Results 1 to 1 of 1
  1. Default Want to join IBEW apprenticeship but worried I won’t make enough money

    Featured Sponsor

    What’s up guys. I’ve been in line work for about 8 years. Transmission/substation for 6 years and distribution for the last 2 years. I’ve had a few coworkers recently join the union as journeyman by testing out and they have told me to do the same. Where my problem lies is that I’m confident in my skill and ability to learn but I’m not sure if I’ve had enough distribution experience to meet the expectations of a journeyman. I’m positive that I can pass the test but for the past 2 years I’ve worked with a power company and there are a lot of things that contractors do that we don’t do and vice versa. While contractors focus more on the “construction” side of the industry, us at my power company focus more on the “technical” side such as troubleshooting, banks, capacitors, regulators, reclosers, switching, etc. So, instead of just testing out I’m wanting to do it the right way and go through the apprenticeship program. I have already talked to the apprenticeship director and he said that if I can prove 3500 hours in the trade and pass a physical exam showing that I can do basic line work, they can start me as a 4th step apprentice which would put me around the same hourly pay that I’m making now. My worry though is that with my current company, we work A TON of overtime that allows me to make extra money. I have heard from other guys in the apprenticeship that there are times when you’ll get on a job only working 40 hours with no per diem out of town having to stay in a hotel or camper. I’m afraid that by having to do that, I won’t be able to afford to pay my bills. I’m 28 and have a wife and kids, mortgage, vehicle payments, bills, etc. So, is there anyone here who has gone through the apprenticeship that’s in a similar situation. Any and all advice or tips will be appreciated. Thanks!

Tags for this Thread

Posting Permissions

  • You may not post new threads
  • You may not post replies
  • You may not post attachments
  • You may not edit your posts
  •