school or experience?

[shacklemanjones]

Ive been working for a non-union contractor for over a year now. The apprenticeship program is non-existant. I want a job where I'm more established instead of running around the country. Would it be foolish to quit here and go through an IBEW apprenticeship back home (if I were accepted, obviously) or quit and go to a line school like NLC even though I have over 3500 hours documented just for the certificate? Ive been applying to several places, but haven't got calls. I figure a certificate from school and/or obviously going union might get me noticed...or, is this experience I'm gaining really going to help me land a great job down the road?

Experiences and opinions please. Thanks.

[hotwiretamer]

I would think your "documented" hours would help in getting in a local where they are hiring. I'm sure you are aware that you will still be traveling.

[wantafastz28]

From all the union people ive been bugging on the west side of the country... work hours trump a line school any day of the week. I would say if you're not working and have the extra cash and time for a line school, go for it... but you're just gonna be doing it all over again when you finally get an apprenticeship.

[west coast hand]

I'd say stay where you are and keep getting hours in the trade and apply at every jatc in the country don't give up you will get in somewhere...