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Apprenticeship advice. Austin, TX

Posted By: Solution

Apprenticeship advice. Austin, TX - 04/19/14 11:50 PM

I know I know, another damn wana be apprentice starting a thread. Sorry.

I just have a few questions and would greatly appreciate anyone willing to respond.

I'm currently finishing up my first year as an apprentice in the IBEW (electrical union) and although I like it so far, from the research I've done I really think I would prefer this trade.

So in May the Austin local #133 will be taking in applications, and I got me some questions.

First of all, is this union one where I stand little chance if I don't actually know anyone already inside the union?

Will the fact that I have electrical experience working through the IBEW help improve my odds of acceptance?

Is there any blanket advice that you can give me prior to my interview to improve my odds?

Is there anything about this trade I should know before I apply?

Does anyone work in Austin and/or Texas? If so, am I making a good decision pursuing this and what can I expect?

Overall, how difficult is it to gain entrance into the program?
I'm 23, and have both college/construction experience as an electrician.

Anyways, I'm simply anxious because I really want to be a part of an exclusive and demanding trade such as this one, and would appreciate any and all input. Sorry for all the questions.

Thank you gentlemen!
Posted By: Silly

Re: Apprenticeship advice. Austin, TX - 04/20/14 12:27 AM

Well, I am not in Texas, but for the other questions....

Stand a great chance of getting into the union, regardless of relations. Our union does not really have that issue, some of the signatory companies however, thats a different story.

The electrical experience should help you with some of the entrance exam questions, and depending on experience, may allow you to get a waver for some of our own union apprenticeship classes. The fact you are a UNION electrician will help you with the oral exam portion of the process into the union as well.

Blanket advice, knowing that common sense isnt all that common anymore, if you have it, you will look stellar. The exam is for you to figure out, I will say it is heavy on mechanical and math. Gear A is 24 inches spinning clockwise at 100fpm, how fast will hear be spin if it is 12 inches, and in what direction will it spin? Thats just an example, and if it is really on the test, brilliant!

Our trade is great, we are one of the few self perpetuating trades out there. For every 500 elevators I build on new installation, there are 2-3 service routes created, perhaps some repair as well, if the service geeks dont keep my beauties lubed right! Perhaps a MOD team as well to give some of the items a facelift.

Your overall question, it is not mission impossible to get into the union, with a good work ethic, common sense, and the desire to learn, you will be very successful in this trade. It is a privledge to be in a trade that can take care of you, and your family, for as long as you are willing to take care of your responsibilities, safely, and within our agreement with the companies. Good Luck Solution.
Posted By: sbrmilitia

Re: Apprenticeship advice. Austin, TX - 04/20/14 01:25 AM

Since you have electrical back ground you can try to test out of year 2, basic electricity.

The test is the same test most major companies use as a mechanical aptitude test. Dow Chemical, BASF, Etc. Its really simple.

Where you need to shine is the panel interview. Two union guys and two company guys will be conducting the interview. From that interview is where you'll get your number for the hire list. I was 29.
Posted By: Solution

Re: Apprenticeship advice. Austin, TX - 04/24/14 02:16 AM

Thank you Silly, and sbrmilitia for the thoughtful replies.

Just today I spoke to someone who made it seem like the local here was not easy to get into, but I honestly assume that is the case for every local within this trade. So the advice is absolutely appreciated guys.

I'm not at all concerned about the written test, because I know I'm mentally capable and mechanically inclined enough to pass it. Does anyone know if they are only concerned with if you passed, or if they actually use your score as a ranking metric?

You mentioned an oral exam though, and to this point I had no idea that was even part of the process? Is there any way you could elaborate, or did you simply mean the interview?

Speaking of interview, I don't suppose anyone here knows what sort of questions they might ask?

If anyone has time to reply, thank you.
Posted By: sbrmilitia

Re: Apprenticeship advice. Austin, TX - 04/24/14 03:53 AM

If you pass the test you get a interview. 70 is as good as a 100.

And that's what it is a INTERVIEW, its not a test. You'll be asked normal questions pertaining to the job. Starting out you'll be in construction. Hours are long, the job is tough on greenies, lots of heaving lifting, hours of monotonous work, also that Texas heat in those shafts makes things tough and mechanics will push you to your breaking point. Keeping your mouth shut, do what your told, and pay attention to detail learn from what others are doing. If someone gives you to chance to do something that requires skill knock it out of the park. If you are a electrician knowing how to run conduit, bending, taking measurements, and making things look nice gives you something extra you bring to the table. You'd be surprised ive been with probates who have no clue how to read a tape. "Its 3 lines after the big line" ive heard more then once. Laying machine rooms out require a lot of EMT and a mechanic attention to detail shows in the machine room.

The interview will be members of the JAC. It will consist of two union guys and two company guys. Unless asked shy away from talking a lot about union pride(hey brother we all have it and its nothing like having brothers who have your back). Keep your answers pertaining to work experience, issues you've seen in the field and ways you used team work and problem solving skills to overcome them. Also adding a safety influence to your answers isn't a bad thing to do. Company or Union safety is one thing we can all agree on. Lastly when asked if you have any questions don't say no, ask any questions you have a concern about. That shows you are not a know it all and have a willingness to learn. You only have a short time for those guys to make a decision about you so give the best impression you can.

Dress for the occasion, clean shaven and get a hair cut. A good impression when you walk in will help.

Any more questions ill be more then happy to ask. DM me if you want.
Posted By: Silly

Re: Apprenticeship advice. Austin, TX - 04/24/14 04:31 AM

As usual SBR hit it on the head. As for exact questions well, we want people who belong in our trade, not those who knew what the questions were, so they could prepare the best answers. If all you say is true, you will be with us soon enough bud.

Most union guys say it is difficult to get in because, to most, it is. Common sense isnt all that common these days. Work ethic? Forget about it. Desire to doing a job right.....yeah right. Premadona is a word I am familiar with being called on occassion, my answer is usually the same, whats so wrong with being perfect?

Good luck in the lone star state.
Posted By: sbrmilitia

Re: Apprenticeship advice. Austin, TX - 04/30/14 02:42 AM

please let us know how things go. if you do get a hire number and get a call for a job couple things to keep in mind.

Be on time, have reliable transportation and don't miss any school. while you are on probation there is no excuse for being late or calling in. besides death and that may not keep you from getting ran off.

keep your temp work card on you, make sure you are up to date on your payments. have a pencil and ruler/tape on you at all times.

good luck bud
Posted By: Solution

Re: Apprenticeship advice. Austin, TX - 05/01/14 01:39 AM

I'll certainly keep this updated throughout the process.

I won't receive my application for another week or so, then I'm assuming the testing will be set up towards the end of the month, or early June.

I'm trying not to think about it that much because I know they likely don't accept many applicants. I also lack a military back ground, and have only been an electrician for a little over a year, so I wont be the most qualified on paper.

I don't lack confidence, I'm just keeping my expectations tempered for now.

Thanks as always gentlemen.

Edit: Hopefully though they are in serious demand for apprentices, all of Texas is doing really well from a growth perspective, Austin and the I-35 corridor are no exception. Plenty of work going on down here.
Posted By: E311

Re: Apprenticeship advice. Austin, TX - 05/01/14 12:40 PM

Texas is the one of the best places to get in, up here in DFW we have a lot of work. Good luck with the rest of the process, as others have stated-keep your nose clean, show up early every day, do the best you can do. I mark my 28th year this month, it flies by before you know it, develope a passion for elevators and your only limitations will be those you put up yourself.
Posted By: Solution

Re: Apprenticeship advice. Austin, TX - 05/01/14 10:34 PM

Hey E311 thanks for the the advice. I'm actually from Dallas and my family still lives up there. I'm thinking I'll apply there as well the next time they begin taking in applications if I haven't made it into the Austin Local. I don't doubt you guys have tons of work up there. I've seen the construction numbers, and you really cant find a place with more growth going on.
Posted By: Solution

Re: Apprenticeship advice. Austin, TX - 05/23/14 09:04 PM

My EIAT test is scheduled for June 10th.

I would like to google some practice tests, but I'm unsure what exactly to look for that would most closely relate to the EIAT.

SBR posted this earlier in the thread, "The test is the same test most major companies use as a mechanical aptitude test. Dow Chemical, BASF, Etc. Its really simple."

What might I look up to find example tests such as the one he mentioned? Do they have a specific name?

I suppose I could just research the tests each of those companies use and go about it that way.

Anyways, thanks. I'll continue to update this because I'm sure prospective apprentices might appreciate this in the future.
Posted By: sbrmilitia

Re: Apprenticeship advice. Austin, TX - 05/30/14 02:00 AM

Quit stressing the test brother. Its mostly common sense and simple math. Instead of stressing over what's on that test try working on some test taking skills. Last thing you want to do is let that stress/nerves get to you and you bomb the test. That test is a cake walk so just work on settling down so you can think clearly.
Posted By: jrr1982

Re: Apprenticeship advice. Austin, TX - 06/04/14 02:59 AM

Hey Solution, I am trying to get into local 9 here in MN, keep me posted on how the test goes. Local 9 is haveing an apprenticeship in August, and I want to make sure I am ready
Posted By: Solution

Re: Apprenticeship advice. Austin, TX - 06/05/14 08:51 PM

No problem JRR. Check back around mid next week (my test is this coming Tuesday).
Posted By: Solution

Re: Apprenticeship advice. Austin, TX - 06/19/14 11:16 PM

A little late on the update, but for those still curious of my progress, I did in fact pass the aptitude test.

For any prospective apprentices I'll give a quick run down of my test, but I'll also be mindful that a lot of guys on this forum are likely union members and would frown upon me giving an undeserved advantage to incoming recruits.

With that said, my test was 100 questions, split up evenly between math/reading comprehension/mechanical aptitude.

The reading comprehension was exactly how all reading comprehension tests are. Be mindful that the difficulty scaled up towards the end.

The math was much more basic than I thought it would be. There was no alegbra. You're test might be different, because its possible each region uses a different aptitude test so take it with a grain of salt. There is no calculator so make sure you have all your basics down. Long division using a decimal would be an example of what to touch up on. As always, know order of operations.

Mechanical comprehension is hard to study for. Be familiar with pullys, gears, levers, pressure/fluid.

Hope that helps put anyone to ease with the test coming up.

My interview is on the 26th. This is sooner then I was expecting, so I'm sort of scrambling to get a letter of recommendation and some old college transcript grades. I'm honestly not sure how important that stuff is. So if anyone wants to provide anymore input for my upcoming interview, that would be cool.

Otherwise thanks again for those who helped me out so far.
Posted By: sbrmilitia

Re: Apprenticeship advice. Austin, TX - 06/22/14 02:38 PM

2 members from the JAC and two company guys will be interviewing. my hiring number was 28 so I didn't wow the guys but I must have said something right. Being open to learn, a emphasis on safety, and no problem with hard work.
Posted By: Solution

Re: Apprenticeship advice. Austin, TX - 06/26/14 08:42 PM

Interview went well. Results by mail in 1-2 weeks.

I'll of course give an update if I get call for work.

Hope this thread helps some prospective greenies with their process.

Thanks to those of you who helped me along, and if I'm fortunate I might actually be able to start asking on the job related questions soon.

EDIT: Oh, and they had about 8 people there grading for the interview process. This union obviously takes the apprentice process seriously which is good to know.
Posted By: titans

Re: Apprenticeship advice. Austin, TX - 07/02/14 03:28 AM

Military veteran here going for my IUEC local 93 apprenticeship interview on June 14 in Nashville. Any tips or suggestions welcome and appreciated. Thanks...
Posted By: Solution

Re: Apprenticeship advice. Austin, TX - 07/03/14 08:38 PM

Well I got my results back and I'm not quite sure what to make of them.

I scored a lot lower on my interview than I thought I would, putting me at rank 10 on their list.

This sort of concerns me because I think Austin is a much smaller local than most and I'm not even sure how many people they take in yearly for their Apprenticeship.

Does anyone know when the school year typically starts and what my odds might be of making it in for the upcoming NEIEP academic year?

I guess I'll give them a call and see if they can provide more info, I'm just eager and have no idea what to expect being ranked 10th.
Posted By: sbrmilitia

Re: Apprenticeship advice. Austin, TX - 07/04/14 03:04 AM

So you are the tenth person off the list who will be hired when a company calls the hall looking for apprentices. And that isn't bad at all. Construction is picking up around Texas all over. So being 10th isn't a ranking its your spot in line to be hired. When you do get the call, be on time!!!!!. Most likely you'll have to go through some sort of safety training. Most percent of companies open at 7am. Remember you are on probation they don't need a reason to run you off cause they'll just get the next guy off the list. You a required to have a pencil and your temp work card paid up to date. Listen to your mechanic do what your told. If you are unsure of something ask to get it right the first time. Your job is to be that mechanic right hand man, you need to make the mechanic's job easier. good luck bud....You can always PM me if you have any other questions.

One more thing but you a small notebook to keep in your pocket, write things down, multiple tasks given, and anything else you to remember. Work on picking up the lingo, figuring out what everything is called is very important!!!
Posted By: kiwinightstalker

Re: Apprenticeship advice. Austin, TX - 07/04/14 07:13 AM

yeah keep the notebook to write the lunch orders down... grin
Posted By: Solution

Re: Apprenticeship advice. Austin, TX - 07/04/14 10:54 AM

Thanks Militia.

I think 10th will probably be good enough to get called out, my only concern is I don't want to get called after the start of the apprenticeships school year starts in a few months and have to wait another year to start it. The apprenticeship here is now 5 years long.

I'm just being super impatient about the entire thing, and just have no idea how to gauge my ranking in relation to a small local. I think Local 133 only has around 150 members, so 10th on the list may or may not be that good.

lol Kiwi, for the benefits this union provides I'd take lunch orders all day every day if it was asked of me.
Posted By: E311

Re: Apprenticeship advice. Austin, TX - 07/04/14 01:32 PM

Don't worry so much about your ranking-once you start working. Make a commitment to yourself to live and breathe elevators, once you do that, you will always have a job and a career.
Posted By: Solution

Re: Apprenticeship advice. Austin, TX - 07/04/14 02:25 PM

Hah, you guys seem to be pretty sure I'll get a call, which is all I'm honestly concerned about. I just wasn't sure if I should be worried or not because of how small the local is. Also, it sort of sucks not knowing how long I'll need to wait for them to make it that far down the list. I just have no idea which is what bothers me the most smile

happy 4th of July everyone.
Posted By: Silly

Re: Apprenticeship advice. Austin, TX - 07/04/14 09:26 PM

First not all called will respond, some may have moved on, 10th outta 10 may suck, but you were at the test...10 outta 100 is pretty good, chin up bud.

As for what to have and be, you have heard some great things from the membership. Once hired, I will give you a leg up. 10-1 screwdriver, channel locks, door pick, small screwdriver (tweeker), electrical tape, few bell caps, few do alls, notebook, pencil, pen, sharpie. Keep these things on you at ALL times. You want to be johnny on the spot for your mechanic, and believe me he is yours, as much as you are his. Keep your mouth shut, listen, learn, feel him out like you do a spouse. I have a rather fond saying of your new job description sir, make your mechanic look good. No matter the task, from sweeping, to wiring, to adding counter weights, showing up to work on time, you go out of your way to make him look like the best mechanic your local has, and you will work in this trade as long as you want to.

Good luck Solution.
Posted By: Solution

Re: Apprenticeship advice. Austin, TX - 07/04/14 11:08 PM

Appreciate the heads up Silly. That's some really solid advice.

Does anyone know how fast the list tends to move for a local Like Austin? I don't know if I should be expecting a call this month, or 6 months from now.
Posted By: sbrmilitia

Re: Apprenticeship advice. Austin, TX - 07/05/14 05:00 AM

Heads up as a apprentice you are not allowed to carry your own tools. A small pocket screwdriver is ok, a pencil, and tape measure. Any other tools needs to be provided by your mechanic. There are other members out in the field will report you and you can be brought up on charges for having your own tools.
Posted By: Silly

Re: Apprenticeship advice. Austin, TX - 07/05/14 07:26 AM

When I got in we were allowed to have the 10-1, channel locks, and tape measure. Only tool I needed from the mechanic was the tweeker. Better check down there before you carry them I guess solution.
Posted By: Solution

Re: Apprenticeship advice. Austin, TX - 07/05/14 11:35 AM

They'll undoubtedly give me a list of what I need. But I'm a little disappointing I can't have my own tools without possibly getting reported.

Why is that exactly, It would make sense if the tools were being provided by the contractor but Militia made it sound like I just can't use tools other than from my mechanic.

Is this through the entire apprenticeship, or can you scale up your tools as you progress?
Posted By: uppo72

Re: Apprenticeship advice. Austin, TX - 07/05/14 01:47 PM

Originally Posted By: sbrmilitia
Heads up as a apprentice you are not allowed to carry your own tools. A small pocket screwdriver is ok, a pencil, and tape measure. Any other tools needs to be provided by your mechanic. There are other members out in the field will report you and you can be brought up on charges for having your own tools.


This is the dumbest thing I have heard! Why cant an apprentice have his own tools? As apprentices we were issued a full tool kit!! You don't have to have them on site at all times( and most of the time you may not need it) but at times you do need them.

The best advice I can give is, live the industry and be a sponge. Have a notebook and write everything down and ask questions(if you don't understand anything, ask particularly safety issues). Be attentive to the mechanic's needs ie quick to hand the pliers without the mechanic having to ask for them etc. Doing this tends to have mechanics trust you, and then they fight to get the best apprentices which is a feather in your cap. But the most important lesson you need to learn is fault finding. I was lucky I had mechanics put faults on for me, run snap question and answer sessions etc. The best thing I learnt was when attending a breakdown was, walk in the motor room, hands in the pockets and use the best organs to analyse the situation and determine what is wrong. And that's your EYES!!!! You can most of the time tick off 3/4's of possible causes by checking relays/indicators for safety ccts, locks, direction etc with this method. Learn this and you will be able to fix lifts pretty quickly(don't worry there is no race tho) and look good to your bosses. All the best mate
Posted By: jkh

Re: Apprenticeship advice. Austin, TX - 07/05/14 03:57 PM

Solution,

As an apprentice, the mechanic(s) working with and around you are responsible for what you do! As well as your well being and safety. This will become painfully obvious throughout your first year. But this lesson will be carried with your entire carrier!

Again let me say this because of its importance! "YOUR ENTIRE CARRIER"...

Everyone of the members who have participated on this forum have, are and continue to display their dedication to the advancement of this industry. And I for one feel honored to be apart of it.

You are given a preview into a unique circle by simply asking for help and advice. There is no doubt in my mind that you have the desire to be apart of it. My advice is to pay attention to the instructor & the mechanics when you are out in the field.
Be mindful of when it is appropriate to ask questions. And no matter how hard it may feel to connect with everyone you work with, find a way to do so.

Best wishes,
Posted By: DripCan

Re: Apprenticeship advice. Austin, TX - 07/05/14 04:54 PM

Beon time ready to work personal phone only for emergencys no texting surfing the web an you got fifty percent of job licked.The days of being silent of safety are gone speak up only about safety.An get ready to go threw boot camp again an called everything but by right name.Read your mechanic to find his mood swings when to talk an not.And last dont answer any questions boss or others want to know about whats going on let Mechanic answer all questions.Dont stand around grab a broom or mop keep things clean.
Posted By: Silly

Re: Apprenticeship advice. Austin, TX - 07/05/14 06:04 PM

You wont be able to scale up your own personal tools. There is a set standard of the few you are personally allowed to own for a very good reason. Who would want to lose their job because some apprentice has money and brought in a 2000 dollar snap on kit to work, over someone with less money who has a tape, channies, and a screw driver. Believe me the companies love to push apprentices as far as they can, and it WOULD make a difference somewhere. This simple rule keeps the playing field even for all apprentices.

Dont worry solution, mechanics are required to have 2 of many of the common tools for this reason. Most mechanics have a helper bucket or tool bag setup already and if it lacks something you feel you need to perform your job better, ask about it. I dont know one single mechanic who wouldnt go get another tool, Crap we usually look for excuses to buy new stuff, lol.
Posted By: Solution

Re: Apprenticeship advice. Austin, TX - 07/05/14 08:58 PM

Hmm, I didn't think about that Silly, makes a lot of sense though.

I appreciate everyones advice and heads up, but really I'm still not even sure when/if I'll get called to work. There is no telling how long it will take for them to get to number 10 on the hire list in Austin. I think they've done a recruitment 3 years running now so it makes me think the list moves at a decent clip.

Can anyone touch on how consistent the work is. I know this is vastly different from region to region, but what should I expect as far as lay offs are concerned?

I'm trying to figure out why everyone is assuming I'll get a call though. I just can't get hyped yet until I find out some concrete info on where I stand with my ranking.
Posted By: bomfire

Re: Apprenticeship advice. Austin, TX - 07/07/14 11:11 PM

I wish you the best of luck Solution! First time poster here. I am in the same boat as you, I am below #40 (~175 on the hiring list) on our list in local 18 (Vegas, LA, San Diego) and am hoping for a call as well! Good luck!
Posted By: Solution

Re: Apprenticeship advice. Austin, TX - 07/07/14 11:38 PM

Good luck to you too buddy. Those all seem like they would be great cities to work in. Keep in touch and let us know if you get a call.

I might recommend sticking around these forums after you get hired. This thread alone should be proof that the guys on here are genuine and helpful. We could learn a lot from them.
Posted By: sbrmilitia

Re: Apprenticeship advice. Austin, TX - 07/08/14 02:17 AM

Originally Posted By: uppo72
Originally Posted By: sbrmilitia
Heads up as a apprentice you are not allowed to carry your own tools. A small pocket screwdriver is ok, a pencil, and tape measure. Any other tools needs to be provided by your mechanic. There are other members out in the field will report you and you can be brought up on charges for having your own tools.


This is the dumbest thing I have heard! Why cant an apprentice have his own tools? As apprentices we were issued a full tool kit!! You don't have to have them on site at all times( and most of the time you may not need it) but at times you do need them.

