Calling my Martial Arts Brothers & Sisters in the IBEW!

[LngDrnkOfSilence]

This coming Wednesday, I have an appointment to go to my local IBEW (International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers) Union Hall (Local 313).

Although I'm only going to pick up an application to the apprenticeship program... I'm hoping to also get a chance to meet the local NJATC (National Joint Apprenticeship Training Commitee) representative as well.

With some luck, and the help of friends in the Local... I hope to be accepted into the NJATC program before (or at least close to) my 40th birthday in February.

So, having said this... what pearls of wisdom do those of you currently in the IBEW have for a newbie to the trade who is starting out at such a "seasoned" age?

Honestly, Union or not, I could use the advice of ANYONE in the electrical trade at this point... although my personal choice is to be union...

After reviewing the information on the NJACT website... I'm leaning towards either VDV Installer Technician or Residential Wireman...

Thoughts? Comments? How about tips on getting in the Union to begin with?

Thank you to any and all who respond!

Your Brother in the arts (and hopefuly the IBEW),

Andrew

[hemi]

Although I am not in a union, I do work around electricity every day every thing from 12 volts to 480volts AC and DC.

The best advice I can give to someone starting out in the electrical trade.
#1 RESPECT electricity.

#2 Take your time

#3 Most important of all, no matter who tells you the circuit is dead always, always, always, always put a meter on it and test the circuit for yourself before you touch it.

#4 Treat every circuit as if it were live even if power is off.

Good luck in your new career choice. Just don’t rush around electricity

[Carol]

Celtic Crippler gave you great advice about circuits.

Starting in the union at 40 shouldn't be an issue as long as you are willing to be a newbie at 40. You'll need to really get your back in to your work and make a name for yourself among your union brothers. It means you won't have choice projects for awhlie while people younger and sometimes coarser than you will. You'll get your face rubbed in to it from time to time and you'll also meet a great bunch of guys to work with.

Best way to get in to the union is to be recommended by someone thats in already. It's a very political organization. Since you've got friends in the local, that will help a lot. The more cash you can set aside right now the better, as soon as you can offer to pay your dues, the better and the closer you can bet to paying the full amount of your annual dues, the better.

Be sure you want to go union and be sure you can describe good reasons why.

Good Luck.

Former IBEW Local 1226

[Celtic_Crippler]

...I did?

Celtic Crippler gave you great advice about circuits.

[Carol]

...I did?

DOH!!!!

HEMI did!!

Oh I am SOOO sorry guys!

[hemi]

That’s ok bunch of us Southern boys look alike

[Carol]

That’s ok bunch of us Southern boys look alike

Very true! You gents are so handsome I can't keep y'all straight in my mind.

[sifuroy]

The best of luck from a 50 year member of the I.B.E.W. you are making a good choice of careers. It was very good to me.

Most Respectfully,
Sifuroy

[LngDrnkOfSilence]

Thank you everyone... I appreciate your response!

I've been talking some with my one good friend in the Union... and I'm feeling pretty good about my chances...

I'll make sure to keep everyone posted!

Thanks again!

Your Brother in the arts,

Andrew

[LngDrnkOfSilence]

Well... I stopped by the Union Hall this morning... and spent about an hour filling out my application... and sitting down with the very nice lady from their JACT (training) office...

Next step is to get my documentation (transcripts, birth certificate, etc.) together by the 22nd of next month...

After that will be an aptitude test in January... followed by an Oral Board interview in February... with a list being posted in March...

The list will be good for two-years...

The recommendation made to me was to get Letters of Recommendation from the three people that I know in the Union... and submit them along with my documentation… so that they may be included in the file that the Selection Committee will see...

So, time to dig out the kids old Algebra 101 textbooks and CD-ROM's!

A few good books on basic theory and/or the trade in general are also being sought out... perhaps the NJACT text used in the program...

More as it comes… and, “THANK YOU!” to all who’ve replied thus far!

Your Brother in the arts,

Andrew