How do I become a Union Electrician???

[V6UnderPressure]

Hey guys, I'm at the point where I need to find a career for myself. I will graduate in October from DeVry with an Electronics and Computer Technician Degree (Associates). I also have an Associate's in Business Administration from Robert Morris College. I am 26, and would really like to get into the Electricians Union, but am hearing stories that you need 2 recommendations. What exactly is a recommendation? And I hear there is a long wait. Currently, the Pipefitters Union is taking applications. I thought about this as well, but would rather get into the Electricians Union. What are all your opinions on what I should do? Thanks for all your help!

Scott

 

[19TTA89]

This would be a steamfitters take on Becoming a union Electrician....

Go into the Hall.....Ask for the application....Ask how long the waiting list is......Then proceed to cry 10 buckets Full of tears....And complain and whine about it all the way out the door.....

If you show superior whining & Crying Skills,They just may push your App to the Top!!!!

All kidding aside....Its all about who you know,You could be on the waiting list for years if you dont know anyone...

Good luck,And I hope you find something soon.

 

[slow87]

What about the jatc? I know when I sigend up to be a wire man, some of the other "programs"(like the tech stuff) required you already had a degree.

 

[AsphaltAnihil8r]

Since we have some electricians in the house,,,What is up with you guys(well most)I went to a building for no heat call because the electrican could not wire low voltage,,,what a dope....

Reminds me of Monster House with the Electrician staring at a 1900 box for 4 days ,,,another dope


Check out the local 597 website

 

[turbot2112]

your right , any electrician should be able to wire a boiler or low voltage. if you seen the 24 volt stuff ive wired your head would spin. a lot of electricians just dont want to be bothered.

 

[AsphaltAnihil8r]

Originally posted by turbot2112
your right , any electrician should be able to wire a boiler or low voltage. if you seen the 24 volt stuff ive wired your head would spin. a lot of electricians just dont want to be bothered.

Not my head,,I wire DDC controls--

 

[6 beats 8]

I am a Union Lineman (Local 126 Philly). Depending on how busy your local union is, will probably determine on how long if any the wait would be. Go on down there and put in an application. You won't regret it. Best move I ever made! Philly is a MAJOR pro Union city. Not to much work gets done here by Scabs.
Ray

 

[turbot2112]

Originally posted by AsphaltAnihil8r
Not my head,,I wire DDC controls--

haha, thats what im talking about, pc panels, ac panels, for million dollar printing machines.

 

[whitehot84]

Scott, I have been an electrician for 35 years and my recommendation would be for you to take the education you already have invested in and expand it to include PLC programming. You will never be without a job. You won't have to pay any dues or assessments and you will never have to strike an employer who thinks you make too much money already. The future is yours.

 

[Dwayne]

I'll have to agree with whitehot86........I've been a union pipefitter for 15 years and just recently hired in an UAW automotive plant. Before coming in the plant, I had spent the last 3 winters outside. It's not much fun being asshole deep in mud and snow and trying to work. I noticed that you are in ILL so you are probably noticing that union jobs are a dieing breed. Here in central IN, it is a major problem. Complete towns are dying because of high paying union jobs are leaving. It's not just uaw jobs, but any union job. I saw this thread this morning before I went to work and decided to call the hall ( I'm still a dues paying card holder ) and see how many people were on the bench. Check this out.....170 out of 290 working members were out of work locally, most had not worked all winter and had to go out of state to get a 40 hr work week. The electicians hall was not quite as bad, they only had about 30% unemployment. Don't get the wrong idea; being a building trades journeyman is a honest and rewarding career, but at your age, I would expand your education and get deeper in the technoligy field. I wish you the best of luck.......Dwayne