The best advice I can give is, live the industry and be a sponge. Have a notebook and write everything down and ask questions(if you don't understand anything, ask particularly safety issues). Be attentive to the mechanic's needs ie quick to hand the pliers without the mechanic having to ask for them etc. Doing this tends to have mechanics trust you, and then they fight to get the best apprentices which is a feather in your cap. But the most important lesson you need to learn is fault finding. I was lucky I had mechanics put faults on for me, run snap question and answer sessions etc. The best thing I learnt was when attending a breakdown was, walk in the motor room, hands in the pockets and use the best organs to analyse the situation and determine what is wrong. And that's your EYES!!!! You can most of the time tick off 3/4's of possible causes by checking relays/indicators for safety ccts, locks, direction etc with this method. Learn this and you will be able to fix lifts pretty quickly(don't worry there is no race tho) and look good to your bosses. All the best mate



Unless you have a mechanics card in your pocket you aren't allowed to bring any of your own tools. A pencil and tape measure is the only exception to that. Period....no if ands or buts that is IEUC 101. That is for construction, Mod and Repair. As a fifty you wont see a maintenance job for a while.
Posted By: uppo72

Re: Apprenticeship advice. Austin, TX - 07/08/14 04:07 AM

Originally Posted By: sbrmilitia
Originally Posted By: uppo72
Originally Posted By: sbrmilitia
Heads up as a apprentice you are not allowed to carry your own tools. A small pocket screwdriver is ok, a pencil, and tape measure. Any other tools needs to be provided by your mechanic. There are other members out in the field will report you and you can be brought up on charges for having your own tools.


This is the dumbest thing I have heard! Why cant an apprentice have his own tools? As apprentices we were issued a full tool kit!! You don't have to have them on site at all times( and most of the time you may not need it) but at times you do need them.

The best advice I can give is, live the industry and be a sponge. Have a notebook and write everything down and ask questions(if you don't understand anything, ask particularly safety issues). Be attentive to the mechanic's needs ie quick to hand the pliers without the mechanic having to ask for them etc. Doing this tends to have mechanics trust you, and then they fight to get the best apprentices which is a feather in your cap. But the most important lesson you need to learn is fault finding. I was lucky I had mechanics put faults on for me, run snap question and answer sessions etc. The best thing I learnt was when attending a breakdown was, walk in the motor room, hands in the pockets and use the best organs to analyse the situation and determine what is wrong. And that's your EYES!!!! You can most of the time tick off 3/4's of possible causes by checking relays/indicators for safety ccts, locks, direction etc with this method. Learn this and you will be able to fix lifts pretty quickly(don't worry there is no race tho) and look good to your bosses. All the best mate



Unless you have a mechanics card in your pocket you aren't allowed to bring any of your own tools. A pencil and tape measure is the only exception to that. Period....no if ands or buts that is IEUC 101. That is for construction, Mod and Repair. As a fifty you wont see a maintenance job for a while.


Thanks for the reply mate. I understand different area's have different rules, but here there is a demarcation between electricians and fitters. We don't do mechanical work as that is the domain of the fitters( apart from minor works on service particularly for the big companies, smaller companies you do more). Because of this most of the time your first year you go into service to learn and understand the basics. You are given a tool kit, but most of the time you don't need it. As you progress into mods, construction, repairs ect you tend to use these tools. Anyway it seems to work here.
Posted By: Solution

Re: Apprenticeship advice. Austin, TX - 07/08/14 10:27 PM

Well I got in contact with the local and from what I can gather I'm pretty sure I'll be getting a call eventually. At worse it may come after the new year, but it's obviously impossible to tell. I'm currently 9th on the list, so it's just a waiting game. I probably wont start school until next year which is unfortunate. I'll almost be 30 years old by the time I graduate the apprenticeship (that is a scary thought)!

Anyone who stumbles across this thread is welcome to join the forum and PM me with questions they may have about going through the process. Thanks as always everyone, I'll stop spamming this forum with my soon to be proby nonsense.
Posted By: skilledbutcher73

Re: Apprenticeship advice. Austin, TX - 07/11/14 02:48 AM

Solution... I believe we were in the same hiring group. I took the test on June 10th and the interview on the 26th here in Austin...I just got the results back on July 3rd..I rank 12th on the list..It has been so difficult to find ANY info about the elevator trade here in Austin.I am curious as to what the journeyman wage is right now for mechanics here in Austin. Let me know when you get a call back because I will (hopefully) get a call soon afterward.I Will pm you so we can keep each other updated.
Posted By: JohnnyTX

Re: Apprenticeship advice. Austin, TX - 07/11/14 04:03 AM

Solution,

I'm in the same group. How did you move from 10th to 9th on the list? I'm just curious because my letter stated that I was 7th. I'm wondering if the change is because 1st already received an offer, which would now make me 6th. For me, it's pretty irrelevant in regards to the big picture though. Eventually I'll get an offer, but the anticipation is pretty wild.
Posted By: titans

Re: Apprenticeship advice. Austin, TX - 07/11/14 04:30 AM

Did you guys wear a suit or just khakis and a tie? I'm asking because I have an interview in Nashville on Monday. I'm so nervous. Sure wish I had more info on the interview process.
Posted By: JohnnyTX

Re: Apprenticeship advice. Austin, TX - 07/11/14 04:34 AM

Shirt and tie for me
Posted By: titans

Re: Apprenticeship advice. Austin, TX - 07/11/14 04:35 AM

I'm interviewing in Nashville on Monday so I've just google davidson county tn prevailing wage of elevator mechanic.
Posted By: skilledbutcher73

Re: Apprenticeship advice. Austin, TX - 07/11/14 04:36 AM

I dressed in really nice slacks and a collared shirt. I don't know how anyone else dressed because I only saw one other guy and his interview was right after mine.
Posted By: titans

Re: Apprenticeship advice. Austin, TX - 07/11/14 04:37 AM

I plan on shirt and tie as well. Was it a really formal type of interview or more relaxed?
Posted By: skilledbutcher73

Re: Apprenticeship advice. Austin, TX - 07/11/14 04:37 AM

I still can't find Austin's local 133 wage anywhere.
Posted By: skilledbutcher73

Re: Apprenticeship advice. Austin, TX - 07/11/14 04:39 AM

Really relaxed interview. Simple questions. I had a interview in front of 10 people though which threw me off gaurd
Posted By: titans

Re: Apprenticeship advice. Austin, TX - 07/11/14 04:39 AM

What county is Austin in?
Posted By: titans

Re: Apprenticeship advice. Austin, TX - 07/11/14 04:43 AM

Elevator Mechanic*** (< 5 yrs experience) $ 23.535 38.22 $ 61.76 $
Elevator Mechanic*** (> 5 years experience) $ 23.535 38.94 $ 62.48
Posted By: titans

Re: Apprenticeship advice. Austin, TX - 07/11/14 04:44 AM

hey skilled, the first number is fringe benes, and the second is hourly pay
Posted By: titans

Re: Apprenticeship advice. Austin, TX - 07/11/14 04:46 AM

third number is the total of both numbers, for Austin County TX
Posted By: skilledbutcher73

Re: Apprenticeship advice. Austin, TX - 07/11/14 12:51 PM

So a apprenticeship on probation would make about 19 ?
Posted By: skilledbutcher73

Re: Apprenticeship advice. Austin, TX - 07/11/14 12:52 PM

So a apprentice on probation would make about 19 ?
Posted By: DripCan

Re: Apprenticeship advice. Austin, TX - 07/11/14 01:00 PM

Hey guys if its all about the money then i suggest you look else were.
Posted By: skilledbutcher73

Re: Apprenticeship advice. Austin, TX - 07/11/14 01:09 PM

Its not. I Just needed a idea,I just needed to know if I would have to try and fit in a few hours at my current job until I completely stop working there.Its a big move to leave a company a go to another one and be on probation.
Posted By: Solution

Re: Apprenticeship advice. Austin, TX - 07/12/14 03:07 PM

WOW. I was not expected 17 new replies to this thread when I pulled up the forum this morning.

Ok let me provide a bit more information for those who are in my hiring group.

First of all, I sent out a few emails, and finally got a response from Curtis who is one of the Area Reps. Below is his reply to my email asking for information

"Hello Sam,
If you are in the top 15 you will probably get called off this list. When is a different story. That all depends on the work load of the Local and how many refuse a job offer. Could be two weeks or 10 months. Be patient.
Good luck,
Curt"

Butcher and Johny, the three of us will likely get a call at some point. It's obviously not guaranteed though.

The reason I went from 10 to 9 is because I called the local at 5124789950 and asked about the new hire list. The number one person got called earlier this week so the list is moving.

The probationary pay for local 133 I want to say is just under 19 dollars (multiply this by 2 and you pretty much have the Mechanics rate). No it is not about the money, but when the IBEW started me at 13 dollars with a fraction of the benefits of the IUEC, it is certainly something we are all considering. All other questions pertaining to benefits/ect can be found here - http://www.dol.gov/olms/regs/compliance/cba/private/9064_7-8-17.pdf

I do not know how much each region can differentiate themselves from the overall national agreement, so it's possible local 133 is different in ways that I don't think I have any way of finding out right now.

For interview attire, I wore nice pants (they were not slacks) and a nice long sleeve button up without a tie. So there is some leeway with how you dress Titans, just be yourself and show confidence.

JohnnyTX can you PM if you read this please.
Edit: Also, did you either of you happen to find out how many people interviewed, or are on the total list?

Posted By: skilledbutcher73

Re: Apprenticeship advice. Austin, TX - 07/12/14 03:55 PM

Ah I did not wear slacks either..I wore REALLY nice black dress pants.thank u for the info solution. Like I said before guys that are new to union jobs some of this info is difficult to find.
Posted By: titans

Re: Apprenticeship advice. Austin, TX - 07/12/14 09:17 PM

I going to interview in nice khakis, button up shirt, and a tie. I don't wanna look to formal and at the same time, not too casual either. Thanks guys.
Posted By: TxVet

Re: Apprenticeship advice. Austin, TX - 07/18/14 03:18 PM

Hey I am also from Austin Texas and applied and interviewed with you guys, did anyone get any more news?
Posted By: skilledbutcher73

Re: Apprenticeship advice. Austin, TX - 07/18/14 04:01 PM

Nope not yet.
Posted By: TxVet

Re: Apprenticeship advice. Austin, TX - 07/18/14 04:07 PM

Yea, the wait is the worst part. I want to start working.
Posted By: skilledbutcher73

Re: Apprenticeship advice. Austin, TX - 07/18/14 04:15 PM

What is your rank ?
Posted By: TxVet

Re: Apprenticeship advice. Austin, TX - 07/18/14 04:36 PM

was number 3 now number 2 i guess since one got hired.
Posted By: Solution

Re: Apprenticeship advice. Austin, TX - 07/18/14 05:48 PM

Let us know when you get called txvet, you're the highest ranked of all of us so far.
Posted By: TxVet

Re: Apprenticeship advice. Austin, TX - 07/18/14 07:00 PM

I will, I wish I found this forum before I tested and interviewed.
Posted By: skilledbutcher73

Re: Apprenticeship advice. Austin, TX - 07/18/14 07:27 PM

Do y'all just call the union hall to get the updated list ?
Posted By: TxVet

Re: Apprenticeship advice. Austin, TX - 07/18/14 07:30 PM

Well I originally saw on here that the list advanced, I then called and asked about it the guy said one person had been hired so far.
Posted By: titans

Re: Apprenticeship advice. Austin, TX - 07/18/14 08:13 PM

Hey TxVet, Congrats on your ranking. I'm also a military vet. I had my interview on Monday in Nashville TN but I'm still waiting on my results. Do you have any college or know someone in your local? I've read on different forums that the union loves veterans. I'm just trying to gauge my potential ranking on the list.
Posted By: TxVet

Re: Apprenticeship advice. Austin, TX - 07/18/14 08:29 PM

Titans, I was in the coast guard as an electricians mate, I think that helped me the most because we mainly worked on motors and controllers and I have an associates degree in general education I can't see that helping me too much. I thought my interview was okay but was happy with 3rd tho I wish I was 1st haha. Oh I knew no-one in the local.
Posted By: titans

Re: Apprenticeship advice. Austin, TX - 07/18/14 08:41 PM

That's awesome. I was in the army infantry and have a degree in electrical systems. I sure hope I get a rank like you.
Posted By: TxVet

Re: Apprenticeship advice. Austin, TX - 07/18/14 08:50 PM

I bet you will. I think a lot of people don't have a degree and military that apply, keep us posted. Good luck man.
Posted By: titans

Re: Apprenticeship advice. Austin, TX - 07/18/14 09:06 PM

You too man, thanks
Posted By: titans

Re: Apprenticeship advice. Austin, TX - 07/18/14 09:16 PM

How were you guys contacted with your results? email, phone, letter?
Posted By: TxVet

Re: Apprenticeship advice. Austin, TX - 07/18/14 09:22 PM

I was sent a letter but I was a little Ancie so I sent an email to the recruiter working with us and he told me, it only took about a week and a half to get results by mail.
Posted By: Solution

Re: Apprenticeship advice. Austin, TX - 07/18/14 09:33 PM

The military background and electrical background are the main reasons you will probably have a good ranking Titans. As long as you didn't bomb the interview, you should be looking pretty good. How old are all you guys?
Posted By: TxVet

Re: Apprenticeship advice. Austin, TX - 07/18/14 09:35 PM

I am an old man, 29
Posted By: titans

Re: Apprenticeship advice. Austin, TX - 07/18/14 09:40 PM

I'm 35. Guess I'm ancient then.
Posted By: skilledbutcher73

Re: Apprenticeship advice. Austin, TX - 07/18/14 09:46 PM

I'm 26..I don't have military,electrical or welding experience. I do have a A.S. though and apprenticship experience as a butcher
Posted By: Solution

Re: Apprenticeship advice. Austin, TX - 07/18/14 09:47 PM

Well the experience you guys have gained over the years is a large part of why you both will likely get selected.

I feel lucky even being ranked 9th as I am 23 with only a little over a year of electrical/construction experience. An IBEW friend of mine also interviewed in Austin this year and failed the interview. Oddly enough he was very bright and had the highest grade in my electrical apprentice class this past year. I can only imagine how tough this union is to get into in some of the other locals.
Posted By: Solution

Re: Apprenticeship advice. Austin, TX - 07/18/14 09:49 PM

Speaking of welding, one of the coolest things is the welding truck/trailer this union drives around to all the locals to get its members certified. Have ya'll seen that thing? It's a welding school on wheels. Things like that sort of make the IUEC stand out...
Posted By: skilledbutcher73

Re: Apprenticeship advice. Austin, TX - 07/18/14 09:52 PM

I think they want u to be able to take critism and not get all hurt about it..because when it comes to safety there are almost no second chances..during my interview they brought this up..they said u have old school mechanics and new school and sometimes they don't get along.so work and military experience IS a big deal I believe.I told them I had a mentor that had been cutting meat for 46 years and he would chew my ass out for TINY things. But it is the small things that matter when it comes to safety.
Posted By: skilledbutcher73

Re: Apprenticeship advice. Austin, TX - 07/18/14 09:55 PM

Exactly.. I tried to get into the welding program for a very long time but the slots filled up so fast and the cost per class was about 300 dollars..more if u had to pay out of district taxes.the welding trailor is free and grants a amazing opportunity to learn to weld.
Posted By: titans

Re: Apprenticeship advice. Austin, TX - 07/18/14 09:55 PM

Yea solution, they have dozens of classes and certifications we'll be able to get. From what I understand, not everyone takes advantage of them. They just get caught up in the daily grind. But the more education and certifications one receives the more glamorous that resume will be. Might help years down the road when applying for a leadership position.
Posted By: skilledbutcher73

Re: Apprenticeship advice. Austin, TX - 07/18/14 09:56 PM

The welding program at ACC I mean..stupid phone.
Posted By: Solution

Re: Apprenticeship advice. Austin, TX - 07/18/14 10:02 PM

The city of Austin is psychotic when it comes to safety. You can get kicked off a job incredibly fast, and people even get banned from working in the city for multiple infractions. Safety people walk around with cameras and wont even tell you if you are violating a rule, they will simply take a picture of you without safety glasses on ect and send it on up the food chain.

Keep in mind, the safety record of a contractor goes into the bidding process. So by you being safe, you potentially increase your companies profit potential.

It only gets crazy on the really big jobs, and god help you if the job is being insured by the city. Smaller jobs, and jobs outside of Austin are much more relaxed. I'm not condoning being unsafe just because you are outside city limits, but when a safety guy is telling you to put on a harness when you are working on a 6 foot ladder, people get a little frustrated.
Posted By: Solution

Re: Apprenticeship advice. Austin, TX - 07/18/14 10:04 PM

I can't imagine not taking advantage of free classes/certifications if given the chance. I promise I'll be the first person to sign up for the welding trailer when it's making its rounds.

Butcher you're spot on about not being sensitive. The first time an old school mechanic lays into me for messing something up I'm going to feel awful. But you come to realize, those are the guys who will turn you into an amazing tradesman in the end.
Posted By: skilledbutcher73

Re: Apprenticeship advice. Austin, TX - 07/18/14 10:06 PM

Yeah you're not lying..Austin is a crazy city with crazy people man and growing at a rapid rate.
Posted By: kiwinightstalker

Re: Apprenticeship advice. Austin, TX - 07/19/14 02:09 AM



Originally Posted By: Solution
The city of Austin is psychotic when it comes to safety. You can get kicked off a job incredibly fast, and people even get banned from working in the city for multiple infractions. Safety people walk around with cameras and wont even tell you if you are violating a rule, they will simply take a picture of you without safety glasses on ect and send it on up the food chain.

Keep in mind, the safety record of a contractor goes into the bidding process. So by you being safe, you potentially increase your companies profit potential.

It only gets crazy on the really big jobs, and god help you if the job is being insured by the city. Smaller jobs, and jobs outside of Austin are much more relaxed. I'm not condoning being unsafe just because you are outside city limits, but when a safety guy is telling you to put on a harness when you are working on a 6 foot ladder, people get a little frustrated.

Cant believe they just take a photo and thats it until they kick you off site...if you are doing something unsafe or violating the rules is it their "duty of care" to tell you there and then what you are doing wrong???. What happens if you have an incident AFTER they have written you up and BEFORE you get the notice!!
Posted By: Solution

Re: Apprenticeship advice. Austin, TX - 07/19/14 12:34 PM

It's not exactly like that kiwi, I probably didn't describe it clearly.

They just don't give warnings really on the bigger jobs. You will look up and see a guy taking your picture, and it's pretty easy to figure out what you were doing wrong. If it's not obvious they will certainly let you know how you're being unsafe. Most of the time it's due to a lack of PPE gear. You wont get fired for the little things unless you are a repeat offender, but that's likely standard procedure across the country.

I imagine they started doing it because guys would argue that they weren't doing what ever the safety guy said they were doing. My contractor has never been kicked off a job, but a lot of the guys have certainly had their picture taken. From a safety guys perspective, it's a pretty smart way to go about it honestly.
Posted By: TxVet

Re: Apprenticeship advice. Austin, TX - 07/21/14 07:07 PM

So how often do you guys call the union hall to see your ranking? 
Posted By: Solution

Re: Apprenticeship advice. Austin, TX - 07/21/14 08:42 PM

I made a promise to myself to not call more than once a month. However, since there is like 3 or 4 of us keeping up with this forum, if anyone decides to call absolutely let those of us know by making a post.
Posted By: jrr1982

Re: Apprenticeship advice. Austin, TX - 07/21/14 08:51 PM

I like seeing a lot of veterans being accepted. I Was an Army Scout, and have A backround in Ironwork, I start my process in August. feeling Hopeful
Posted By: Solution

Re: Apprenticeship advice. Austin, TX - 07/21/14 08:55 PM

Good luck jrr, feel free to ask anything us anything.
Posted By: TxVet

Re: Apprenticeship advice. Austin, TX - 07/21/14 08:59 PM

Haha solution,
I called last week on Tuesday I am afraid to call because I do not want to annoy them. But it's nice to know where you stand.
Posted By: Solution

Re: Apprenticeship advice. Austin, TX - 07/21/14 09:34 PM

If no one else calls I will be calling them later on next week. I'm the same way, it's a small local so the last thing I want to do is peeve someone off before I even get called out to work.

