Hey guys i'm 23. i've worked for a private company up until now but after reading a lot of your posts i'm becoming more and more interested in going the union way. Right now i work for an equipment rental company running mini-ex and bobcats mostly in very tight spots although i have some experience on TLB's. my boss is definatly easy to get along with and my pay is good but i would like to eventually get into bigger iron someday and this company specializes in smaller equipment for tight jobs and residential work. so basically i'm wondering what it takes to get an apprenticeship with the union and what it is like when you do get in? do you get assigned a mentor and always work with that person or do they switch you from person to person? Also does it hurt my chances that i'm an hour and a half from the nearest hall or does it not matter, i usually drive an hour or more for work anyways so it doesn't bother me just curious if they weigh that is their decision to accept you or not Thanks for any info you guys have Steve
If you want to find the closest IUOE local go to the website address below and then click on the map provided of the US and Canada to find the local you want the contact information for. If the local has web presence there will be a link provided. Apprenticeship is meeting certain requirements to become a journey person. That includes hours of experience and certain achivement levels. All local union members including the apprenticeship program instructors are your mentors! Remember! In construction you must go to the job, if none are close by you travel until you find one! Link- www.iuoe.org
thanks for you info, i believe my local here would be 793 so i think monday i will give them a call. Travelling is not a problem at all for me i am willing to go pretty much anywhere i can get work