where in michigan do you live? What local did you apply for with ALBAT? I am from michigan and went through a program like that in Ohio where I got all my certs and 20 credits toward a engineering degree. There is just no where in Michigan to work in this industry right now. There are actually posts on here I thought I read sayin consumers are going to be doing more layoffs soon. I have tried the U.P. and all types of contractors in michigan I actually live in a municipal and that is hopeless. You can forget DTE you can't even get passed a receptionist to talk to someone. I dont know where you are applyin but your gonna need to work outta state. If you are close to Oh like your better off trying stuff there. They seem to have more work (at least more than MI) After going through that program I applied for ALBAT and had my interview with the toledo local and was ranked #3 and hopefully will be getting hooked up with a contractor by january. It took me about a 1 1/2 to get to this point now so don't give up it will take time. ALl said and done I would stay in school and keep applying EVERYWHERE. LIke you said at least you will have a degree in your hands. Good luck