Butcher, give em a call!
Posted By: TxVet

Re: Apprenticeship advice. Austin, TX - 07/21/14 09:39 PM

Yeah butcher call them !! Haha but let us know when you find out what they say.
Posted By: titans

Re: Apprenticeship advice. Austin, TX - 07/21/14 09:58 PM

I just got an email from my local. It said I did really well during the interview. The union rep will be out of office all this week so I'll receive my letter sometime next week. Awesome.
Posted By: titans

Re: Apprenticeship advice. Austin, TX - 07/21/14 10:01 PM

Now I join the waiting game with all of ya'll but I'll take that any day. One step closer.
Posted By: skilledbutcher73

Re: Apprenticeship advice. Austin, TX - 07/21/14 10:07 PM

Haha I did a few days ago asking about how the work load was going and that's when he said they had not done a lay off in 3 years..he just asked me where I was on the list and said he can't give me a answer..he sounded a little pissed honestly so I just follow the forums now lol
Posted By: skilledbutcher73

Re: Apprenticeship advice. Austin, TX - 07/21/14 10:27 PM

I believed I talked to Tim Goebler..Funny thing was he said he was a butcher before he became a elevator mechanic.He sort of laughed and said they are 100 percent different . We talked about lay offs and he said they had not had to do any lay offs in 3 years here in Austin but if I'm scared he can take my name off the hire list..he sort of laughed when he said that so I knew he was joking with me.
Posted By: TxVet

Re: Apprenticeship advice. Austin, TX - 07/21/14 10:36 PM

That's good, I got the same feeling last time I talked to him the guy seemed a little annoyed a wanna be apprentice was calling him. Oh well since I am number 2 I will keep every one updated when I get called and what it's like.
Posted By: skilledbutcher73

Re: Apprenticeship advice. Austin, TX - 07/21/14 10:44 PM

Ya..really no point in calling till u get a call vet
Posted By: TxVet

Re: Apprenticeship advice. Austin, TX - 07/21/14 11:38 PM

Hey titan, did u find out your ranking yet?
Posted By: titans

Re: Apprenticeship advice. Austin, TX - 07/21/14 11:49 PM

I haven't received my ranking yet. The union rep said he would be out of the office all week so it will be next week before he can get the letter in the mail. He did say that I did very well on the interview.
Posted By: TxVet

Re: Apprenticeship advice. Austin, TX - 07/22/14 12:07 AM

Titan, congrats man.
Posted By: titans

Re: Apprenticeship advice. Austin, TX - 07/22/14 12:58 AM

Thanks.
Posted By: TxVet

Re: Apprenticeship advice. Austin, TX - 07/24/14 06:10 PM

Did anyone from Austin hear any new news? The wait is killing me!
Posted By: skilledbutcher73

Re: Apprenticeship advice. Austin, TX - 07/24/14 06:24 PM

Nope man..I do know a guy personally who still goes to the meetings and knows ALL the members of the union..he said he has never seen so many cranes in Austin EVER.he said we should be getting a call soon but it depends on if they have cleared the old bench. He did say there looks to be a TON of work and he would know BC he has worked every elevator company in Austin.
Posted By: TxVet

Re: Apprenticeship advice. Austin, TX - 07/24/14 06:26 PM

I believe it because Austin is growing so fast, I just hope it's soon.
Posted By: skilledbutcher73

Re: Apprenticeship advice. Austin, TX - 07/24/14 06:27 PM

Trust me man I'm just has curious as u are..I have this website linked as a bookmark on my phone so I check it ALL the time..my fiance has gotten sick of me talking about nothing BUT elevators.she told me to be patient....easier sad than done
Posted By: skilledbutcher73

Re: Apprenticeship advice. Austin, TX - 07/24/14 06:34 PM

U can do a google search for Austin's upcoming building projects.. They are adding at LEAST 50 new buildings just in the next year or 2 .
Posted By: TxVet

Re: Apprenticeship advice. Austin, TX - 07/24/14 06:35 PM

I know, its tough. I was hoping to get in before next school term started. We will see.
Posted By: DripCan

Re: Apprenticeship advice. Austin, TX - 07/24/14 08:31 PM

TX get in first then get your six month in,then you can worry about school.You wont get any apprentice training until you done six month.So first year is a wash.You will get schooling but in the value of a union on why you have what your getting from the hard working old bad backs that fought for us.
Posted By: TxVet

Re: Apprenticeship advice. Austin, TX - 07/24/14 08:59 PM

Dripcan,
I get what your saying. I am just excited about everything . This Is the first job I applied for since I got out of the coastguard and am excited about getting back to civilian life so I am probably getting too excited haha but I know I just gotta wait!
Posted By: skilledbutcher73

Re: Apprenticeship advice. Austin, TX - 07/24/14 09:28 PM

Hey TX check your inbox
Posted By: TxVet

Re: Apprenticeship advice. Austin, TX - 07/24/14 10:24 PM

Hey titan did u hear your ranking yet?
Posted By: titans

Re: Apprenticeship advice. Austin, TX - 07/24/14 11:10 PM

Not yet man, the union rep said that he wouldn't be able to get the ranking and paperwork into the mail until next week. He's gonna be out of office.
Posted By: titans

Re: Apprenticeship advice. Austin, TX - 07/25/14 11:03 PM

I wish ya'll would hurry up and get a call so ya'll could tell me the inside tips. LOL
Posted By: TxVet

Re: Apprenticeship advice. Austin, TX - 07/26/14 02:41 PM

No kidding.
Posted By: titans

Re: Apprenticeship advice. Austin, TX - 07/28/14 07:26 PM

So I scored a 92 on my interview and I'm number 10 on the hiring list. I'm praying that will be good enough to get me in.
Posted By: TxVet

Re: Apprenticeship advice. Austin, TX - 07/28/14 07:27 PM

Dang man, that's great. Do know out of how many people? Now you join the waiting game like all of us
Posted By: skilledbutcher73

Re: Apprenticeship advice. Austin, TX - 07/28/14 07:58 PM

That's better than what I scored.. Only scored a 79 but ranked 12th.
Posted By: TxVet

Re: Apprenticeship advice. Austin, TX - 07/28/14 08:06 PM

Yeah I scored an 83. Our judges must of been hard scorers or Memphis had some superstars
Posted By: titans

Re: Apprenticeship advice. Austin, TX - 07/28/14 08:12 PM

Yea I'm pretty stoked about the score and hope #10 will be good enough.
Posted By: Solution

Re: Apprenticeship advice. Austin, TX - 07/28/14 08:44 PM

I think the Austin judges were hardcore for sure. I scored below 80 on my interview and it was good enough for 10th.

Great job Titans, I'm sure you'll get a call. 92 is a really good score.

Edit: I think most of us were bunched up between 78-85 score wise. I'm two spots ahead of butcher and we basically got the same score. It's possible no one even scored a 90+, and if so it may only have been 1 or 2 guys.
Posted By: titans

Re: Apprenticeship advice. Austin, TX - 07/28/14 09:23 PM

Thanks. Yea Nashville must have a grading curve. Obviously there were 9 people who had a 93+
Posted By: titans

Re: Apprenticeship advice. Austin, TX - 07/28/14 09:27 PM

I emailed the union rep and asked about a possible start date. He said he had absolutely no way of knowing because it all depends on when a company calls and asks for apprentices.
Posted By: TxVet

Re: Apprenticeship advice. Austin, TX - 07/28/14 09:54 PM

I think 10 people will go by pretty quick, I want to call the union here this week but I M being a giant wuss about it.
Posted By: skilledbutcher73

Re: Apprenticeship advice. Austin, TX - 07/28/14 10:00 PM

If you read some of the past conduits from NEIEP it looks like some citys hire by groups at a time.It looks like some months they do anywhere between 10 to 20 .sometimes more sometimes less.
Posted By: skilledbutcher73

Re: Apprenticeship advice. Austin, TX - 07/28/14 10:02 PM

It looks pretty bad in northern Cali and some parts of new York..down south it looks pretty good though.
Posted By: titans

Re: Apprenticeship advice. Austin, TX - 07/28/14 10:19 PM

I sure hope y'all are right. I'm wondering if business slows down in the winter.
Posted By: bomfire

Re: Apprenticeship advice. Austin, TX - 07/29/14 05:46 AM

Just thought id chime in...nothing new yet here in Vegas. Still waiting for the call just like everyone else but I have faith it'll happen.

We're all gonna make it
Posted By: titans

Re: Apprenticeship advice. Austin, TX - 07/29/14 12:04 PM

I agree with you bom. We're all gonna make it.
Posted By: Solution

Re: Apprenticeship advice. Austin, TX - 07/30/14 09:56 PM

TxVet I can't believe you haven't been called yet! You need to give the ol' union a call and see what's up...
Posted By: TxVet

Re: Apprenticeship advice. Austin, TX - 07/30/14 09:58 PM

I know frown I want to but was hoping one of y'all would First lol
Posted By: Solution

Re: Apprenticeship advice. Austin, TX - 07/30/14 10:21 PM

You actually have a good reason though since you're so highly ranked. You could be next in line for all we know. Aint no point in me calling since I know I wont get one before you, and I'm sure you'll let us know when you do.
Posted By: TxVet

Re: Apprenticeship advice. Austin, TX - 07/30/14 10:27 PM

If I don't hear by Friday I'll call.
Posted By: skilledbutcher73

Re: Apprenticeship advice. Austin, TX - 07/30/14 10:30 PM

Lol I was supposed to get married in October...This was planned before I took the test and interview..now we are having to plan around if I get a call soon or not because once I start I will have no vacation to take time off for my wedding. frown
Posted By: TxVet

Re: Apprenticeship advice. Austin, TX - 07/30/14 10:39 PM

I know I am excited it's a great opportunity but sucks not knowing. Congrats man
Posted By: skilledbutcher73

Re: Apprenticeship advice. Austin, TX - 07/30/14 10:46 PM

Ya my fiancé was not too happy..I told her it's literally a opportunity of a lifetime. Her dad is a private contractor that works overseas in Afghanistan and he knew exactly why I was so excited about making the list. He said there aren't too many ppl in the elevator trade but he has met a few overseas and he knows how complex elevators can be.
Posted By: Solution

Re: Apprenticeship advice. Austin, TX - 07/30/14 10:52 PM

I honestly hope the job turns out to be complex as hell. I never thought I would be so bored as an electrician. Seriously, the more challenging this school/career is the happier I'll be.
Posted By: skilledbutcher73

Re: Apprenticeship advice. Austin, TX - 07/30/14 10:58 PM

My thoughts exactly.. Being a butcher for 8 years has gotten to me..I need something that can challenge me more mentally ..The physical aspect was there but it was just so repetitive .Hey solution random question.. Were u in the 315 pm class when u took the test ? There was a electrician in my testing group just curious of it was u.
Posted By: Solution

Re: Apprenticeship advice. Austin, TX - 07/30/14 11:09 PM

nope, I took my test in the morning. I think I was the first group to take it.
Posted By: skilledbutcher73

Re: Apprenticeship advice. Austin, TX - 07/30/14 11:14 PM

Ah ok.
Posted By: TxVet

Re: Apprenticeship advice. Austin, TX - 07/30/14 11:54 PM

So what time Did y'all test? I was the eArly one
Posted By: skilledbutcher73

Re: Apprenticeship advice. Austin, TX - 07/31/14 12:10 AM

3 15 June 10th
Posted By: TxVet

Re: Apprenticeship advice. Austin, TX - 07/31/14 12:25 AM

How many tested with you? I think 25 in the morning class and I know 27.
Interviewed.
Posted By: skilledbutcher73

Re: Apprenticeship advice. Austin, TX - 07/31/14 12:27 AM

5 ppl lol...and one of them would not stop talking .
Posted By: skilledbutcher73

Re: Apprenticeship advice. Austin, TX - 07/31/14 12:29 AM

The second class walked right before us..that class was full..i would say about 25 ppl too..so I guess about 55 ppl tested that day.
Posted By: TxVet

Re: Apprenticeship advice. Austin, TX - 07/31/14 12:50 AM

Dang that's pretty good if we all made that. I wonder how many passed the interview
Posted By: Solution

Re: Apprenticeship advice. Austin, TX - 07/31/14 12:52 AM

I'm surprised that there wasn't more people who pursued this. 55 really Isn't that much.

This is a good time to be trying to get into this local I think. In 10 years I bet they have hundreds more applying than what we saw, it wont be any easier to get into as time goes on. When the college bubble bursts, people will likely turn back to trades. No one is predicting Austins growth to slow down either.

I might just be being optimistic though.
Posted By: skilledbutcher73

Re: Apprenticeship advice. Austin, TX - 07/31/14 01:51 AM

Haha ya.. It will turn into the Austin fire Dept way hiring..I applied 2 years ago for it..3000 ppl applied and took the interview and they only accept 150! Ppl a year..extremely difficult to get into.
Posted By: titans

Re: Apprenticeship advice. Austin, TX - 07/31/14 02:34 AM

All of the "baby boomers" are retiring and that's gonna be a lot of knowledge and experience no longer available.
Posted By: TxVet

Re: Apprenticeship advice. Austin, TX - 07/31/14 03:07 PM

So guys I called the union today all they said was hang tight lol. I could not get my ranking or anything, so if anyone else wants to try go for it.
Posted By: skilledbutcher73

Re: Apprenticeship advice. Austin, TX - 07/31/14 03:27 PM

Well at least they didn't say they were putting a hold on hiring or anything.that's good news.
Posted By: TxVet

Re: Apprenticeship advice. Austin, TX - 07/31/14 03:59 PM

Yep I need to keep looking at the bright side haha
Posted By: Solution

Re: Apprenticeship advice. Austin, TX - 07/31/14 07:34 PM

Thanks for calling and updating Vet.
Posted By: E311

Re: Apprenticeship advice. Austin, TX - 07/31/14 07:43 PM

Yep, we are all waiting for that college bubble, hopefully Yall can get in before that happens. Most of the boomers are retiring in the next 5 years, lots of knowledge going bye bye.
Posted By: Solution

Re: Apprenticeship advice. Austin, TX - 08/03/14 03:55 AM

Hey E311, or any of you guys who are veterans of the industry, can you maybe elaborate on your experience in the trade so far?

All the guys who have contributed in this thread are obviously super excited to have an opportunity to work through the IUEC, but it's pretty hard to find any inside information from guys who have been in the trade a while.

I'd be curious to know what direction you guys think this uiion/trade/industry is headed in. What would you guys caution the next generation of mechanics about?
Posted By: E311

Re: Apprenticeship advice. Austin, TX - 08/04/14 12:40 PM

This is the only job I've known, during the summer, I would carry my Dad's tool bag on late night calls. I got in at the innocent age of 16, in the short 28 years I have been in, its changed a lot. The industry has and is changing constantly and not always for the better, the industry is what you make of it, have a positive attitude as much as possible, even though that's not always possible. Learn from every person you work with (good lessons and bad lessons), always look for ways to improve your knowledge base, never stop learning.
Posted By: TxVet

Re: Apprenticeship advice. Austin, TX - 08/04/14 05:43 PM

Hey guys, I got some news! We are all one more spot closer too being sent out to work, I am number 1 now so I will keep everyone updated.
Posted By: skilledbutcher73

Re: Apprenticeship advice. Austin, TX - 08/04/14 05:58 PM

Awesome man did they call u to tell u were number 1 ?
Posted By: TxVet

Re: Apprenticeship advice. Austin, TX - 08/04/14 06:02 PM

No. The beginning of last week I emailed Curtis and he got back to me today.
Posted By: skilledbutcher73

Re: Apprenticeship advice. Austin, TX - 08/04/14 06:04 PM

Haha sweet ...I would be excited ass hell if I were u lol
Posted By: TxVet

Re: Apprenticeship advice. Austin, TX - 08/04/14 06:15 PM

I am. I can't wait! Hopefully it'll be in the next week or two.
Posted By: titans

Re: Apprenticeship advice. Austin, TX - 08/04/14 09:45 PM

Congrats TxVet, one step closer. You know you have to keep us all updated with everything that happens.
Posted By: Solution

Re: Apprenticeship advice. Austin, TX - 08/05/14 02:36 AM

You bastard!!! Lol, thats great news though TxVet. Uhg, now I'm 8... The wait continues.
Posted By: TxVet

Re: Apprenticeship advice. Austin, TX - 08/05/14 02:38 AM

Well it seems like they're taking one every 2-3 weeks so far.
Posted By: Solution

Re: Apprenticeship advice. Austin, TX - 08/05/14 02:43 AM

Well at that rate I better not hold my breath. I'm sort of hoping a couple jobs start and they have to grab a group of guys.

TxVet, if you are lucky you will squeeze in just in time to start school this year. They probably start sometime late this month or very early in october if I had to guess. That would put you a year ahead of the rest of us who will have to wait until this time next year to start the apprenticeship.

Like has been mentioned before though, the most important part is making it through the probationary 6 month period without getting run off.
Posted By: TxVet

Re: Apprenticeship advice. Austin, TX - 08/05/14 03:05 AM

That's true, if I was lucky enough to make it to school this year that would be so awesome, I would be super excited for one tho learn and second because I am able to collect GI BILL. Benefits, those first 6 months I am going to be super careful, we all know how great this opportunity is, it would suck to blow it.
Posted By: Solution

Re: Apprenticeship advice. Austin, TX - 08/05/14 03:15 AM

Just be on time. I'm sure the main reason dudes get let go is being late repeatedly. Other then that don't break safety rules and you should be fine.

Don't tell me how much the GI Bill is going to give you either, I'm broke and I would just be jealous. Thanks for your service, btw.
Posted By: skilledbutcher73

Re: Apprenticeship advice. Austin, TX - 08/05/14 03:18 AM

Ah ..at least I have my job currently to keep me busy..we are extremely short handed so I'm having to put in long hours.
Posted By: Solution

Re: Apprenticeship advice. Austin, TX - 08/05/14 03:20 AM

Yeah I'm full time, and doing side work on the side so I'm trying to stay busy and not think about it either butcher. Actually had a 14 hour day, so I'm going to bed. I'll catch up with ya'll soon.

If vet makes it into the school this year, at least we'll have homework answers.
Posted By: TxVet

Re: Apprenticeship advice. Austin, TX - 08/05/14 03:32 AM

Thanks solution, but I was cost guard. Technically it was military but I was stationed at south padre island, so it was not like the real military at all. I have friends that went marine and army whowebby to Iraq I just say damn because my job was just fun lol.
Posted By: skilledbutcher73

Re: Apprenticeship advice. Austin, TX - 08/05/14 03:43 AM

Haha hey txvet.. I found a MMA forum that a guy name random hero started.. He is the one that got a call recently I'm pretty sure..I sent him a message but he hasn't sent anything back.. Just google mma elevator union and u should find the forum he started.
Posted By: TxVet

Re: Apprenticeship advice. Austin, TX - 08/05/14 03:59 AM

Butcher I think you're right. That's so randomthat you found that, I should of gotten my j mans electrical license, I could of in the guard but just didn't, Oh well.
Posted By: skilledbutcher73

Re: Apprenticeship advice. Austin, TX - 08/05/14 04:09 AM

Man it seems the only way u can find info about the trade is from forums, I think that's how I found the mma forum.haha man u show read some of the other ground forums some of them are hilarious.
Posted By: TxVet

Re: Apprenticeship advice. Austin, TX - 08/05/14 04:22 AM

I will start reading them, sounds funny haha
Posted By: Solution

Re: Apprenticeship advice. Austin, TX - 08/21/14 09:59 PM

Seriously TxVet, what's taking you so long to get hired?
Posted By: TxVet

Re: Apprenticeship advice. Austin, TX - 08/22/14 12:40 AM

Solution, I have no idea. I called today actually and said I am next to be hired and I was wondering if you could.give me an idea about when they'll take anyone, he said he had no idea and I just have to be ready and available when they call. And the worst part is I just turned down a sweet job at the dept of fish and wildlife for a maintenance electrician for this.
Posted By: Silly

Re: Apprenticeship advice. Austin, TX - 08/22/14 05:55 PM

TxVet, you made the right call man, just relax. As I explained earlier, the union does not decide the actual hiring, the companies do. So the union rep there cannot tell you with any sort of accuracy when, its not that he doesnt want to. Being the next guy hired so early after the testing is great, you will catch on soon.
Posted By: TxVet

Re: Apprenticeship advice. Austin, TX - 08/22/14 06:23 PM

Thanks silly, that's good advice. And it is moving they have hired two already so I can't really complain. I am extremely greatful to have gotten that ranking.
Posted By: Pete Da Engineer

Re: Apprenticeship advice. Austin, TX - 08/29/14 11:40 PM

Reading all this about the way apprentices' are employed really impresses me, in the UK its literally, can you count to 10 and write your own name and as a result of that mates (apprentices') can barely find a safety circuit when they go out on the tools, i work for what is known in the UK as "one of the big 4" (otis, thyssen, kone and schindler) and everyone is interviewed by a manager(non engineer) and by the senior technician whos not even a qualified lift engineer. Its a pretty poor state here....
My advice for any mate/apprentice is PAY ATTENTION! Understand the mechanics of a lift and the electrics/circuitry and get to a position where you know where you know what tool/part your fitter needs before he needs it and have it there ready.... If not you will be paying for tea at lunch :-)
Posted By: skilledbutcher73

Re: Apprenticeship advice. Austin, TX - 08/29/14 11:51 PM

Sounds good. Thank you for the advice Pete... I will definitely be looking into more the mechanical and circuitry and studying up since I have the time Now and be prepared when i go in as a probate.
Posted By: Pete Da Engineer

Re: Apprenticeship advice. Austin, TX - 08/30/14 12:19 AM

Its simple "knowledge is power" learn as much as you can and understand the beast, no matter what nothing will ever prepare you for the pressure from when you go from mate/apprentice to engineer, it really is sink or swim, i had a freshly trained engineer almost cry the other month because he had a few call-outs in i had to almost console him to stop him crying, 15 year ago when i were in his position i'd of been laughed at and punched for being a complete wet blanket...
You need to be able to handle pressure, be able to think logically if you can do them then you've cracked it ;-) good luck to all wanna be engineers!
Posted By: Solution

Re: Apprenticeship advice. Austin, TX - 09/02/14 01:19 AM

Hope everyone here in Austin is holding out ok. Summers nearing an end, lets hope we get a call sometime this fall. Any day now for you Vet!
Posted By: TxVet

Re: Apprenticeship advice. Austin, TX - 09/02/14 02:07 AM

Thanks solution.I am hoping I hear soon, my wife is getting sick of me being out of work haha.
Posted By: titans

Re: Apprenticeship advice. Austin, TX - 09/02/14 03:15 AM

I know what ya mean TxVet. I've been trying to do side jobs off of craigslist to supplement my unemployment. I start back to At&t on Sept 26 if I don't get the call. I'll be taking a pay cut but at least it will keep my mind off of when I'll be getting hired. At&t's training center is right next door to the IUEC in Nashville so my butt will be over there at least 2 times a week at lunch and on breaks. LOL. I've been bugging em on the phone now I'll be able to bug them for real. I sure was hoping I would get the call before then but just gotta drive on.
Posted By: titans

Re: Apprenticeship advice. Austin, TX - 09/02/14 03:27 PM

I just called the hall. He said that 2 mechanics were laid off, 4 fifty percenters, and I'm assuming the other 9 apprentices.
Posted By: TxVet

Re: Apprenticeship advice. Austin, TX - 09/02/14 03:52 PM

Dang man that stinks. Hopefully they get moving soon .
Posted By: skilledbutcher73

Re: Apprenticeship advice. Austin, TX - 09/02/14 03:55 PM

Man i didnt think they laid off mechanics too often .. I thought once you did your probationary time you were almoat safe from lay offs
Posted By: titans

Re: Apprenticeship advice. Austin, TX - 09/02/14 05:04 PM

Yea I know what you mean. I'd think with 5+ years of service, you would be safe.
Posted By: Solution

Re: Apprenticeship advice. Austin, TX - 09/02/14 09:08 PM

I'm sure the best ones see very little time off.
Posted By: jrr1982

Re: Apprenticeship advice. Austin, TX - 09/05/14 02:56 PM

Still nobody working?
Posted By: Solution

Re: Apprenticeship advice. Austin, TX - 09/05/14 03:07 PM

TxVet has been next in line here in Austin for a while now. We're just waiting for him to get hired so we know the list is moving again.
Posted By: TxVet

Re: Apprenticeship advice. Austin, TX - 09/05/14 05:20 PM

Yep and it sucks I feel like I have been next forever, I hope everyone else is hanging in there. I know I feel like I am never going to get the call.
Posted By: TxVet

Re: Apprenticeship advice. Austin, TX - 09/08/14 02:19 PM

any one hear any new news from Austin?
Posted By: bomfire

Re: Apprenticeship advice. Austin, TX - 09/08/14 05:51 PM

Quick update from Vegas...they hired 5 apprentices off the list as a major casino chain in Las Vegas is updating their elevators. Two Huge projects are suppose to start by years end which would call for ~50 more apprentices. Currently in the low 30's on the hiring list. Have faith, we're all gonna make it
Posted By: TxVet

