've also worked with people who play pod casts and YouTube videos out loud and that's very distracting. I don't know how you can be working and have someone talking to you constantly.

Listening to music is fine. It's like background noise to me. But loud talking from pod casts, videos, Tic Tock are a big no.

Not the trade but my city. As I’m gearing up for my 39th Chicago winter and annual depression kicks in, I’m just wondering can I move and still have a job? Will another city pick me up? I’m not sure how it works

I am thinking about moving the family to Wisconsin but the farthest north i have made it is Des Moines, IA. What city is good to move to? Where are the work hot spots? And just any general info about the state would be good.

That's definitely the wrong saw for the job though.

Just wanted to say that I genuinely enjoy what I do in the limited energy area of my job I feel I have a sense of purpose while being so young at just 20. My job impacts people positively and I like that a lot. I get paid good for what I do and my age I genuinely can’t wait till I journey out

That’s all just a post saying I don’t regret a single thing about joining the IBEW at all.

👍

I'm about to start my bachelor's in ee after getting an associates in electronics engineering. Ive already got accepted to the university I'm pursuing my bachelors. I'm thinking about going into renewable energy Is it possible to get like an apprenticeship while going to that school or do you have to go to there school? Also would this help me get to higher levels such as engineer quicker. I'm thinking about going into my local chapter and asking these questions but wanted to reach out here first

I was laid off late August. Have not worked since then I’m #1 on the books and I am an 2nd year apprentice. Only making 16$

Option 1 stick with the program (2 more years) WILL NOT MAKE MORE THAN 20 until I test out. All the jobs have been an hour + away and I have to drive my own vehicle.

Option 2 work for an old employer who’s willing to let me go to school to get my JW (non union). And is gonna to pay 24 hourly +commission and a work van. To take home (HVAC work btw) but he’d like to have an electrician in his ranks.

Bear in mind. I am a father. I have responsibilities and bills. I knew the apprenticeship would be tough financially but damn 16 an hour to have to drive hour and half to job and back on my own gas. Also I’m 3rd generation ibew. So by taking option 2 I will be letting some family members down. I want to be part of the union and I’m proud to be part of it now. But fuck. 4 months not working is ridiculous. 300 a week for unemployment. (I do side jobs too)

What would y’all do if you’re in my shoes? Respectfully.

My kids got to climb on some equipment and see a bit of what dad does day to day. They loved every second