Re: Apprenticeship advice. Austin, TX - 09/08/14 06:27 PM

That's good news, at least they are giving you updates. The hardest part about our union hall is the no feedback they give.
Posted By: bomfire

Re: Apprenticeship advice. Austin, TX - 09/09/14 04:13 AM

I'm being updated by a friend in the trade. Just my advice to everyone, stop calling the union (or do it less frequently). I'm sure they get calls from everyone on their hiring list and they honestly have zero say in when people get hired. Just my 2 cents but I personally would hate to be the guy that annoyed everyone prior to me even getting hired. I have no doubt i'll get picked up eventually and whether it happens tomorrow or 2 years from now, we all gotta have faith because it will be worth it to work in such a strong union....WE'RE ALL GONNA MAKE IT! wink
Posted By: jrr1982

Re: Apprenticeship advice. Austin, TX - 09/18/14 01:52 PM

Pretty quiet here. anything new?
Posted By: TxVet

Re: Apprenticeship advice. Austin, TX - 09/18/14 02:09 PM

Well yesterday I called because my phone has been having problems so I wanted to give them a new way to reach me and they said it's been over two months since they put anyone to work. That's in Austin, I don't know if that's good news our what.
Posted By: TxVet

Re: Apprenticeship advice. Austin, TX - 09/24/14 09:50 PM

Hey guys, haven't heard from anyone in Austin in a while, is every everyone still doing good hanging in there?
Posted By: Solution

Re: Apprenticeship advice. Austin, TX - 09/24/14 09:56 PM

Yeah I'm still hanging around vet. Hope you guys are staying busy.
Posted By: titans

Re: Apprenticeship advice. Austin, TX - 09/25/14 11:46 AM

Yea it's sure been quiet in here. I start back at my AT&T job tomorrow. Had to take a huge cut in pay but I'll be making $22/hr until the IUEC calls. Not too bad but we'll be aight. I sure hope they stay busy throughout the winter cause I'd love to hear something by spring.
Posted By: skilledbutcher73

Re: Apprenticeship advice. Austin, TX - 09/25/14 03:18 PM

Hey guys I have been around.I have been keeping myself busy with fixing up a used bmw I bought, they are pretty sweet.
Posted By: TxVet

Re: Apprenticeship advice. Austin, TX - 09/25/14 04:02 PM

Ha that's awesome, I figured you have been keeping busy on your honeymoon haha. Anyways good to hear from everyone, I still have heard nothing new.
Posted By: bomfire

Re: Apprenticeship advice. Austin, TX - 09/27/14 12:06 AM

...nothing new in Vegas. Seems like we're all waiting for construction to start!
Posted By: titans

Re: Apprenticeship advice. Austin, TX - 10/02/14 09:25 PM

I called Nashville's local and there are 5 layed off apprentices ahead of me. He said some of them would be starting back to work really soon. That would make me number 1 again once they get back to work.
Posted By: TxVet

Re: Apprenticeship advice. Austin, TX - 10/03/14 03:50 PM

Nice titan. Hopefully you get called soon.
Posted By: jrr1982

Re: Apprenticeship advice. Austin, TX - 10/16/14 05:06 PM

Crazy, I have been watching this thread hoping someone would make it in. I am taking my test on the 28th here in MN. I will keep you all posted on the progress here. Just curious, here in MN, we have a 1 year probationary period. What about other locals?
Posted By: TxVet

Re: Apprenticeship advice. Austin, TX - 10/16/14 05:32 PM

Hey guys I made it! Took my drug test yesterday smile
Posted By: titans

Re: Apprenticeship advice. Austin, TX - 10/16/14 08:57 PM

CONGRATS! It's about time they start moving that list. You'll have a little seniority on everyone else but at least the ball is rolling again.
Posted By: Solution

Re: Apprenticeship advice. Austin, TX - 10/16/14 09:48 PM

HELL YEAH TxVet! I'm genuinely happy for you bro, let us know next week how things go and who you go to work for.
Posted By: skilledbutcher73

Re: Apprenticeship advice. Austin, TX - 10/16/14 09:59 PM

Congrats man.
Posted By: TxVet

Re: Apprenticeship advice. Austin, TX - 10/16/14 10:26 PM

Thanks guys, so they got the drug test back today it's all good of course. Oh it's thyssen krup that I am working for. I don't know anything about them, I just went to the office for about 30 minutes. Everyone seems nice that I met.
Posted By: Solution

Re: Apprenticeship advice. Austin, TX - 10/16/14 11:16 PM

I'll be interested to see where they send you to work. I've heard that the elevator guys tend to have a longer range. Hopefully they keep you close to home starting out though.

Don't be late!!!
Posted By: TxVet

Re: Apprenticeship advice. Austin, TX - 10/16/14 11:22 PM

Yeah man I'll definitely not be late and keep everyone updated.
Posted By: jrr1982

Re: Apprenticeship advice. Austin, TX - 10/17/14 03:34 AM

congrats txvet. thyssen krup is a big outfit. let us know how it works out
Posted By: JohnnyTX

Re: Apprenticeship advice. Austin, TX - 10/21/14 05:08 PM

Fingers crossed I'll be getting a call soon too.

Question...do apprentices usually start the day at a job site, or at a central office location? I own a home/live about 60 miles north of Austin and I don't think the commute will be very friendly. I'm trying to figure out if the commute would be worth it, or just put my house up for rent and find a place to rent close to/in Austin.
Posted By: Solution

Re: Apprenticeship advice. Austin, TX - 10/21/14 10:16 PM

Hey Johnny, you were 6th on the list correct? If so I actually think you are next in line. I believe they have called out 5 people so far.

You will likely need to be at your job site around 7am, where ever that may be. Each local has its own jurisdiction and I couldn't tell you what local 133's is until I myself get accepted.

I suppose it's possible that if there is sufficient work in your area and you got in good with your contractor, they might cater a little to where you live. I wouldn't expect this as a probationary apprentice coming in though.

My electrical contractor basically keeps the guys who live south working south, and north working north (for the most part, I know people who are traveling all the way to San Antonio for work!). I may just be lucky to be working for a considerate contractor though.

If it were me, I would at least start considering the idea of relocating if it becomes necessary, because it very may well become a major issue for you. Getting through Austin in either direction can be a major pain, especially when we need to be at work so early already.

Seriously though man, good luck and I hope you get your call soon. I'm sure some of us in this thread may even end up working together soon, so please keep us updated.
Posted By: JohnnyTX

Re: Apprenticeship advice. Austin, TX - 10/21/14 10:56 PM

Thanks! I was actually number seven on the list.

I began looking at moving back in July. I've been waiting to see who I'll be working for, and when/where I'll have to be someplace in the AM before going any further than looking at places online though.

I'd hate to rent a place and then realize that I'm on the completely other end of Austin from where I need to be every AM.

The only way I see commuting even possibly working out is to have to be at a central office in WAY north Austin, then departing for a job location.

I'm very familiar with Austin traffic...and it plain blows! I'm not sweating it, I just like to be ahead of the game when possible.
Posted By: Solution

Re: Apprenticeship advice. Austin, TX - 10/21/14 11:04 PM

Yeah, the other problem is that we are all most likely going to be in new construction starting out. Which is fine, it's just that unless you get put on an epic sized job, you'll probably be in a different part of town every few months or so.
Posted By: JohnnyTX

Re: Apprenticeship advice. Austin, TX - 10/21/14 11:30 PM

Rgr
Posted By: TxVet

Re: Apprenticeship advice. Austin, TX - 10/22/14 01:49 AM

Hey Johnny, I just got hired so I'll let you know what's happening so far, Friday is when I actually started I did training all day and went home, Monday I went back to shop to do some training get PPE assigned and at 11 got sent to job site. Today my first full day I arrived at job site at 7 am and went to work.
Posted By: JohnnyTX

Re: Apprenticeship advice. Austin, TX - 10/22/14 09:12 PM

Got the call this AM. Went down and completed some paperwork, took my UA, and picked up some more paperwork to complete.

Congratulations everyone who got the call!

For those that haven't yet, be patient...it's worth it.
Posted By: skilledbutcher73

Re: Apprenticeship advice. Austin, TX - 10/22/14 09:45 PM

Got the call as well . congrats johnny
Posted By: Solution

Re: Apprenticeship advice. Austin, TX - 10/22/14 09:50 PM

We all got called by Krupp I'm assuming. I'm drug testing tomorrow and so I'll probably finish the paperwork friday and go to work early next week if I had to guess.

Might be working side by side with some of ya'll pretty soon here.

Anyways, gratz everyone!
Posted By: skilledbutcher73

Re: Apprenticeship advice. Austin, TX - 10/22/14 09:53 PM

Actually we will ..they want to do the safety training in a group of 3 or so I'm sure we will all see each other.
Posted By: bomfire

Re: Apprenticeship advice. Austin, TX - 10/23/14 12:08 AM

Seriously congrats to everyone that got hired in Austin!! Def keep us dated on what your first few weeks are like.

Quick update in Vegas...still in the low 30's of a hiring list that is over 100 people (I think 140ish on list). 5 people have been hired so far. Waiting for 2 MAJOR projects to start shortly. God bless and good luck to every body!
Posted By: Solution

Re: Apprenticeship advice. Austin, TX - 10/23/14 12:37 AM

Thanks bomfire. Time flys, I started this thread 6 months ago! Feels like just yesterday. I'll keep this updated from time to time and questions.
Posted By: Randy23

Re: Apprenticeship advice. Austin, TX - 10/23/14 01:07 AM

I'll second what bomfire said. Congrats to all you guys getting hired on. Please share your experience with us. Last I checked a couple weeks ago I went from rank 80 and now I'm number 13 on the hiring list here in Portland. Last July I was rank 32, so it's been movin here!
Posted By: TxVet

Re: Apprenticeship advice. Austin, TX - 10/23/14 01:18 AM

Randy, thats impressive. I have a friend in portland in the electricians union, he says it is impossble to get in the elevator union there. I started monday, I am moving it and we are getting as many hours as we can handle.
Posted By: titans

Re: Apprenticeship advice. Austin, TX - 10/23/14 08:22 PM

Wow you guys all got popped at once. That's awesome. Be sure to keep us all informed on everything. At the least, weekly reports guys. LOL. CONGRATS!!!
Posted By: Silly

Re: Apprenticeship advice. Austin, TX - 11/04/14 01:37 PM

Location location location.... Just received my new proby last week. He was ranked 79 on the list for local 19.
Posted By: mtuccio

Re: Apprenticeship advice. Austin, TX - 11/07/14 01:51 AM

I've read all the treads here. Man thyssencrupp must be super busy. I was 10 on the list in Florida and got called last week.
Posted By: Thyssenguy

Re: Apprenticeship advice. Austin, TX - 11/07/14 02:35 AM

congrats! Where at in Florida?
Posted By: jrr1982

Re: Apprenticeship advice. Austin, TX - 11/08/14 08:36 PM

Passed my test. Now I have an interview on the 19th. 400 people are trying to get in this local. and they are only taking about 15
Posted By: tws

Re: Apprenticeship advice. Austin, TX - 11/12/14 08:19 PM

Hey guys! I'm pretty new here. I just got my number on the list and I am number 6 for Raleigh, North Carolina. I gave the local a call and they said that there are 6 experienced workers ahead of me (so I guess that makes me 12). I was wondering if anyone knows if there is anywhere I can see upcoming projects? Raleigh has been booming the last few years. Is this a slow time for projects?
Posted By: mtuccio

Re: Apprenticeship advice. Austin, TX - 11/15/14 05:41 PM

I got hired with local 74 tampa, thanks, I love it so far. Went to first union meeting tuesday.
Posted By: Bansheeman6100

Re: Apprenticeship advice. Austin, TX - 11/23/14 02:43 PM

Hey guys, I'm Cody. I just interviewed 11/20, And am hopeful to hear back! I haven't gotten my call uet, so I don't k kw what my number is. But it seems that the hiring has been steady, which is good! I have no union experience, though i come from a union family. My background is mainly military and tireshop/supervisory with a good bit of mechanical as well. I will update as soon as I get a call, and does anyone else have any updates or do any new hires have any advice? Thank you!
Posted By: jrr1982

Re: Apprenticeship advice. Austin, TX - 11/23/14 03:47 PM

Hey Cody, What local did you interview for? My interview was 11/19
Posted By: Bansheeman6100

Re: Apprenticeship advice. Austin, TX - 11/23/14 08:33 PM

Oops, sorry. I didn't list as I figured the thread was for Austin. It's for the local 133 in Austin, Texas
Posted By: TxVet

Re: Apprenticeship advice. Austin, TX - 11/23/14 09:28 PM

That's weird if they just did another round of hiring, they still have a bunch of guys on the bench.
Posted By: jrr1982

Re: Apprenticeship advice. Austin, TX - 11/23/14 09:31 PM

must be really busy in Texas, Minnesota runs through the process every 2 years
Posted By: Bansheeman6100

Re: Apprenticeship advice. Austin, TX - 11/23/14 10:36 PM

TxVet, the only applicants I know they processed were through helmetstohardhats.com. they did not do any civie or posted hiring and I was told they had enough through that program to not need to do any more recruiting for a good while. After I get my number, if it's far enough out I may take a AGR job down in Victoria until I am called
Posted By: TxVet

Re: Apprenticeship advice. Austin, TX - 11/23/14 10:45 PM

That makes sense. I was hired through helmets to hardhats too. Let us know where u are on the list.
Posted By: Solution

Re: Apprenticeship advice. Austin, TX - 11/24/14 06:10 AM

Hey Banshee, good luck man and I'm sure you'll get hired on in the first half of 2015.

Let us know where you rank when you find out.

I'm happy I squeezed in before you guys interviewed because I bet you guys with a military background average a higher rank, and anyone still on the list from the recruitment done prior might get leap froged by some of you guys.
Posted By: Bansheeman6100

Re: Apprenticeship advice. Austin, TX - 11/25/14 12:14 AM

Originally Posted By: Solution
Hey Banshee, good luck man and I'm sure you'll get hired on in the first half of 2015.

Let us know where you rank when you find out.

I'm happy I squeezed in before you guys interviewed because I bet you guys with a military background average a higher rank, and anyone still on the list from the recruitment done prior might get leap froged by some of you guys.
Thanks solution! Good to hear, I will be taking a bit of a pay cut for awhile but I am sure it is more than worth it. It's a field I'm looking forward to very much. And looks like I picked the perfect time to get in. A close friend of mine was in the local for 40 years, and referred me to apply. I called the local and told me the earliest I could apply was sometime after the first of the year when they were going to do their next recruiting. Then I found the H2H site and allied anyways, then got an email back a few weeks later. And while in the office, I overheard they aren't going to be doing a recruiting drive anytime soon due to the H2H response, glad I found the site!
Posted By: Solution

Re: Apprenticeship advice. Austin, TX - 11/30/14 07:49 PM

Any news on your ranking yet Banshee?

Don't be so sure about taking a pay cut either. I'm working in north Austin (20 minute drive, off parmer lane) and am making an additional 140 in zone pay a week. If you end up on a job requiring OT the double time adds up real quick as you can imagine.

There were a few lay offs so you may not get called in December (but there's no way for anyone to really know), but someone in this thread mentioned to me a lot of crews will be getting picked up in January.

Also, to the guys who frequented this thread before we all got hired on, I'm available to go the next union meeting if anyone wants to tag along. I'd like it if we kept in touch simply because the information /contacts will come in handy down the road.
Posted By: Bansheeman6100

Re: Apprenticeship advice. Austin, TX - 12/01/14 08:48 PM

I have not received my call yet, but was contemplating calling the local this week and seeing if I could get any idea. Also, how does getting laid off work? Never had that issue, nor worked for a union before
Posted By: Bansheeman6100

Re: Apprenticeship advice. Austin, TX - 12/02/14 02:48 PM

Spoke to the local 133 this morning and was told that I was 2nd down the list, after the 5 laid off guys get back to work. He said he didn't have the solid position I was as the H2H guys were on a different list that he didn't have handy. But, he did remember me so that's mkre good news
Posted By: TxVet

Re: Apprenticeship advice. Austin, TX - 12/02/14 03:08 PM

Yeah man we (the laid off guys ) are hearing we will go back after January so it'll be sometime after that . I hope we all move
Posted By: skilledbutcher73

Re: Apprenticeship advice. Austin, TX - 12/02/14 03:11 PM

That's a good ranking banshee.I am one of the laid off guy as well and talked to the hall yesterday. It seems like things always slow way down in December.
Posted By: Bansheeman6100

Re: Apprenticeship advice. Austin, TX - 12/02/14 03:24 PM

So how does being laid off work? I've never been in that situation, and am curious. And TxVet, you are a newer apprentice yeah? How are you liking it? And any advice?
Posted By: TxVet

Re: Apprenticeship advice. Austin, TX - 12/03/14 01:47 AM

Being laid off sucks. I am one of the h2h guys like yourself, they just came too the site and said you're laid off. They kind of put you out there with no real info. I was like yourself good taking eager to work still got laid off. People behind me still have there job, it was all random. So there is nothing to really do differently, just show up yes sir every one and always be in a hurry.
Posted By: Bansheeman6100

Re: Apprenticeship advice. Austin, TX - 12/03/14 06:50 PM

I meant the job itself, you liking it overall?
Posted By: Solution

Re: Apprenticeship advice. Austin, TX - 12/03/14 11:51 PM

The lay offs really surprised me and I think once everyone gets back to work early 2015, all of us who got hired recently will be able to bust out our probationary period and be a lot more secure going forward.

Banshee the job is interesting, but we are all very new to the trade so as far was what we think of it you will probably just get generic answers. If you have specific questions though, fire away.
Posted By: TxVet

Re: Apprenticeship advice. Austin, TX - 12/04/14 02:24 AM

I loved it. My job in the coast guard was electrician mate, this job is pretty close to it. Very technical, I never realized how heavy everything is on elevators.
Posted By: Bansheeman6100

Re: Apprenticeship advice. Austin, TX - 12/04/14 03:56 AM

How long is the probationary period? Hopefully I can get in soon enough after yall and long enough to be safe by next winter

And TxVet, that's one thing I'm nervous about. I'm a mechanical minded person, and am a good mechanic, but have little electrical experience at all. I was an Army Airborne medic, so my military skills are less applicable lol.
Posted By: Ckelly1182

Re: Apprenticeship advice. Austin, TX - 12/04/14 04:30 AM

Hi guys. I'm new to this forum. I am testing for an apprenticeship on December 9th in Orlando. Just curious if anyone else out there is. I live in the Tampa area witch means I'm like 2 hrs away. I just purchased a house with my wife and would hate to have to move yet I would if I got hired. Any advise for someone new to this trade? What tips do you guys have for someone in my position 80+ miles away? Tampa has a local but i have no idea when they are recruiting again. Also if I got hired in Orlando is there a chance I could transfer to Tampa or would I still have to wait for a recruitment?

I'm not sure if I was supposed to writ this post in a new feed or if it's ok to post where I did.

Thanks in advance
Chris
Posted By: TxVet

Re: Apprenticeship advice. Austin, TX - 12/04/14 05:06 PM

Banshee, they don't throw you out there to do stuff you aren't qualified for. They pretty much start everyone at the same position at the very bottom and treat you as if you don't know what a wrench is... its not bad they just don't know peoples backgrounds so its safer to assume we don't know anything than give us something that we don't know and mess it up. I think the probation periiod is a year but i also heard its 6 months... i don't really know for sure. Where were u stationed? I was in south padre island, virginia and northern washington.
Posted By: JustWolf

Re: Apprenticeship advice. Austin, TX - 12/04/14 05:34 PM

6 months is when you start to receive beni's if you get your hours in, but you have 9 months to get your hours in if you don't get them in the first 6, you'll get the beni's after 9.
Posted By: jrr1982

Re: Apprenticeship advice. Austin, TX - 12/04/14 08:39 PM

Just found out I am 28 on the list here in MN. how fast is the list moving elsewhere?
Posted By: Solution

Re: Apprenticeship advice. Austin, TX - 12/05/14 01:08 AM

Ckelly, your post might get a little lost in this thread. You could try creating a new thread and you might get a bit more exposure. As far as tips and what not, you got 14 pages worth of prospective apprentice information you could skim through.

As far as probation goes, I think (but am still not concrete) that we can get sworn in after 6 months of 100 hours, and we start getting bennies. If you read the agreement it says probation is 12 months, but I think the second half of that is really just a company probation. It's confusing though, that's just how I've had it explained.

Jrr1982, a lot of us here who are in Austin are dealing with a super small local (100 something guys), so we were all disproportionately high up because of that. 28 sounds like a good ranking if it for a zone/local that is maybe a bit larger than Austin.

Banshee, electrical work in a commercial setting is for the most part is super basic and easy to comprehend (just be a little more cautious in the machine room). Being mechanically inclined is more than enough.

I've been doing wiring this past week, and your mechanic will pretty much know how everything needs to be wired, and if not there is always going to be a wire diagram and a foreman more than happy to tell you how he wants something done. The type of electrical that will be expected of you early on is likely only going to be dealing with flex/j-boxes/fittings/small wire pulling/connecting stop switches and other basic things. You can honestly learn all that on the fly no problem.
Posted By: Bansheeman6100

Re: Apprenticeship advice. Austin, TX - 12/05/14 02:51 AM

Damn you Txvet, jealous as hell of your stations. On one hand if I could do it agaon, I'd go CG or Navy maybe for the assignments. But on the other hand, I joined to jump out of airplanes and to earn the title doc. Was also aspiring for Ranger medic, but was put out medically before I got to go back to Ft Sam for the schooling. I was at Ft Sam, Ft Sill and Camp Mabry
Posted By: TxVet

Re: Apprenticeship advice. Austin, TX - 12/05/14 04:00 AM

Banshee, the coast guard was one of those grass is greener things. I couldn't wait to be out now I miss it. I am technically on a temporary separation for care of new born child and can go back with in two years but don't have to, I really have thought about it if work doesn't pick up.
Posted By: Bansheeman6100

Re: Apprenticeship advice. Austin, TX - 12/07/14 01:32 AM

Damn, that sounds like an interesting setup you've got going. How many years do you have in?
Posted By: TxVet

Re: Apprenticeship advice. Austin, TX - 12/07/14 03:51 AM

5.5 years.
Posted By: Bansheeman6100

Re: Apprenticeship advice. Austin, TX - 12/08/14 12:28 AM

Meh, over 1/4 to retirement
Posted By: TxVet

Re: Apprenticeship advice. Austin, TX - 12/08/14 03:21 PM

What about u?
Posted By: Solution

Re: Apprenticeship advice. Austin, TX - 12/09/14 12:31 AM

Any of ya'll guys hear any more info about when you might get picked up again?
Posted By: sccjr

Re: Apprenticeship advice. Austin, TX - 12/09/14 02:10 AM

Hey guys just reading over some of these posts. I've been in the industry for 10 years. I was a navy electrician and transitioned into the elevator trade after a short period as a maintenance electrician at a plant. I took a pay cut to get into the trade and moved 4 hours away from my wife and children to Austin local 133. I crashed on my buddie's couch and only saw my family on the weekends. I did this for my whole 6 month probationary period, then sold my brand new house and moved the family into a small 1 bedroom apartment in a not so nice complex. After 1 year with Tejas elevator I was laid off. I had to again move this time to California to go to work for Thyssenn, again leaving my family back in Austin. I went another 6 months without seeing them. After moving them out to California I got set-up as a temporary mechanic and never looked back. I went from making $14/hr to $48/hr in a matter of 3 years. Now I am a troubleshooter loving every minute of this crazy trade.

The point of my post is this. Keep your head up and keep striving for your goal of becoming an elevator mechanic. Sometimes in this trade if you want to keep working you have to be flexible. There are tons of old timers getting their retirement papers ready, so the work will be there. Don't let the layoffs get you down. You're on the list and your name will be called, remember though if you turn the offer down you might not get called again. Answer the call future brothers. God bless.
Posted By: skilledbutcher73

Re: Apprenticeship advice. Austin, TX - 12/09/14 02:27 PM

Thanks sccjr. I just got done visiting with my mechanic at the JW marriot to get my school sheet signed.. He said 11 people total got laid off.. 6 of them were out towners. Seems like they did alot of switching with the helpers. My mechanic new helper has a year of experience on me. Makes sense because the helpers mechanic was from san Antonio and he got laid off.. Word from my mechanic is they are suppose to hirr back up in January.
Oh and sccjr, if i were to get laid off here in auatin would there be anyway to pick uo work out in San Antonio?
Posted By: sccjr

Re: Apprenticeship advice. Austin, TX - 12/09/14 11:20 PM

If you are a Probie working in another local is near impossible because they have their own hiring list of probies, but if you are a 1st year apprentice or higher you can go work in another local as a transient.
Posted By: Solution

Re: Apprenticeship advice. Austin, TX - 12/10/14 01:53 AM

Originally Posted By: sccjr
If you are a Probie working in another local is near impossible because they have their own hiring list of probies, but if you are a 1st year apprentice or higher you can go work in another local as a transient.


Hey sccjr, I appreciate your post and it actually answered a question I had for a while now.

How does school work as a transient though? Lets say you got laid off mid way through the semester, and wanted to travel to another local as a transient. Do you just go to school with your new local and pick up where you left off or what?

Also, it sounds like you ended up staying in California for the long haul. Do you plan on transferring permanently into the California local you've been working out of? Also, don't transients have to be laid off before members from the local are? Did this make staying employed as a transient more difficult, or was California full of work preventing you from getting laid off?

Sorry for all the questions, I'm just interested in how you pulled all that off and I think that it's an incredible benefit of being a union member that you could do that.
Posted By: sccjr

Re: Apprenticeship advice. Austin, TX - 12/10/14 01:44 PM

I did transient into local 18 and yes when you are working as a transient you will be the 1st mechanic or 1st apprentice let go. If you are considered a valuable peice to the company they will actually forgo layoffs until you deposit your card. This wasn't my case at the time, I was a 3rd year apprentice when I deposited my card into 18 and work was bountiful. Honestly the companies care less about apprentices, you are overhead for them. If they could they would only use a second guy when absolutely necessary. Thank God for our Union.

As far as school is concerned I jumped right into my NEIEP curriculum with no interruption when I jumped locals. I also tested out of year 2 based of my electrical degree I earned in the military so if any of you have the background look into that.
Posted By: Solution

Re: Apprenticeship advice. Austin, TX - 12/10/14 10:05 PM

Could you define what you mean when you say "deposit" your card? No ones mentioned that to me before.
Posted By: JustWolf

Re: Apprenticeship advice. Austin, TX - 12/10/14 10:25 PM

You have up to six months before you have to "deposit your card", whereas at that time if you have gameful employment and work is good, that new local can accept you and then you work out of that local. Not your previos one. If work picks up where you want to be and you have deposited your card, you could withdraw from the local that you deposited it in and no harm no foul. I've been fortunate enough to never having to travel but the wife has. Never transfered thought, at Schindler now. Hope this is correct, but in any event it's close.
Posted By: Bansheeman6100

Re: Apprenticeship advice. Austin, TX - 12/10/14 10:38 PM

Really hoping and preying yall get back to work quick so I can get my call! Lol
Posted By: TxVet

Re: Apprenticeship advice. Austin, TX - 12/11/14 01:47 AM

your prayers have been answered. I got called today. I started with Schindler today, Tim called me at 830 and said come in we need u to start today. Me and one other guy got called. So its moving. And at the company they said that they have a lot of work coming up . good luck
Posted By: Solution

Re: Apprenticeship advice. Austin, TX - 12/11/14 03:05 AM

Nice Vet, let us know how Schindler goes.
Posted By: Bansheeman6100

Re: Apprenticeship advice. Austin, TX - 12/11/14 03:14 AM

Awesome to hear!
Posted By: TxVet

Re: Apprenticeship advice. Austin, TX - 12/12/14 01:25 AM

Schindler seems awesome so far. I have only been around the shop , I'll go to my job Monday. It's an apartment off 71 and 290
Posted By: Bansheeman6100

Re: Apprenticeship advice. Austin, TX - 12/12/14 06:25 PM

That's awesome man, glad to hear yall are getting back to work. I'm excited and nervous for the time my call comes
Posted By: Bansheeman6100

Re: Apprenticeship advice. Austin, TX - 12/16/14 05:12 PM

Anyone have any updates for Austin? I'd like to schedule a trip to visit my family in Illinois next month, but just not sure
Posted By: skilledbutcher73

Re: Apprenticeship advice. Austin, TX - 12/16/14 05:36 PM

I haven't yet..I should be number 1 or number 2 on the laid off list... Hopefully we will get called by January when things pick up...I would be careful taking a trip near that time.
Posted By: Bansheeman6100

Re: Apprenticeship advice. Austin, TX - 12/16/14 08:17 PM

Yeah, thats my concern. Just wish I had a better idea of if and when I would get called. Haven't seen the family in awhile, and if not now I'm assuming I'll probably have to wait atleast until my probationary period is over, which is either 6 or 12 months
Posted By: TxVet

Re: Apprenticeship advice. Austin, TX - 12/16/14 11:53 PM

Bansheeman so far that I have been able to tell if you have something scheduled the companies are pretty understanding about taking time off.
Posted By: Silly

Re: Apprenticeship advice. Austin, TX - 12/17/14 04:46 AM

Guys, there is absolutely no way for the union to know when a company will actually call for workers. The companies try, and usually fail, to juggle manpower. If you have 20 workers, and enough work for 24, do you hire 4 more guys, or stretch the work for the 20 solid guys you have, and keep the 20 busy longer?

Construction, by and large, drives the hire and layoff portion of our industry. It is a boom or bust industry at times, and has so many variables. Weather, money, permits, owners, planning, architects, etc etc etc. I personally have watched jobs that were ready to jump, sit in mothballs for years...

Sucks but the best advice I can give is, be patient, be flexible, and when your chance arrives, make the most of it. Go ahead and go on a family trip, just make sure the wife and family understands you may need to cut it short, on very little notice. Remember, we are not talking about a job choice here, this is a career that will give you what you put into it. Good luck, work safe.
Posted By: Bansheeman6100

Re: Apprenticeship advice. Austin, TX - 12/25/14 02:49 PM

Merry Christmas yall! Hopefully more of yall got your calls and are back at it, but not today!
Posted By: TKE

Re: Apprenticeship advice. Austin, TX - 01/02/15 04:47 AM

Austin TKE is BOOMING with new construction, I'm sure the others are just as busy.
Posted By: TxVet

Re: Apprenticeship advice. Austin, TX - 01/02/15 11:37 PM

I heard TKE Austin just had another round of layoffs. That's just what I heard.
Posted By: Solution

Re: Apprenticeship advice. Austin, TX - 01/05/15 03:28 AM

Seeing as probys need to be laid off first (i.e. me), I'm sure you all will be the first to know of any further TKE layoffs.
Posted By: nick9437

Re: Apprenticeship advice. Austin, TX - 01/06/15 10:55 AM

Any word on Chicago?
Posted By: Ckelly1182

Re: Apprenticeship advice. Austin, TX - 01/08/15 12:24 AM

I have an interview tomorrow afternoon in Orlando. Any advice or any information at all would be helpful
Posted By: Bansheeman6100

Re: Apprenticeship advice. Austin, TX - 01/15/15 05:52 PM

Ok, just got off the phone with the local 133, and was told I am 2nd inline, and that there are 6 guys still laid off. He also said that a few companies called recently asking for the list, but have not acted on it yet. Hopefully that helps anyone else wondering!
Posted By: skilledbutcher73

Re: Apprenticeship advice. Austin, TX - 01/15/15 08:28 PM

I'm currently 2nd in line on the lay off list...last time I went in on Jan 1st to pay my dues Tim said for me to be ready for a call for TK or Schindler that week but it has not happened yet.
Posted By: Bansheeman6100

Re: Apprenticeship advice. Austin, TX - 01/16/15 04:04 PM

Good to hear for ya man. I'm kinda hoping I don't get called til April now, as im close enough at the current job for my next bonus then lol
Posted By: NickSnps

Re: Apprenticeship advice. Austin, TX - 01/21/15 08:06 PM

Hello guys I'm Nick and I have a interview with local 63 out of Oklahoma city on Jan 28. I wanted to go to local 21 in DFW, but they haven't done a recruitment since Oct 2013. 63 and a local in Shreveport,LA where the only ones recruiting at the time I started studying the elevator trade. I hope all goes well with my interview, I fill confident that I will, but I will keep you guys informed on my results.
Posted By: jrr1982

Re: Apprenticeship advice. Austin, TX - 02/15/15 03:45 AM

Been a long time coming, but i just started working for Schindler elevator. Wish me luck and hope you guys are enjoying the trade.
Posted By: Solution

Re: Apprenticeship advice. Austin, TX - 02/15/15 04:49 AM

hell yeah man! This thread got quiet because we all went to work. Enjoy it, it can be a ton of fun.
Posted By: TxVet

Re: Apprenticeship advice. Austin, TX - 02/15/15 04:44 PM

Hey jrr,
I work for Schindler in Austin too. When did u start, whereare u working?
Posted By: jrr1982

Re: Apprenticeship advice. Austin, TX - 02/16/15 12:05 AM

I started on wednesday here in mn. Just spent three days in orientation. Starting a hydraulic elevator tomorrow.
Posted By: TxVet

Re: Apprenticeship advice. Austin, TX - 02/16/15 03:07 AM

nice man, i have only been on with schindler since early december it seems like a good company. It seems like they are a whole lot more go go go get it done than they were at thyssen when I worked there .
Posted By: jrr1982

Re: Apprenticeship advice. Austin, TX - 02/16/15 10:34 PM

So far, im happy. should be interesting. Are you working on new install?
Posted By: bomfire

Re: Apprenticeship advice. Austin, TX - 02/21/15 02:39 AM

Haven't logged on in a while. Still nothing here in Vegas...will call Monday to see where I rank (was in the 30's last time I checked)
Posted By: Bansheeman6100

Re: Apprenticeship advice. Austin, TX - 06/03/15 06:03 PM

I have yet to receive any calls, and have been largely ignored when calling the local to check my status. No returned calls, no answer at all, etc
Posted By: titans

Re: Apprenticeship advice. Austin, TX - 06/03/15 09:39 PM

I'm still waiting here in Nashville. I call a couple times a month. Every time I call the rep jokes around and just seems down to earth. Always polite and tells me it shouldn't be much longer. Man I hope he's right. I think there's only 1 or 2 ahead of me. Fingers still crossed. Good luck ya'll! Interviewed last June so it's been almost a year.
Posted By: titans

Re: Apprenticeship advice. Austin, TX - 06/09/15 02:02 AM

I called the hall today and the rep told me that I should be getting the call in a few weeks. I can't wait.
Posted By: JohnnyTX

Re: Apprenticeship advice. Austin, TX - 06/11/15 07:59 PM

For what I've been told...things have slowed here in Austin. Good luck
Posted By: nick9437

Re: Apprenticeship advice. Austin, TX - 07/01/15 01:32 AM

Don't mean to hijack this thread, but I figured I'd just reply here.

In September 2013 I started the process of busting into this trade (Chicago Local 2). The line (I was close to just walking away, that's how bad it was) wrapped around the Union Hall and down block; over 2000+ people applied throughout the month. 1700+ passed the test and sat for an interview. I was ranked in the 80's out of 1700. Two years passed of me checking my phone daily for a phone call; looking at this Texas thread and the others on here to try and look for any rumors. I never called the hall because I was too nervous I'd be blacklisted.

It finally happened. Got the call on Monday. And I didn't have an "In" either.

Looking forward to my next chapter.
Posted By: titans

Re: Apprenticeship advice. Austin, TX - 07/02/15 02:00 AM

Congrats man. I'm waiting on the call myself.
Posted By: MA70D

Re: Apprenticeship advice. Austin, TX - 07/03/15 06:53 AM

Figured I'd join up and get in the act. Waiting on a few interviews as we speak (Southwest and Midwest), studying my behind off and brushing up my resume.

Good luck folks.
Posted By: Solution

Re: Apprenticeship advice. Austin, TX - 08/05/15 04:13 AM

This thread seems to get a ton of traffic, it must be a coming up as a top link in google or something, hopefully its helped some prospective helpers out. Started it over a year ago, so I figured now would be a good time to update my progress.

I originally got hired on in local 133 (Austin, TX) and they had a hard time keeping the probationary apprentices working. I got laid off shortly after acquiring everything I needed to be sworn in and get off probation (thank god). I was still laid off after being sworn in, so decided to seek work in Dallas where I'm originally from. This didn't take long and you gotta love DFW for having so much opportunity.

Going back to work for Thyssen's fort worth location (first day is tomorrow, not looking forward to that drive from north dallas) but I can't complain. Seems like they are desperate for helpers right now. I know some of the mechanics on this forum are working in this local, I can only hope to be put to work under one of them knowing I might learn a great deal.

I might like to permanently transfer to the DFW local 21, but that takes 6 months of permanent residency before they're even able to consider it. Hopefully I can stay employed until that point, though transients are probably the first to go during lay offs.

All in all, I'm a bit over 1000 hours into the trade so I'm still totally lacking in experience. I can tell you that being an elevator constructor is absolutely the most fun trade, and one of the hardest working on a job. You will get dirty, hot, cold, tired, sore, and pissed off. Some days will suck, some days will be easier than others.

You will earn your pay in this trade, and considering the package you receive in this trade, you should expect to work hard for it.

Anyways, I hope people continue to find this thread because it really covers the entire process for someone trying to break into this union. Some of the probies in this thread that got hired with me have already given up and quit, so when you pass your test and ace your interview, know that the veterans of this trade you go to work with will be what makes or breaks you.




Posted By: E311

Re: Apprenticeship advice. Austin, TX - 08/05/15 02:32 PM

Say howdee to Ken M. and Clay S. over there, if you can work with those two guys, you will learn a lot smile
Posted By: titans

Re: Apprenticeship advice. Austin, TX - 10/06/15 03:09 PM

Gentlemen I finally got the call. Gotta go Weds to the drug testing and then start on Friday. Man I've been waiting for this seems like forever now. Thank ya GOD!
Posted By: skilledbutcher73

Re: Apprenticeship advice. Austin, TX - 10/10/15 05:46 PM

congratulations man... good luck
Posted By: jsch96

Re: Apprenticeship advice. Austin, TX - 11/22/15 07:28 AM

Hey guys! This thread has awesome insight as to what to expect when going through the whole process. Took my EIAT for local 132 (Madison WI) and reading what others experienced calmed the nerves a bit. Doesn't help with waiting for the test results though... Hopefully of all goes well I'll be getting an interview! But yeah thanks to Solution specifically for starting this and everyone else who has chimed in!
Posted By: jsch96

Re: Apprenticeship advice. Austin, TX - 11/30/15 08:54 PM

So I passed the test, as everyone said it was all common sense. Now the interview is scheduled for the 17th. Are there any documents you would suggest bringing along? Also does anyone know how far away from the local you are allowed to live, and even if distance is allowed will they still have an issue with it?
Posted By: xxXBlazeXxx

Re: Apprenticeship advice. Austin, TX - 12/01/15 01:03 AM

Glad you passed. Now learn everything you can with the mechanics you work with. Then at home learn even more from literature. But hands on will be the best learning experience. As far as union stuff I have no idea. Congrats and welcome to the elevator tech community.
Posted By: JustWolf

Re: Apprenticeship advice. Austin, TX - 12/01/15 07:49 PM

Some days chickens, some days feathers, as to where you live. If you live in the sticks, you could end up working in the city till your apprenticeship is up or you could be working 75 miles in either direction from your house. if you live N,S,E,or W of town, it won't matter, more than likely you'll end up working in the opposite direction than you think. Be to work on time, if you like cats, don't be late because the cat crossed the road.

Good Luck.
Posted By: JustWolf

Re: Apprenticeship advice. Austin, TX - 12/01/15 07:49 PM

Some days chickens, some days feathers, as to where you live. If you live in the sticks, you could end up working in the city till your apprenticeship is up or you could be working 75 miles in either direction from your house. if you live N,S,E,or W of town, it won't matter, more than likely you'll end up working in the opposite direction than you think. Be to work on time, if you like cats, don't be late because the cat crossed the road.

Good Luck.
Posted By: jsch96

Re: Apprenticeship advice. Austin, TX - 12/18/15 09:26 AM

Just an update I had my interview yesterday. It was very short, 15 minutes max. All very deep work related questions. I was nervous as heck but my two interviewers were very nice. They had five teams of interviewers taking about 70 candidates in total and 3 of the major 4 companies had interviewers there. It was very interesting. No set date that I'll here back by but I'm praying for the best, and crossing my fingers I aced with flying colors. To help others prepare for their future interviews you really have to go on the web and practice se standard interview questions relatable to the workplace. Also if you haven't done research as to what you may be getting into as an elevator mechanic that could potentially look poorly. For me I'll be checking my email 30 times a day for like two weeks straight and as soon as I hear back I'll let you guys know how I did.
Thanks to all for the help so far!
Posted By: jsch96

Re: Apprenticeship advice. Austin, TX - 12/23/15 11:31 PM

I got my results, and I'm rather bummed but there's always next recruitment. I passed the interview but was ranked 39. Clearly I didn't wow the interviewers, So by the looks of things I doubt they'll get to 39 before opening up another period. Maybe they will, but I'll keep my fingers crossed and I'll definitely keep calling from time to time to see where they are at. Thanks again for all the help!
Posted By: GreenPants

Re: Apprenticeship advice. Austin, TX - 12/24/15 02:40 AM

With the way work is booming in most parts of the country 39 doesn't seem too bad. A lot of people on that list are not as excited as you are and will drop off for any number of reasons.

Good luck!
Posted By: xxXBlazeXxx

Re: Apprenticeship advice. Austin, TX - 12/25/15 02:12 AM

You could apply at a non Union Company. There are good ones out there. Who knows, you might even have a more enjoyable career with one. smile
Posted By: jsch96

Re: Apprenticeship advice. Austin, TX - 12/25/15 05:30 AM

Such things exist?? I never even knew that. I'll have to do a little research to find one.
Posted By: Coltyo

Re: Apprenticeship advice. Austin, TX - 12/31/15 06:52 PM

Hey, I applied to Local 38 In Salt Lake city and interviewed in December. I got placed at 28 out of 70 or 80 applicants. I feel pretty good about it. Now I guess it's just time to wait. Hopefully work is good over there. Anybody here from SLC?
Posted By: cedartop

Re: Apprenticeship advice. Austin, TX - 01/06/16 05:39 PM

Haven't heard from the band of apprentices lately. How's it going thus far?
Posted By: Solution

Re: Apprenticeship advice. Austin, TX - 01/06/16 10:18 PM

Originally Posted By: cedartop
Haven't heard from the band of apprentices lately. How's it going thus far?


Back working in Austin (local 133), and now in the Mod department. I like it a lot, and prefer it over construction so far. Finished my first semester of school which was pretty easy. All in all things are going well, but you start to realize just how much you still don't know, and sometimes feel like you'll never figure it all out.

Also a heads up to anyone trying to get in, they are now testing incoming applicants on hand tools. An example would be Klien's, which are actually linemans pliers and/or side cutters I believe, or dykes which are actually diagonal cutters.
Posted By: cedartop

Re: Apprenticeship advice. Austin, TX - 01/08/16 11:58 PM

I have an interview at the end of the month in NYC. In the meantime, I've been working toward a certificate in basic electronics. Doesn't look like I'll have it complete by then, but hopefully working on it will be considered better than nothing. 1600 applied, so I can use all the credentials I can get! smile
Posted By: sparkling walter

Re: Apprenticeship advice. Austin, TX - 01/25/16 03:40 PM

I have my interview tomorrow! Having just a liiiittle bit of trouble concentrating at work today.
Posted By: cedartop

Re: Apprenticeship advice. Austin, TX - 01/25/16 09:53 PM

Good luck, Sparky! We're both gonna continue to have trouble concentrating until our results come in!
Posted By: sparkling walter

Re: Apprenticeship advice. Austin, TX - 01/26/16 01:55 PM

Thanks Cedartop! About to head out now!
Posted By: sparkling walter

Re: Apprenticeship advice. Austin, TX - 02/05/16 03:09 AM

How'd your interview go Cedartop? Mine felt like it went very well. I'm supposed to find out where I stand in a couple of weeks.
Posted By: cedartop

Re: Apprenticeship advice. Austin, TX - 02/05/16 04:43 AM

I was very impressed with the questions. Two interviewers, and they both made me feel very comfortable. Overall, went better than I expected.
Posted By: Bansheeman6100

Re: Apprenticeship advice. Austin, TX - 02/06/16 02:23 PM

anymore or new news from the 133, Austin, Texas? i interviewed 11/14, and at the time was #3 behind the lay-offs. last i heard, the last of the lay-offs were back and im one of the next on the list. but if anyone here is part of the local 133 or another Texas local, could you possibly answer some questions for me, as when i call and try to talk to the union rep, he's always rushed and busy. im trying to make my final decision as to whether i will take the position or not. i truly want to take it, but i will be leaving a 50k+ a year job with good bene's and LOTS of job security

what is base-pay, and when/how do raises work?
ive seen alot of lay-offs here, how busy do apprentices stay?
how much are and how often are due's collected?

nd any and all other advice and help is truly appreciated. if it makes a difference, i applied through the H2H program
Posted By: Solution

Re: Apprenticeship advice. Austin, TX - 02/06/16 06:11 PM

Apprentices start out at just under $19 here in Austin (after probation $20-$21, then just under $25 by the time you hit second year). Mechanics are making 37+ an hour currently, likely to go up after the next contract if cost of living in Austin is accounted for.

You are not sworn in until 6 months and/or 1000 hours (last I checked), up until that point any layoffs that occur are forced on the probies, then the first year apprentices, thereafter there is no longer an order (you can layoff a 4th year apprentice before a 2nd year, but not before a first year or proby).

Work in Austin is good, that is why the bench has recently been cleared. Mod work is really blowing up, and I'm sure construction is chugging along just fine. Layoffs do happen, but depending on your value, your tenure, and what department you work in, the risk of layoffs can be greatly reduced. There are guys who haven't been laid off in decades. Also, if you are willing to travel, there is usually work to be found outside your local.

Dues are quarterly, and are a few hundred dollars.

The realistic advice is that if you are making comfortable money with decent benefits already, you might regret your decision the moment you find yourself in the freezing cold in construction slinging rails (heavy lifting). There are many many different facets to this trade and as a new helper you could find yourself in any number of situations that you could love or hate.

Good luck either way, and I wouldn't be surprised if you get a call to work from our BA pretty soon.
Posted By: Bansheeman6100

Re: Apprenticeship advice. Austin, TX - 02/06/16 08:59 PM

Yeah, that's my current dilemma. I don't hate what I do, but it's also not a challenge anymore. And I'm about topped out money wise. I really do like the idea of getting into the trade, as it seems like a very diverse and ever evolving career. I work in the tire industry, so I already deal with weather, which sucks but it wouldn't be aby different than I deal with now. My greatest concern was the layoffs, my father was a union carpenter for decades in chicago, as was my whole family, so the crash in 08-09 just lingers in my head when I hear "layoff"

Swriously, thank you for answering my questions, it's very appreciated. Can I bother you with another? How is vacation accrued, and do you get any as a apprentice?
Posted By: Bansheeman6100

Re: Apprenticeship advice. Austin, TX - 02/09/16 02:39 PM

Also, my main apprehension is that I was told I have to report within 24 hours once I'm called, and that I wouldn't be able to put in my 2 weeks notice. Is that true? If I could give proper notice, I would feel exponentially better as worst case scenario I'd have a place to come back to.
Posted By: Solution

Re: Apprenticeship advice. Austin, TX - 02/10/16 12:56 AM

Originally Posted By: Bansheeman6100
Also, my main apprehension is that I was told I have to report within 24 hours once I'm called, and that I wouldn't be able to put in my 2 weeks notice. Is that true? If I could give proper notice, I would feel exponentially better as worst case scenario I'd have a place to come back to.


As a proby, they are hiring you as a last resort. There are literally no other options available to them, and they simply need the man power now. So I don't see a situation in which a 2-week notice would be available to you.

Layoffs are just part of the industry. I will reiterate that many people in this trade have great job stability. Those same people happen to be very smart, possess great work ethic, show up on time, and are generally great people. As with every local, there are people who just show up for a check and don't put in the effort. Who do you think gets laid off first? What type of person do you think you are? These questions will go a long way in answering your fears about layoffs.
Posted By: MA70D

Re: Apprenticeship advice. Austin, TX - 02/13/16 09:11 AM

Almost six months in for me thus far, on mods with the biggest independent in the region.

Love. It. Additionally, owner says "You'll be a mechanic before we're done with all our current work" which I take as quite a good sign. Hah.

This career choice was the best decision of my life. Absolutely no idea how so many 50s wash out.
Posted By: Bansheeman6100

Re: Apprenticeship advice. Austin, TX - 02/13/16 11:02 PM

Originally Posted By: MA70D
Almost six months in for me thus far, on mods with the biggest independent in the region.

Love. It. Additionally, owner says "You'll be a mechanic before we're done with all our current work" which I take as quite a good sign. Hah.

This career choice was the best decision of my life. Absolutely no idea how so many 50s wash out.
Thats encouraging to hear, as I'm heavily Leaning towards making the leap when I get the call. And what do you mean by 50s?
Posted By: cedartop

Re: Apprenticeship advice. Austin, TX - 02/14/16 04:02 AM

Someone mentioned 50 percenters earlier. 2 year apprentices, maybe?
Posted By: sparkling walter

Re: Apprenticeship advice. Austin, TX - 02/16/16 11:30 PM

Well...got my results and I'm ranked in the mid-90s. Disappointing as I came out of the interview feeling like it went so well. We'll see if I even get the call within the 2-year cutoff.
Posted By: sparkling walter

Re: Apprenticeship advice. Austin, TX - 02/16/16 11:39 PM

Originally Posted By: Bansheeman6100
And what do you mean by 50s?


50% wages - people on probation.
Posted By: 4mersparky209

Re: Apprenticeship advice. Austin, TX - 02/17/16 02:06 AM

What's up all.I've been lurking this thread since I signed up for the local 8 last Jan. I got ranked 115 in May and got called to work for schindler last month in N.I. so 90 doesn't sound too bad but construction is booming here. My union rep said that 8/10 guys he calls turn down the offer or quit within a week I don't know why cause I love this job so far. If anyone has any questions for a 50 % proby I'll try to answer
Posted By: Bansheeman6100

Re: Apprenticeship advice. Austin, TX - 02/17/16 08:41 PM

Originally Posted By: sparkling walter
Originally Posted By: Bansheeman6100
And what do you mean by 50s?


50% wages - people on probation.
gotcha. Now, does that mean 50% of a mechanics wage? I'm assuming so, the numbers about line up. But that only lasts what, 6 months until you become an actual apprentice?
Posted By: ElecTech

Re: Apprenticeship advice. Austin, TX - 02/17/16 10:15 PM

I think a new apprentice is still considered probationary for 1 year but salary changes after around 6 months.
Posted By: ElecTech

Re: Apprenticeship advice. Austin, TX - 02/17/16 10:22 PM

Originally Posted By: sparkling walter
Well...got my results and I'm ranked in the mid-90s. Disappointing as I came out of the interview feeling like it went so well. We'll see if I even get the call within the 2-year cutoff.


Like someone else said, people turn down offers for many reasons (stability in their current job, moved, etc., I've heard it from mulitiple coordinators.

I believe Connecticut had an intake of applications for the electricians trade around the same time as your interview. Some people on your list could be on that list as well and might take the first offer they get.
Posted By: Bansheeman6100

Re: Apprenticeship advice. Austin, TX - 02/18/16 01:33 AM

Also, how long does it take to become vested for your pension? And what are points currently worth
Posted By: 4mersparky209

Re: Apprenticeship advice. Austin, TX - 02/18/16 02:43 AM

Probation is a year. 1-6 months=50% mech. wage. 7-12 months=55%, your benefits kick in and you can start school. the next steps are then 65%, 70%, and 80% moving up as you pass your classes
Posted By: 4mersparky209

Re: Apprenticeship advice. Austin, TX - 02/18/16 02:52 AM

oh, and about 3 weeks after your hired you get a packet in the mail requiring you to complete a probationary course online. it takes like 6 months because there are six courses broken down by month and you cant just blow through them because each course is made available monthly
Posted By: cedartop

Re: Apprenticeship advice. Austin, TX - 02/18/16 12:54 PM

Which local did you apply for? I haven't heard back from mine yet.
Posted By: Bansheeman6100

Re: Apprenticeship advice. Austin, TX - 02/18/16 02:20 PM

Originally Posted By: cedartop
Which local did you apply for? I haven't heard back from mine yet.


133, austin, texas. I interviewed 11/14
Posted By: skilledbutcher73

Re: Apprenticeship advice. Austin, TX - 02/18/16 05:04 PM

Hey sorry I have been off the grid..I have been busy with finishing up school and other things...I got out of the trade back in July...I decided to go back to my old Job..I had way to much Invested in my 401k and I would have had to pick which job I wanted to keep...
It was a decent experience.. Your mileage may vary depending on your company.. I did mods for a company here in Austin...we had the University of Texas Elevators and a ton of surrounding projects..mods is very different from new construction, it's faster pace and harder to learn.It would be hard for me to pass on a 50k a year job if it was stable..but that is my opinion .my current company is ALOT more flexible on my schedule so I can finish my BS and move on higher up with my current company...the benefits are actually better than the elevators Union but not by much.

Good luck.work safe.
Posted By: Bansheeman6100

Re: Apprenticeship advice. Austin, TX - 02/19/16 02:32 PM

Originally Posted By: skilledbutcher73
Hey sorry I have been off the grid..I have been busy with finishing up school and other things...I got out of the trade back in July...I decided to go back to my old Job..I had way to much Invested in my 401k and I would have had to pick which job I wanted to keep...
It was a decent experience.. Your mileage may vary depending on your company.. I did mods for a company here in Austin...we had the University of Texas Elevators and a ton of surrounding projects..mods is very different from new construction, it's faster pace and harder to learn.It would be hard for me to pass on a 50k a year job if it was stable..but that is my opinion .my current company is ALOT more flexible on my schedule so I can finish my BS and move on higher up with my current company...the benefits are actually better than the elevators Union but not by much.

Good luck.work safe.
thanks for the opinion, I appreciate it a lot. It's going to be a tough decision when I get the call, that's forsure. I will be at aboit $56k this summer, but that is topped out. I get 5 weeks PTO as well. I'm comfortable where I'm at, but the idea of this field really does excite me. A close friend from church is who got me to apply, he did 40 years in the 133, and his son is going on 25 years. He also had his own company that he sold off as well when he retired, but he has nothing but good things to say about both the job and the union. The lure of a pension also is a bog consideration.

Does the union, or the companies offer PTO? and will they allow unpaid time off
Posted By: skilledbutcher73

Re: Apprenticeship advice. Austin, TX - 02/19/16 04:07 PM

Well sort of...you get 2 checks during the year...one in Jan and one in july with your accrued time off.If you take off time you do NOT get paid for that week,this is why they send out the 2 checks every year.
Posted By: skilledbutcher73

Re: Apprenticeship advice. Austin, TX - 02/19/16 04:10 PM

But the checks twice a year do not come till after you get sworn in...so your first six months, including if you get laid off , will sort of suck because you really shouldn't take time off as a proby... You CAN take time off but it's usually up to the boss.
Posted By: Bansheeman6100

Re: Apprenticeship advice. Austin, TX - 02/19/16 04:39 PM

Originally Posted By: skilledbutcher73
Well sort of...you get 2 checks during the year...one in Jan and one in july with your accrued time off.If you take off time you do NOT get paid for that week,this is why they send out the 2 checks every year.


So if you don't take the week off, you basically get a bonus check it seems
Posted By: Bansheeman6100

Re: Apprenticeship advice. Austin, TX - 02/19/16 04:40 PM

Originally Posted By: skilledbutcher73
But the checks twice a year do not come till after you get sworn in...so your first six months, including if you get laid off , will sort of suck because you really shouldn't take time off as a proby... You CAN take time off but it's usually up to the boss.
of course not, I'm just looking long term wise. I asked cause I know my father and family never had any PTO in the carpenters or laborers union
Posted By: JustWolf

Re: Apprenticeship advice. Austin, TX - 02/19/16 05:02 PM

No work no pay. No it is not a BONUS check. You will be required to take 3 weeks off, and 5 single days off. If the Local your in enforces the rule. So save that Vacation check to manage when you take it. There is also a elevator 401K and a annuity once you make it through your probationary period.
Posted By: skilledbutcher73

Re: Apprenticeship advice. Austin, TX - 02/19/16 08:49 PM

Yeah just be careful....I had booked my wedding and they called me 2 days after I got back from my wedding..I guess I got lucky. I wish they would be more flexible on calling probys out to work,especially if you are working on THAT day u get called...and just a heads up....they do lay off mechanics during the holidays...they laid off literally every mechanic but 2 during November and December ...they just had no projects going on on Austin but little repair and maintenance around the University. Almost all the guys I have worked with have side jobs that they can fall back on when it happens.
Posted By: Bansheeman6100

Re: Apprenticeship advice. Austin, TX - 02/20/16 04:38 PM

Originally Posted By: JustWolf
No work no pay. No it is not a BONUS check. You will be required to take 3 weeks off, and 5 single days off. If the Local your in enforces the rule. So save that Vacation check to manage when you take it. There is also a elevator 401K and a annuity once you make it through your probationary period.
ok, that explanation clears that up, thank you
Posted By: Bansheeman6100

Re: Apprenticeship advice. Austin, TX - 02/20/16 04:39 PM

Originally Posted By: Bansheeman6100
Originally Posted By: JustWolf
No work no pay. No it is not a BONUS check. You will be required to take 3 weeks off, and 5 single days off. If the Local your in enforces the rule. So save that Vacation check to manage when you take it. There is also a elevator 401K and a annuity once you make it through your probationary period.
ok, that explanation clears that up, thank you. And the pension is still an active benefit, which is vested after 5 years correct?
Posted By: Solution

Re: Apprenticeship advice. Austin, TX - 02/20/16 06:14 PM

Banshee do yourself a favor and get into contact with your personal sources who recommended the union to you. Most of the people in this thread, myself included, do not have much experience in the trade so far.

If you have any questions about how local 133 works feel free to PM me, but just as an example, skilledbutcher and I were hired into the trade around the same time, and from what I can tell have both had vastly different experiences.

There is a degree of luck when getting hired as to whether you find yourself in a good spot or not, because as a new guy you do not control your fate at all.

Where are you on our list if you don't mind me asking?
Posted By: Bansheeman6100

Re: Apprenticeship advice. Austin, TX - 02/20/16 07:06 PM

Originally Posted By: Solution
Banshee do yourself a favor and get into contact with your personal sources who recommended the union to you. Most of the people in this thread, myself included, do not have much experience in the trade so far.

If you have any questions about how local 133 works feel free to PM me, but just as an example, skilledbutcher and I were hired into the trade around the same time, and from what I can tell have both had vastly different experiences.

There is a degree of luck when getting hired as to whether you find yourself in a good spot or not, because as a new guy you do not control your fate at all.

Where are you on our list if you don't mind me asking?
my main POC has been out for over 10 years, and most of his contacts are now out as well. And according to the union I should be the next on the list
Posted By: titans

Re: Apprenticeship advice. Austin, TX - 02/21/16 11:01 PM

I've been working in Nashville Local 93 since October. We have been slammed with new construction. All of our 2nd, 3rd, and 4th year apprentices have been upgraded to mechanic. I've been in construction the entire time. Started on Traction and now I've been doing hyros for the past few months. Since I hired in we've had about 6 or 7 new hires quit. I've compared it to basic training in construction. These guys just want to test you physically, mentally, and emotionally. Just stick it out and get that union card and you'll be fine.
Posted By: skilledbutcher73

Re: Apprenticeship advice. Austin, TX - 02/22/16 02:02 AM

Yeah man I'm not trying to get u to not take the job...it is a great job, however ,I think all first year probys need to know that not everything is set in stone..the construction manager at my first company told the new hires there was TONS of work...then literally a month later they laid off a pretty big number of us...like 8 or so and some mechanics..
Some of them took 5 or 6 months to get called back to work ..Just be careful if you have a family or mortgage or car note to pay... Nothing is guaranteed in this trade .
Posted By: coconut

Re: Apprenticeship advice. Austin, TX - 02/23/16 03:07 AM

Originally Posted By: 4mersparky209
What's up all.I've been lurking this thread since I signed up for the local 8 last Jan. I got ranked 115 in May and got called to work for schindler last month in N.I. so 90 doesn't sound too bad but construction is booming here. My union rep said that 8/10 guys he calls turn down the offer or quit within a week I don't know why cause I love this job so far. If anyone has any questions for a 50 % proby I'll try to answer


I applied to local 1 and just got my results today. I am ranked in the lower half of the 100s, a bit disappointing because I thought my interview went very well. But 4merspary209's post makes me feel better about still potentially getting called before the list expires. I know it's all a waiting game at this point, but local 1 is one of the largest locals and construction is picking up in NYC, so here's hoping! Anyone know how far down the list they made it in the last recruitment?

Good luck to everyone still waiting, and thanks to all the posters in this thread because it was pretty helpful during the whole process.
Posted By: Bansheeman6100

Re: Apprenticeship advice. Austin, TX - 02/23/16 02:11 PM

Originally Posted By: titans
I've been working in Nashville Local 93 since October. We have been slammed with new construction. All of our 2nd, 3rd, and 4th year apprentices have been upgraded to mechanic. I've been in construction the entire time. Started on Traction and now I've been doing hyros for the past few months. Since I hired in we've had about 6 or 7 new hires quit. I've compared it to basic training in construction. These guys just want to test you physically, mentally, and emotionally. Just stick it out and get that union card and you'll be fine.
well i made it through Army BCT, so i think i will make it through. what would you recomend a newbie study on before starting the job?
Posted By: nick9437

Re: Apprenticeship advice. Austin, TX - 02/25/16 02:18 AM

"I applied to local 1 and just got my results today. I am ranked in the lower half of the 100s"

In NYC... How low in the 100s? I know in Chicago there was 17xish guys called off the list in two years. So you have a shot, just might take some time.
Posted By: sparkling walter

Re: Apprenticeship advice. Austin, TX - 02/28/16 02:19 AM

local 91 in CT
Posted By: DisplayName

Re: Apprenticeship advice. Austin, TX - 03/02/16 02:22 AM

Hello,
Hope all is well. On the list here in Boston. This is my second time around on the list. Got my number on 2/2/16....Very low 100's, they are already up to #23. Lots of construction going on and hear a lot more is coming. I'm coming from a desk job so this is going to be real different....and exciting. My problem is that I have decent job with decent pay.....and obviously much safer, but this line of work does interest me. Not sure what to do at this point. I have to decide soon. I will admit, reading about the few deaths lately doesn't help....but again, the career seems to call my name.
Posted By: ElecTech

Re: Apprenticeship advice. Austin, TX - 03/05/16 03:08 PM

That's interesting, did you keep the same number you had on the first list and what number did they get to on that list?
Posted By: DisplayName

Re: Apprenticeship advice. Austin, TX - 03/10/16 02:45 PM

No. The first time around I was in the high 200's out of around 600. I believe they got up to around 160 on that list before the 2 years were up.
Posted By: ElecTech

Re: Apprenticeship advice. Austin, TX - 03/10/16 08:36 PM

I see, so it looks like you're in a much better position this time around. #23 in a month, maybe the winter is deterring people or companies held out for the new list? Regardless, I'm in a very similar situation to you, low 100's on Boston's list.

And having a safe desk job with decent pay doesn't sound like a problem but a good back up in case there are lengthy layoffs or for whatever reason you decide not to continue in the trade. I hope I can get some more job experience to fall back on in a situation like that.
Posted By: DisplayName

Re: Apprenticeship advice. Austin, TX - 03/10/16 09:15 PM

So, you're on the Boston lost as well? Nice, good luck to you.
Posted By: Bansheeman6100

Re: Apprenticeship advice. Austin, TX - 03/12/16 03:46 AM

Spoke to my local yesterday, and I'm 4th in the list. The last 2 they called turned down the position
Posted By: ElecTech

Re: Apprenticeship advice. Austin, TX - 03/12/16 05:29 AM

Originally Posted By: Bansheeman6100
Spoke to my local yesterday, and I'm 4th in the list. The last 2 they called turned down the position


So were there lay offs that moved you to 4th after you were told you were next on the list?
Posted By: ElecTech

Re: Apprenticeship advice. Austin, TX - 03/12/16 05:34 AM

Anyone know if you are injured as a probie, whether on the job or off, are you put back in some queue after you heal up or removed from the list?

I assume they move on to the next candidate before you even make it to a doctor, but happens afterwards. Trying to gauge how insecure the probie phase is.
Posted By: Bansheeman6100

Re: Apprenticeship advice. Austin, TX - 03/12/16 06:08 PM

Originally Posted By: ElecTech
Originally Posted By: Bansheeman6100
Spoke to my local yesterday, and I'm 4th in the list. The last 2 they called turned down the position


So were there lay offs that moved you to 4th after you were told you were next on the list?


Thats my assumption, I didn't want to ruffle any feathers so I didn't pry too much. I know 1 ahead of me turned it down because he got hired by Otis in another state, and the other came to the realization that he has a fear of heights lol
Posted By: John_Charles5456

Re: Apprenticeship advice. Austin, TX - 03/20/16 06:21 PM

So I've been following this thread for 3 months now and it has been very helpful. I passed my test and i have an interview on April 5th. no one has really covered what kind of questions do they ask in the interview??

for example:
-"Tell me about yourself" "What are your greatest weaknesses" "tell me of a time you had to work under pressure" "why should we hire you"
Posted By: ElecTech

Re: Apprenticeship advice. Austin, TX - 03/20/16 07:05 PM

Originally Posted By: John_Charles5456
no one has really covered what kind of questions do they ask in the interview??


I think because nobody wants to help someone to appear more qualified than they actually are at the interview.
Posted By: John_Charles5456

Re: Apprenticeship advice. Austin, TX - 03/21/16 02:19 PM

You have a good point. But shouldn't that be what the test was for? I know I would be fit for the job, I've always loved working on cars and hands on and this job would be an exciting career for me. The only problem is, im bad at interviews, I get nervous and choke up and stumble over my words. but that doesn't mean im not capable of doing the job. I just have bad anxiety when it comes to interviews. after that I have really good work ethics. Every manager who has hired me would back that up.
Posted By: skilledbutcher73

Re: Apprenticeship advice. Austin, TX - 03/21/16 07:03 PM

They really are just basic questions like are scared of heights, do you mind being around loose wires and cramped areas...how did u hear about iuec and how do u get along with others...stuff like that...I know a few guy who failed the interview and they answered the questions pretty much the same as I did,so I really don't know how they grade the interviews.
Posted By: ElecTech

Re: Apprenticeship advice. Austin, TX - 03/21/16 07:56 PM

Originally Posted By: John_Charles5456
The only problem is, im bad at interviews, I get nervous and choke up and stumble over my words. but that doesn't mean im not capable of doing the job. I just have bad anxiety when it comes to interviews.


As do you have a good point. I think I might be in somewhat the same boat as you so I won't bother give you interview pointers since they'd be useless. However, I did the interview twice. I did much better on the first one. Preperation for the interview won't necessarily help.
Posted By: John_Charles5456

Re: Apprenticeship advice. Austin, TX - 03/21/16 08:01 PM

Thanks! that makes me feel better. Hopefully my interview will be a breeze.
Posted By: DisplayName

Re: Apprenticeship advice. Austin, TX - 03/21/16 08:43 PM

I did the interview twice myself. The first time was almost 3 years ago. The interview was not really structured at all and I was in there for about 5 minutes, I didn't do that well. The second time was earlier this year; the interview was much more structured with a set of questions. I felt much more comfortable with that approach and ended up scoring much better than the first time.
Posted By: John_Charles5456

Re: Apprenticeship advice. Austin, TX - 03/21/16 08:59 PM

So basically depending on how the interviewers are feeling that morning ? lol. what did you end up scoring?
Posted By: skilledbutcher73

Re: Apprenticeship advice. Austin, TX - 03/21/16 10:25 PM

I got ranked 12th on the list...scored a 78 or something I believe
Posted By: Cookcountycumins

Re: Apprenticeship advice. Austin, TX - 03/22/16 12:11 AM

Man alot of you guys had it easy, here in chicago 6-8k people took the test in 2013 and 1900 or so passed and got ranked after interviews, i got an interview score of 93.967 and was ranked 176. I recived that ranking in January 2014, last month they called me on my birthday feb 22 but someone in the office had transcribed my phone # down incorrectly on the call list, the last digit in my phone # was wriiten as a 7 insead of a 9. So i called a few days later to see what # they were on and told me 190. I freaked out called everyone i know in the local left messages for the ba's and got a call back from a ba that afternoon, he told me he was sorry they screwed up my # and that i would be the next one called. Well a month later today i got the call i have to drop test and fill out paper work this friday
Posted By: nick9437

Re: Apprenticeship advice. Austin, TX - 03/24/16 10:32 AM

Congrats! Although it was about 2xxx people who applied, not 6-8k. I can't believe they're up to 190, my number was in the low 80's and I was worried I would be on the outside looking in. Took them almost two years to call me. I heard a lot of guys turned it down, which could be why they got so high on list.

I've been in new construction for about a year now. So pointers: be at least 15 min early, don't be arrogant -I've noticed this a lot, it's a small community and you don't want to burn any bridges, move fast -but work safe, during break don't be the last one to stand up, take notes on your phone during break on what you did the first have if you worked with a mechanic that way you get the hang of it -a lot of it is repetitive and you don't want to have a mechanic have to keep telling you how do something, at the end of the day don't take your gear off until everything is locked up and all the other apprentices have their's off too.

To everyone who has an interview coming up, I'll give you a tip: DON'T WEAR A SUIT LIKE A DOUCHE. You're interviewing for a tough, nasty, dirty fucking career. The men interviewing you will not be wearing suits and neither should you. Nice work pants, work boots, and a collar shirt work shirt -a clean flannel works.

I saw countless people in suits way back when I went through this. Me: dressed as above and I'm in.

Good luck
Posted By: E311

Re: Apprenticeship advice. Austin, TX - 03/24/16 11:53 AM

Very well said Nick!
Posted By: DisplayName

Re: Apprenticeship advice. Austin, TX - 03/24/16 12:09 PM

Thanks for the tips, well noted. I do disagree with "not wearing" a suit though. One of the guys that interviewd me was wearing a suit. I didn't wear a suit, but I did wear a tie, dress shirt and dress pants and nice shoes (no one wore work boots the day I interviewed) so it was business attire. Not everyone there had a tie on, but I'd say half of them did. It sounds as if you were interviewed over two years ago....they have changed the process up a bit with structured questions with one individual from HR and one from the union office. So, I would say a suit won't hurt you, go business casual. The union rep at my interview was dressed business casual....no tie, but dress shirt, slacks and nice shoes.
Posted By: ElecTech

Re: Apprenticeship advice. Austin, TX - 03/24/16 08:20 PM

Originally Posted By: nick9437
I can't believe they're up to 190, my number was in the low 80's and I was worried I would be on the outside looking in. Took them almost two years to call me. I heard a lot of guys turned it down, which could be why they got so high on list.


That's insane, they went from around 80 to 190 in what 6 months? It makes it really difficult to predict when your number might be called.
Posted By: coconut

Re: Apprenticeship advice. Austin, TX - 03/25/16 07:58 PM

Originally Posted By: skilledbutcher73
They really are just basic questions like are scared of heights, do you mind being around loose wires and cramped areas...how did u hear about iuec and how do u get along with others...stuff like that...I know a few guy who failed the interview and they answered the questions pretty much the same as I did,so I really don't know how they grade the interviews.


My interview was more structured than this and much more behavioral interview-type questions. I would definitely look up typical behavioral interview stuff online because it seems like you could either get straightforward questions or more the type that ask you how you would act in certain situations that they're asking about. A friend let me borrow a book called "101 Great Answers to the Toughest Interview Questions" and I thought giving the whole thing a good skim was very helpful. Just remember to try to structure all your answers like


  • Task (what you needed to do)
  • Activity (how you did it)
  • Result (how it turned out/what you learned from it)


and you will seriously do better than most people who go to interviews.
Posted By: DisplayName

Re: Apprenticeship advice. Austin, TX - 03/25/16 09:02 PM

I agree coconut. My interview was done the same way.
Posted By: Cookcountycumins

Re: Apprenticeship advice. Austin, TX - 03/25/16 11:42 PM

Well i got hired by schindler, il be at the 150 n riverside building new construction.
Posted By: DisplayName

Re: Apprenticeship advice. Austin, TX - 03/26/16 03:08 AM

Congrats! Best of luck to you!
Posted By: ElecTech

Re: Apprenticeship advice. Austin, TX - 04/06/16 06:07 PM

Hey DisplayName, could you PM me the name and/or extension # of the person at Local 4 that you spoke to about the hiring list status? I get a voice message asking to select between a few people to connect to. Do you know where the list is at by the way?
Posted By: DisplayName

Re: Apprenticeship advice. Austin, TX - 04/28/16 03:50 PM

How's it going for any of the "newly hired"?
Posted By: Lord morey

Re: Apprenticeship advice. Austin, TX - 05/01/16 11:30 PM

I have my interview this Friday May 6th for Chicago local 2. This forum has been most helpful in giving me some idea of what to expect on my interview.
Posted By: DisplayName

Re: Apprenticeship advice. Austin, TX - 05/02/16 12:54 PM

Good luck on Friday Lord Money!
Posted By: ElecTech

Re: Apprenticeship advice. Austin, TX - 05/04/16 03:19 PM

I guess the rest are busy with work and classes, which I guess is a good sign of the industry's activity.
Posted By: Solution

Re: Apprenticeship advice. Austin, TX - 05/06/16 10:13 PM

I still check the thread, but don't often post because 99% of pertinent information can be found over the past 20 pages.

Hopefully it continues to be a good resource for people looking for information like I was when I started the thread.

@ElecTech, this trade is absolutely keeping me busy. Between school and overtime, I've learned a ton over my first 2500 hours. Still screw up daily though, and the difference between a great elevator man and your average mechanic is cavernous. Much more to learn, and the locals will be dying for good young mechanics over the next decade as all these old farts keep retiring.
Posted By: Vatorgator

Re: Apprenticeship advice. Austin, TX - 05/07/16 04:34 AM

funny guy, you will soon be an "old fart" that will be retiring. little respect please
Posted By: Solution

Re: Apprenticeship advice. Austin, TX - 05/07/16 08:17 PM

Originally Posted By: Vatorgator
funny guy, you will soon be an "old fart" that will be retiring. little respect please


Sorry, the elevator men I work around aren't known for their sensitivity. I'll tone down the rhetoric as to not offend anyone else.
Posted By: GMC94

Re: Apprenticeship advice. Austin, TX - 05/16/16 03:50 PM

Anybody else on here interview for local 2 in Chicago? I interviewed about a month ago and feel like it went fairly well! Haven't heard anything since, although I know they had 1000 people apply so i'm sure it takes time...I was also curious about the economic outlook in the Chicagoland area, from what I hear they have a ton of upcoming construction which is great.
Posted By: nick9437

Re: Apprenticeship advice. Austin, TX - 05/17/16 10:56 AM

So much work it's not even funny.

If you score top 100 you're in for sure.

Top 150 50% chance

The only thing I would be worried about is they took 200ish people off the last list. So companies have been filling their ranks like crazy. There's a 90 story going up on the river, and another supposed one in the S. Loop, so that would mean more hiring too.

Good luck. And the grass isn't always greener. I've been on 6-10s for months now in construction and it'll fucking wear you out. Money is good, but ZERO life.
Posted By: GMC94

Re: Apprenticeship advice. Austin, TX - 05/17/16 05:16 PM

Wow that's great to hear!!! I have no problems at all with long hours, I work in the rail industry as a freight train conductor so I'm on call 6 days a week and work nights/days with one day off and regularly get 60 hours. I made sure to bring that up in the interview and the company guy from Kone seemed really impressed and liked that I could work whenever I was needed. I'm just waiting for the new list to come out now. I'll keep you guys updated with what I find out. Best of luck to everybody else trying out there!
Posted By: titans

Re: Apprenticeship advice. Austin, TX - 05/19/16 11:29 PM

I'm getting sworn into the Union on Tuesday. Thank you Lord.
Posted By: skilledbutcher73

Re: Apprenticeship advice. Austin, TX - 05/21/16 01:45 AM

Congratulations Titans
Posted By: titans

Re: Apprenticeship advice. Austin, TX - 05/21/16 11:41 AM

Thank you.
Posted By: CrowTRobot

Re: Apprenticeship advice. Austin, TX - 05/24/16 01:00 AM

Anyone else here going through the process for Local 21 in Arlington?

Interviewing tomorrow, nervous as hell.
Posted By: E311

Re: Apprenticeship advice. Austin, TX - 05/24/16 11:36 AM

Don't be nervous, you'll do fine. 21's a great local smile
Posted By: CrowTRobot

Re: Apprenticeship advice. Austin, TX - 05/24/16 03:33 PM

Thanks E311!
Posted By: Jun

Re: Apprenticeship advice. Austin, TX - 05/24/16 08:26 PM

Welcome to the elevator business I am a local 84 man myself started in 1994 best decision I ever made the things you can do and education is endless you just need to want to achieve them don't ever be satisfied with a pay check learn all you can.
Posted By: Silly

Re: Apprenticeship advice. Austin, TX - 05/25/16 06:23 PM

So much depends on the local, then the dept. you are hired into. Local 19 has a state that allows marijuana, so we are having a giant issue with candidates unable to pass simple UA's.

Best advice, already stated here and require zero skill:

Be early, 15 min. Should do.
Attitude- never have it.
Energy - be ready to work! This trade is a damn privledge, not a right!
Be prepared - still use this, what's an apprentices job description? To make his or her mechanic look good.

Items that should be on your person each day include:

Notebook and pen/pencil
Channel locks
10-1 screw driver
Tape measure
Electrical tape

With those simple items you can do a surprisingly large amount of tasks. Again each dept. may have a few different items to add in, such as service repair may want you to have 1/8th inch tweaker and door pick on you as well.

Nobody expects a new hire to come in knowing anything, so don't pretend to. Effort and attitude will get you as far as you ever wanted to go. I will spend years training the right sort of person, won't spend 15 minutes with the wrong kind. Good luck, work safe, and work within the agreement.
Posted By: E311

Re: Apprenticeship advice. Austin, TX - 05/25/16 07:17 PM

Well said!
Posted By: CrowTRobot

Re: Apprenticeship advice. Austin, TX - 05/27/16 04:02 AM

I appreciate the advice but I am not feeling too great about my interview (but I was positive I failed the test, so who knows). The questions were super simple, but I still felt like I messed up some how. I feel like I will get on the list, but not with a great number.

For anyone curious, Local 21 in Arlington TX had 140 people pass the test. Won't know the interview numbers until next week.

Edit: I do have to say though, dudes who may read this in the future, I know we are not trying for a CEO Position at a fortune 500, but at least wear a button up. T-shirts and tennis shoes are not a great idea.
Posted By: CrowTRobot

Re: Apprenticeship advice. Austin, TX - 05/31/16 09:12 PM

Welp, I'm on the list. Number 86, not crazy about the number, but I'm on the damn list. I don't know how many guys made the list, but I'm pretty high up there lol. Having read this thread though, I know not every who gets the call takes the job, so here's hoping. In the interview I asked about how busy DFW is, they said pretty much all the companies have a 2 year backlog of work waiting to be done.
Posted By: titans

Re: Apprenticeship advice. Austin, TX - 06/01/16 12:33 AM

You'll be working in no time. I'm in Nashville local 93. We've had 3 recruitments in the past 6 months. Last week the BA called and got 2 guys from the list in Ohio and 5 off the Miami list because we're stretched thin with all this work. All of our 2, 3, and 4 year apps have been probated with temp mechanics card. So just be willing and able when your local calls and bust your butt for your mechanic and he'll take care of you.
Posted By: CrowTRobot

Re: Apprenticeship advice. Austin, TX - 06/01/16 02:13 AM

Oh man, I hope the Dallas market is that busy. I live an hour away from DFW, so I can't really judge the amount of construction with my own eyes. Here's hoping. How are you liking it?
Posted By: E311

Re: Apprenticeship advice. Austin, TX - 06/02/16 02:05 AM

We are Very busy in DFW, Houston and Midland/ Odessa are also booming.
Posted By: CrowTRobot

Re: Apprenticeship advice. Austin, TX - 06/02/16 04:57 AM

Who handles Midland/Odessa?
Posted By: E311

Re: Apprenticeship advice. Austin, TX - 06/02/16 06:38 PM

Local 21
Posted By: ElecTech

Re: Apprenticeship advice. Austin, TX - 06/02/16 07:13 PM

For there to be 3 recruitments in 6 months, was it a matter of there being so much hiring or were the lists just too short?
Posted By: CrowTRobot

Re: Apprenticeship advice. Austin, TX - 06/02/16 11:33 PM

Originally Posted By: E311
Local 21


Oh cool, didn't know how far they spread out.
Posted By: GMC94

Re: Apprenticeship advice. Austin, TX - 06/04/16 11:28 PM

Just wanted to give you guys an update. I received an email stating that I am ranked 93 for the local 2 list. I would have liked to be a little higher but I'm in the top 100 so I'm ok with that. From what I've heard Chicago is busy busy so hopefully they run down the list quick! If anybody else knows more about the work in Chicago let me know thanks!
Posted By: ElecTech

Re: Apprenticeship advice. Austin, TX - 06/04/16 11:49 PM

Congrats to you and crowtrobot, welcome to the waiting game!
Posted By: ElecTech

Re: Apprenticeship advice. Austin, TX - 06/04/16 11:59 PM

@crowtrobot, there is a map of the local jurisdictions on local 50's website but i don't know how up to date it is:

Map of local jurisdictions
Posted By: CrowTRobot

Re: Apprenticeship advice. Austin, TX - 06/05/16 12:36 AM

Thanks ElecTech, that's very interesting. I would have thought a OK local would handle the Panhandle.
Posted By: CrowTRobot

Re: Apprenticeship advice. Austin, TX - 06/13/16 07:12 PM

If anyone from the Local 21 recruitment is here, I called today and they have called 10 people in the 2 weeks since they sent out the numbers. She did not seem happy with my call lol.
Posted By: Kyle2822

Re: Apprenticeship advice. Austin, TX - 06/13/16 07:42 PM

I'm at local 21 they told me they moved down 12 last Thursday I talk to Chris
Posted By: Kyle2822

Re: Apprenticeship advice. Austin, TX - 06/13/16 07:44 PM

And does anyone know what the pay rates are at local 21
Posted By: Pinche

Re: Apprenticeship advice. Austin, TX - 06/14/16 08:29 PM

I'm 175 on the local 2 list, def was hoping for a little higher but I'm on the list at least. Lmk if you hear anything about how fast the list is moving! I'll do the same. Have you called to find out what number they are on yet? I know it's only been like 2 weeks so I doubt they are very far at all. I read that the last hiring session local 2 got to number 17x ish over the two year window, so I'm on the bubble just playing the waiting game now. Hopefully work stays strong one of the BAs said work is extremely busy for Chicago! Good luck all
Posted By: CrowTRobot

Re: Apprenticeship advice. Austin, TX - 06/15/16 01:10 AM

Originally Posted By: Kyle2822
I'm at local 21 they told me they moved down 12 last Thursday I talk to Chris


I wonder why I was told differently? I prefer what they told you though.
Posted By: Kyle2822

Re: Apprenticeship advice. Austin, TX - 06/15/16 02:08 AM

Idk I just hope I'm pick by next week I was number 5 last week. I heard a lot of people can't handle the work and they are quiting
Posted By: CrowTRobot

Re: Apprenticeship advice. Austin, TX - 06/15/16 05:04 AM

Originally Posted By: Kyle2822
Idk I just hope I'm pick by next week I was number 5 last week. I heard a lot of people can't handle the work and they are quiting


Congrats on getting such a low number! Keep us updated when they call you.

Have you heard any specifics as to why people are quitting so fast? I know it's a hard job, but it seems crazy to me that people would quit that fast.
Posted By: Joe45

Re: Apprenticeship advice. Austin, TX - 06/16/16 10:12 AM

Take my test June 29th for local 18 Vegas. Hope all goes good!!!
Posted By: HeardThatInd

Re: Apprenticeship advice. Austin, TX - 06/17/16 01:39 AM

Taking my test June 27th for local 18 in Vegas I'm super excited!!
Posted By: CrowTRobot

Re: Apprenticeship advice. Austin, TX - 06/17/16 04:19 AM

Good luck you two!
Posted By: Pinche

Re: Apprenticeship advice. Austin, TX - 06/17/16 04:24 AM

Study up on your basic math!
Posted By: HeardThatInd

Re: Apprenticeship advice. Austin, TX - 06/17/16 04:32 AM

Thanks for the advice! I'm super excited for this opportunity and gonna start studying tonight
Posted By: Joe45

Re: Apprenticeship advice. Austin, TX - 06/17/16 08:40 AM

Thank you, all of your post been really helpful. I wonder how many ppl applied to Vegas. The enrollment was only open for like 9 days.
Posted By: Pinche

Re: Apprenticeship advice. Austin, TX - 06/17/16 12:52 PM

The enrollment was only open for a couple hours and they got a 1000 for Chicago!
Posted By: nick9437

Re: Apprenticeship advice. Austin, TX - 06/19/16 08:37 PM

It was more like 22xish. It'll be right around the two-year mark if you get called. Get a welding cert, and do what you can to improve your resume if you really want in.

Don't call in, you'll be an ass if you do. I would imagine with the work coming up -sears mod, 90 story on river, and countless others, that you'll get in. Just a waiting game now.
Posted By: GMC94

Re: Apprenticeship advice. Austin, TX - 06/20/16 04:35 PM

Yeah I wouldn't recommend calling for a long time. I'm sure hundreds of people call every week. I'm just going to sit tight and keep going to work as usual and if they call me great! If I find out anything in the meantime I'll let you guys know.
Posted By: ElecTech

Re: Apprenticeship advice. Austin, TX - 06/20/16 04:54 PM

Well if hundreds of people are possibly calling in each week, maybe someone at the hall could update some online forum once a week with the current number of the hiring list and everyone on the list can receive an email with a link of where to look instead of calling. Even once a month would probably solve that.
Posted By: Kyle2822

Re: Apprenticeship advice. Austin, TX - 06/20/16 07:25 PM

Do anyone know what the start out pay is in local 21
Posted By: Solution

Re: Apprenticeship advice. Austin, TX - 06/20/16 08:08 PM

http://www.wdol.gov/dba.aspx

This is a link to a website which shows prevailing wages for most states/counties.

Local 21 mechanics seem to make $38h, so new hires at 50% would make about $19.
Posted By: Kyle2822

Re: Apprenticeship advice. Austin, TX - 06/22/16 07:22 PM

Just call local 21 and they are still at number 12
Posted By: CrowTRobot

Re: Apprenticeship advice. Austin, TX - 06/22/16 07:50 PM

Originally Posted By: Kyle2822
Just call local 21 and they are still at number 12


Damn
Posted By: stealthi

Re: Apprenticeship advice. Austin, TX - 06/29/16 03:59 PM

Do you think you passed your test?
Posted By: HeardThatInd

Re: Apprenticeship advice. Austin, TX - 06/29/16 04:51 PM

I'm pretty sure I did. Wasn't to bad except a couple of the math ones towards the end
Posted By: 96817

Re: Apprenticeship advice. Austin, TX - 07/09/16 10:05 PM

Sup guys I'm out here in hawaii and the application process started on April 1st of this year and I did my aptitude test on May 20th and interview on June 18th Definetely a long process.. Out of over 300 people who took the test I was one of the 124 people that had the chance to receive an interview not including the re-interviews from the previous years so it's anybody game to get a high ranking. They released the list on July 5th and I'm #26. They are currently on applicant #2. In one years time they went all the way to #74 on the list. How good do you think my chances are? Btw if anyone wants advice on the test and interview lmk.
Posted By: HeardThatInd

Re: Apprenticeship advice. Austin, TX - 07/09/16 11:08 PM

Passed my test wooohoo
Posted By: Bl3ss3d

Re: Apprenticeship advice. Austin, TX - 07/10/16 02:09 AM

Hello all,
I'm currently a mechanic out of Local 71. Work in traction high rises, as well as escalators, as well. I have an opportunity to go work either in Local 8, or Local 18 in California. I hear SF is busy and LA is about to get cranking in a month or so, as well as Las Vegas.
I would really prefer LA, Bay Area is expensive. I'm wondering if anyone on here is from any of these Locals and could shed some light.
Thanks.
Posted By: 4mersparky209

Re: Apprenticeship advice. Austin, TX - 07/10/16 05:46 PM

I'm in my 6th month as a proby in local 8.I also work on escalators and will be working on highrise traction as soon as salesforce tower starts. S.F. Is busy right now, escalators and elevators. S.F. Cost of living is high but local 8 is the highest paid local. There are also places around the bay area that are less expensive. as for L.A. I don't have a clue.
Posted By: Bl3ss3d

Re: Apprenticeship advice. Austin, TX - 07/10/16 11:55 PM

Thanks for the feedback! I've been thinking about Local 8. Been talking to the boss (my wife). She says go for it. She also tells me to watch myself. You know how this trade is, you must have thick skin. The locals don't like it when out of towners come in.
Local 8 said Mitsubishi is picking up people. I don't know much about Mitsubishi, but an elevator is the same in all companies. They have rails, car slings, sills, headers, traveling cables, etc.... Just have to learn the wiring. Can I ask what company you work for? I currently work for TKE.
Which company has the most work?
Forgive me for the 20/20, just a big decision I have to make. Local 8, wants me out there by the beginning of Aug.
Thanks
Posted By: 4mersparky209

Re: Apprenticeship advice. Austin, TX - 07/11/16 01:17 AM

I work for schindler. We're pretty busy. As far as who has the most work I don't know. At the last proby meeting there were probably around 30 new probys and no mechanics on the bench. Everyone is working. Where is local 71 area?
Posted By: Bl3ss3d

Re: Apprenticeship advice. Austin, TX - 07/11/16 10:53 PM

Local 71 is in Miami. we're busy here as well.
Posted By: Joe45

Re: Apprenticeship advice. Austin, TX - 07/12/16 10:28 AM

Just got notification that I passed my test and my interview's scheduled for Aug 11th for Local 18 Vegas!!!!!
Posted By: chuggins25

Re: Apprenticeship advice. Austin, TX - 07/12/16 03:47 PM

I interviewed with Local 135 in Charlotte last week. Interview went really well from what I could tell. Got good feedback and seems promising. Does anyone know what the time table is for getting the email or letter stating I passed my interview?
Posted By: ElecTech

Re: Apprenticeship advice. Austin, TX - 07/12/16 05:01 PM

For me it was about a week after they first finished interviewing everyone.
Posted By: chuggins25

Re: Apprenticeship advice. Austin, TX - 07/12/16 06:32 PM

Cool. Well tomorrow will be a week, feels like an eternity though. Just pretty excited and ready to get started!
Posted By: stealthi

Re: Apprenticeship advice. Austin, TX - 07/14/16 02:36 AM

That's good. Hopefully you do well on your interview. Do you know how long it takes to get in after that?
Posted By: Pinche

Re: Apprenticeship advice. Austin, TX - 07/15/16 03:10 AM

I got the email about 3 weeks after they did the interviews.
Posted By: chuggins25

Re: Apprenticeship advice. Austin, TX - 07/16/16 06:30 PM

Just got my phone call and email today! Go to fill out paperwork Monday!
Posted By: 4mersparky209

Re: Apprenticeship advice. Austin, TX - 07/16/16 10:54 PM

Congratulations. What company hired you. What city
Posted By: 4mersparky209

Re: Apprenticeship advice. Austin, TX - 07/16/16 10:55 PM

Nevermind. I see you said charlotte above. What company.
Posted By: Joe45

Re: Apprenticeship advice. Austin, TX - 07/17/16 03:36 AM

Does anyone know what spot the Los Angeles list is on? A buddy of mine is asking.
Posted By: titans

Re: Apprenticeship advice. Austin, TX - 07/17/16 04:00 AM

https://www.neiep.org/Careers.aspx
Posted By: chuggins25

Re: Apprenticeship advice. Austin, TX - 07/17/16 08:39 PM

Otis and Charlotte
Posted By: MA70D

Re: Apprenticeship advice. Austin, TX - 07/30/16 04:11 AM

I'm in a neighboring local, and all I've gotten on the grapevine is that they're hurting for bodies in both. Bad.

Best of luck!
Posted By: CrowTRobot

Re: Apprenticeship advice. Austin, TX - 07/31/16 10:37 AM

MA70D, which local? Quite a few have been discussed.
Posted By: Godawgs

Re: Apprenticeship advice. Austin, TX - 08/05/16 10:04 PM

How's it going everybody? I recently interviewed at local 24 in Atlanta and got ranked #50. Does anybody have a guesstimation of how long it should rake for them to pull my number? I'm at the end of 5 years active duty in the Marine Corps and trying to plan my move back to Atlanta accordingly.
Posted By: cityboy_5454

Re: Apprenticeship advice. Austin, TX - 08/05/16 10:46 PM

congrats man im down at robins afb with about 3 months left on my contract and just ranked at the local. Kone guy had his son taking the EIAT and said that their will be some big contracts coming up in the next couple months.
Posted By: Godawgs

Re: Apprenticeship advice. Austin, TX - 08/05/16 11:05 PM

Hell yeah. That's good news. I can't wait to start. I'm out Camp Lejeune, NC. I had a Marine reservist friend that did his monthly drill down there in Warner Robins.
Posted By: Godawgs

Re: Apprenticeship advice. Austin, TX - 08/08/16 07:36 PM

Auto correct got me. Local 32 not Local 24.
Posted By: ElecTech

Re: Apprenticeship advice. Austin, TX - 08/09/16 07:47 PM

For those of you working in locals that cover multiple major cities like local 8 for example which covers Sacramento, San Francisco, San Jose, Oakland, Frenso and Reno; are you assigned a city to work out of, do you get to pick based on availability or do you change frequently?
Posted By: ABE

Re: Apprenticeship advice. Austin, TX - 08/10/16 12:59 AM

It all depends on what company and what department you work in. Some companies might have more than one office within a local. Also if you work in the construction or mod department you may move around all over the local depending on where the work is. In the service department you are more likely to stay within a certain area but in repair you also may travel quite a bit.

In most cases the new apprentices start in construction, mod or repair. If you want to succeed just smile and go where your told.
Posted By: Joe45

Re: Apprenticeship advice. Austin, TX - 08/12/16 05:36 PM

I was told durning my interview for local 18 Vegas they only hired 8 people from their last list.
Posted By: Joe45

Re: Apprenticeship advice. Austin, TX - 08/17/16 07:12 PM

How long does in normally take to hear back on your position after you interview?
Posted By: DisplayName

Re: Apprenticeship advice. Austin, TX - 08/17/16 07:57 PM

I found out in about two weeks.
Posted By: Del

Re: Apprenticeship advice. Austin, TX - 08/22/16 05:31 PM

4mersparky209, Be seeing you out there. I start Monday, be working Salesforce tower.

ElecTech, From my experience you have no say. Most the work is in the bay area so odds are that is where you'll get pulled. I live in Sacramento and I'll be commuting.
Posted By: UnionSprky

Re: Apprenticeship advice. Austin, TX - 08/23/16 08:41 PM

Just discovered this forum in the last week or so. Lots of good info, kind of wish I'd found this before. I recently interviewed in Vegas. I was ranked in the low 60's. I really thought I did good in the interview and I'm usually pretty good about feeling out how it went but this one I guess threw me off. If Joe45 was given accurate information at his interview, I better keep applying in other locals.
Posted By: Precise

Re: Apprenticeship advice. Austin, TX - 08/25/16 05:50 AM

Discovered this forum and has helped me a great deal as well. Recently took my test early August, now awaiting results. Any idea how long results take to come back?
Posted By: UnionSprky

Re: Apprenticeship advice. Austin, TX - 08/25/16 07:49 AM

I got my results about 2 to 3 weeks later and interviewed about 5 weeks after my assessment test.
Posted By: UnionSprky

Re: Apprenticeship advice. Austin, TX - 08/25/16 07:55 AM

I heard there was about 400 interviews in Las Vegas, and as I mentioned in my first post I'm in the low 60's. Truth be told I was disappointed by the interview results but that's just how it goes sometime. Does anyone have any info on the outlook in Las Vegas, or if my ranking puts me out of the running for the next two years? Any feedback would be greatly appreciated.
Posted By: Joe45

Re: Apprenticeship advice. Austin, TX - 08/25/16 11:59 PM

They said there are a couple major projects that will require a lot of ppl from the list and it keeps getting postponed. So I guess that worked in our favor because now we are on the list. I've talked to a couple ppl that works in vegas and they are saying the last couple of years were pretty slow and there is a lot of projects coming up that most likely will take the whole list before two years. Hopefully that is true. UnionSprky did you apply for the LA list???
Posted By: UnionSprky

Re: Apprenticeship advice. Austin, TX - 08/26/16 12:25 AM

Joe45 that's very encouraging at least. Hoping those large projects start sooner than later. And yes I did apply in Los Angeles. But in all honestly I'd prefer the move to Vegas. Did you also get in on the LA recruitment?
Posted By: Joe45

Re: Apprenticeship advice. Austin, TX - 08/26/16 11:01 AM

Yeah I did. When I was interviewing in Vegas they said there was over 3000 applicants applied just on the first day the recruitment opened. Most likely this recruitment process will take longer due to the volume of ppl.
Posted By: UnionSprky

Re: Apprenticeship advice. Austin, TX - 08/26/16 04:23 PM

Wow that's a lot of people. I heard there was 400-500 on the waiting list in Vegas but that may not be accurate. I know Los Angeles will have tons more applicants than Las Vegas did but it's definitely worth a shot. I just want to get my foot in the door and take it from there.
Posted By: getitdone77

Re: Apprenticeship advice. Austin, TX - 08/29/16 05:23 PM

Hello Everyone,

I received my ranking about 10 days ago. I ranked fairly well even though I thought I did horrible. Anyway, I wanted to let you guys know when I get a call. I'm wondering if anyone else would do the same so we can see what number they are at. I'm pretty sure that the union gets tired of calls about the rankings. If we could update something on here I'm thinking they wouldn't mind. I was looking up the different projects that Vegas has for the future and it looks like quite a bit.
Posted By: CrowTRobot

Re: Apprenticeship advice. Austin, TX - 08/29/16 06:15 PM

Called the DFW Local today to check the list, she said they are on 21 or 22. Not going as fast as I had hoped, considering I am still 60ish places away.
Posted By: UnionSprky

Re: Apprenticeship advice. Austin, TX - 08/29/16 06:52 PM

GetItDone77, congratulations on placing well on the Vegas list. I'll definitely be on board with checking the list every few weeks and letting everyone know where it's at. I was thinking if there was someone in the Vegas office we could email as opposed to call it might also bug them a little less.
Posted By: Joe45

Re: Apprenticeship advice. Austin, TX - 08/29/16 09:47 PM

Has anyone heard what number Vegas list is on? I have a buddy that's in the 30's. I'll let you guys know when he gets his call.
Posted By: UnionSprky

Re: Apprenticeship advice. Austin, TX - 08/29/16 10:00 PM

Joe45 that would be great. I haven't tried contacting anyone from the Vegas office yet as it is still fairly soon. And besides I wasn't even sure who to call or email specifically.? Is it the email address that sent out the interview date/results etc.? And I saw my buddy out of the Southern California local and he seemed to confirm that the word is that there will be a big need for bodies in Vegas. That's great news and here's hoping that we all get out on the field soon.
Posted By: Joe45

Re: Apprenticeship advice. Austin, TX - 08/29/16 10:10 PM

Yeah thats what everyone is saying. Hopefully it comes fast. My buddy that is 30 on the vegas list got called in for the old LA list before it closed like a week after he interviewed for vegas. So there goes one spot gone lol
Posted By: Joe45

Re: Apprenticeship advice. Austin, TX - 08/29/16 10:12 PM

I believe we call the office. I forgot her name but the receptionist was telling me she is the one that makes all the calls.
Posted By: UnionSprky

Re: Apprenticeship advice. Austin, TX - 08/29/16 10:15 PM

That's great! Congrats to your buddy Joe. So he was number 30 on the Los Angeles list and barely made it? smirk dang well the good news is work is picking up in Los Angeles, as in most areas of the country.
Posted By: Joe45

Re: Apprenticeship advice. Austin, TX - 08/29/16 10:49 PM

No he was 475 on the LA list and just got called before the old list closed. He interviewed for the vegas list before he got called in for LA. He is 30 something on the vegas list.
Posted By: UnionSprky

Re: Apprenticeship advice. Austin, TX - 08/29/16 10:54 PM

Oh gotcha nice. That's encouraging!
Posted By: Joe45

Re: Apprenticeship advice. Austin, TX - 08/30/16 06:27 AM

Yeah I heard the first 200-300 people on the new LA list will go fast.
Posted By: ElecTech

Re: Apprenticeship advice. Austin, TX - 08/30/16 03:47 PM

If I remember the info I've read in another thread correctly, the last So Cal recruitment was about this time of year in 2013 which is probably why the list got that high. So your friend was lucky to be called when he did seeing how I think new recruitments usually happen every 2 years.
Posted By: UnionSprky

Re: Apprenticeship advice. Austin, TX - 08/30/16 04:36 PM

With construction booming it does seem to suggest there will be more apprentices getting pulled from this recruitment compared to the last one. And ElecTech, that's probably why the recruitment was pushed back an extra year this time in LA. Here's hoping all of us waiting get to hit the field soon
Posted By: UnionSprky

Re: Apprenticeship advice. Austin, TX - 08/30/16 04:39 PM

And Joe45 I got my email confirming I get to skip the assessment test and that I'll be getting another email in a month or so for the interview. I'm pretty excited about it.
Posted By: Joe45

Re: Apprenticeship advice. Austin, TX - 08/31/16 07:22 AM

UnionSprky I got mine to. Hopefully the new test weeds out a lot of ppl.
Posted By: Joe45

Re: Apprenticeship advice. Austin, TX - 08/31/16 07:27 AM

I'm tempted to apply for Local 140 Phoenix. Wonder how work is out there.
Posted By: UnionSprky

Re: Apprenticeship advice. Austin, TX - 08/31/16 08:20 AM

Joe45 Same here man. I've actually thought about Denver and Phoenix but those would be much bigger moves for me smirk I know it would be possible to change my card eventually but I'm worried I'd be stuck a while. Not sure I'd really dig Phoenix weather. Vegas just seems like it would be a cool experience and it's relatively close to southern Cali
Posted By: UnionSprky

Re: Apprenticeship advice. Austin, TX - 08/31/16 08:24 AM

I imagine that wages are probably substantially less as it is a right to work state. I know that might not affect IUEC members like it might members of other union trades but it's just something I've thought about.
Posted By: getitdone77

Re: Apprenticeship advice. Austin, TX - 09/01/16 06:49 PM

I just ordered a few Elevator Books from Elevatorworld.com. They aren't cheap, but I believe that It might help to familiarize myself with the nomenclator of the different parts, materials, tools, and the general process of installation. I wanted to know if anyone wants to split the cost of one of the ebooks "PDF" titled: "Elevator 101 3rd Edition." When I purchase this book, I will receive 4 extra copies for download. Let me know if you are interested. Here is a link to the book I'm referring to, http://www.elevatorbooks.com/Products/1013RDPDF/Elevator-101-3rd-Edition-Digital-Edition.aspx
Posted By: Bl3ss3d

Re: Apprenticeship advice. Austin, TX - 09/01/16 11:00 PM

Keep in mind the wages might be less, but the cost of living is much less, as opposed to Cali, Miami, NYC, Etc.... I have friends who are mechanics in Local 8/18, I'm a mechanic out of Local 71.

Atlanta, Indianapolis, Texas, Phoenix (not to sure of) are much cheaper to live, and more bang for your buck. If work slows down in these areas, you might be required to travel, especially in construction. If you end up mods/repair, etc, you should be good to go. Good luck the rest of the way! It's a great trade/career!
Posted By: cassius

Re: Apprenticeship advice. Austin, TX - 09/07/16 02:27 AM

does anyone know if there has been any movement on the Vegas list thus far? It appears as though Resorts World is going ahead with construction but I'm sure anything elevator related will be a few months out at least.
Posted By: Dan75

Re: Apprenticeship advice. Austin, TX - 09/07/16 11:39 PM

Hi everyone name is Dan I too placed in Vegas. Not as well as I had hoped for but I made the list. Has anyone really heard what the actual number of people who are on the list is?

I interview in Salt Lake on Tuesday, I'm hoping to do a little better in the interview this go round. Interviews are not my strong point.

You guys that have made it in how much time are you given to start?
Do the call on a Friday and say be here to work on Monday?

I really want to get in so I have been applying in a few locations I have no problem traveling to the interviews I just don't want to be so far away that I can't make it in when they call.

Thanks guys for all the information and support hope we all make it in the field soon!

Dan
Posted By: UnionSprky

Re: Apprenticeship advice. Austin, TX - 09/08/16 12:14 AM

Thanks for the heads up Bl3ss3d, unfortunately due to my family situation going too far away from my hometown is probably out of the question, so I'm gonna have to keep my focus on the west coast. And as far as how many guys are on the Vegas list, I heard 4 to 5 hundred but everything is hear-say so just take it for what it's worth. I don't know the number they are on now. If any of the Vegas applicants would like to get the ball rolling I'd also volunteer to call every so often to see where the list is at.
Posted By: cassius

Re: Apprenticeship advice. Austin, TX - 09/08/16 05:34 AM

Well good luck on Tuesday Dan! at least you know what to expect in the interview now. @ UnionSprky, I am willing to get the ball rolling to get us an idea of where the list is, just not sure how to go about it. I suppose I can start by calling the local office in Vegas and asking. Any suggestions would be appreciated.
Posted By: UnionSprky

Re: Apprenticeship advice. Austin, TX - 09/08/16 06:11 AM

@cassius I would be happy to call myself first but i haven't been able to find contact info for the Las Vegas apprenticeship. I've found contacts for the Los Angeles office as well as San Diego however. I'll try emailing/calling one of the offices in the next few days to see if they can direct me to the proper place. If I get a good contact number I'll call and let you guys know what they say, then I'll private message it to Cassius or anyone who wants it.
Posted By: UnionSprky

Re: Apprenticeship advice. Austin, TX - 09/08/16 06:13 AM

So just hang tight guys I'll be on it soon.
Posted By: cassius

Re: Apprenticeship advice. Austin, TX - 09/08/16 06:40 AM

Would be much appreciated!!
Posted By: Dan75

Re: Apprenticeship advice. Austin, TX - 09/08/16 03:29 PM

Keep me posted Sparky if you find anything out.
I'm going to email Vegas and see what I can find out too.
I know they asked us not to pester the office lady to much lol
Dan
Posted By: HeardThatInd

Re: Apprenticeship advice. Austin, TX - 09/08/16 06:10 PM

I was thinking about calling next week if I hear anything I will post it
Posted By: UnionSprky

Re: Apprenticeship advice. Austin, TX - 09/08/16 07:40 PM

Sorry guys, no luck today. Through the LA apprenticeship office I was given a number to a coordinator in Las Vegas. I wasn't able to get a hold of anyone today. I'll give it a shot again next week or if anyone has any other place we could contact I'll be happy to try
Posted By: Hoggy

Re: Apprenticeship advice. Austin, TX - 09/11/16 08:46 PM

Hey Dan, I placed in Vegas as well. I got #113 and they told me I was in the top 45% so approx 225-230 made the list, give or take a few. I'm interviewing in L.A. pretty soon as well as Phoenix and
I know I could've done a lot better on the tool assessment portion. Does anyone have a list of the tools on the test ?
Thanks fellas and best of luck to all of you!
Posted By: Brant

Re: Apprenticeship advice. Austin, TX - 09/13/16 03:24 AM

Today I started a new career with IUEC Local 3!! I am working for Schindler out of St Louis, Mo. I left my career of 18 years with IBEW Local One electricians to start this new adventure. I'm excited and nervous. Any other advice I need other than be on time, listen, work safely and work hard? Lol.
Posted By: UnionSprky

Re: Apprenticeship advice. Austin, TX - 09/13/16 05:04 AM

Brant, congratulations on getting out there! 18 years of experience being a member of the IBEW, I'm sure you'll do just fine in the field. Can't wait to make it out myself
Posted By: Solution

Re: Apprenticeship advice. Austin, TX - 09/13/16 08:34 PM

Congrats, 18 years in the IBEW is going to put you ahead of virtually every apprentice. So at this point your attitude will be the main difference.
Posted By: Precise

Re: Apprenticeship advice. Austin, TX - 09/18/16 06:13 AM

Always good to come back and see the great feedback with everyone and their apprenticeships, congrats on to those that are still sticking it out and those starting their careers. The next step for me is the interview for Local 3 in NYC, it seems the is the "it" factor that helps you with a ranking to is military and trade experience.

I don't have any trade or Military experience, so I am working with what I got; 10 hour osha, 2 year degree in Fine Arts, and past experience as a maintenance worker for art school working with a number of tools. Still excited/nervous just like many of you that were in my position, any advice for me with no trade/military experience?
Posted By: Joe45

Re: Apprenticeship advice. Austin, TX - 09/20/16 10:57 PM

Spoke with Larry today from local 18. He advised me they have not hired anyone from the vegas list yet.
Posted By: getitdone77

Re: Apprenticeship advice. Austin, TX - 09/21/16 03:38 AM

Thank you for checking @Joe45.
Posted By: Joe45

Re: Apprenticeship advice. Austin, TX - 09/21/16 08:16 AM

Does anyone know when the last local 8 San Francisco recruitment was?
Posted By: ElecTech

Re: Apprenticeship advice. Austin, TX - 09/21/16 02:13 PM

January 2015
Posted By: Lord morey

Re: Apprenticeship advice. Austin, TX - 09/30/16 10:12 PM

I've noticed that Tampa, Austin, and I think Memphis are having another round of recruiting this year. Any ideas why? Have they gone through their list already and need to add more to it? Is there that much work, or are the apprentices dropping out.
I was just notified of my spot on the Denver list. Has anybody heard how many were interviewed.
Posted By: Bl3ss3d

Re: Apprenticeship advice. Austin, TX - 10/01/16 10:19 PM

I know Orlando has a lot of work. I have friends that work out of that local. As far as Tampa goes, I can only assume they're getting ready to crank up. Considering Tampa isn't too far from Orlando. I work out of Local 71, here in Miami and we're very busy. Austin, I heard has work, as to how much/long, I don't know.

Here in Miami, they're going through the list pretty fast. I don't know how many people are on the list, but every time I go to the shop, I see new individuals doing the safety training.

Hope this helps, Good luck, and be safe.
Posted By: Dan75

Re: Apprenticeship advice. Austin, TX - 10/02/16 11:46 PM

Just wanted to let you guys know I made the top of the list in Salt Lake, I went to work on the 20th. This weekend has been my first day off.
Give you guys a heads up if you really want in be willing to head out of town, be ready to go to head to work in 72hours. Answer there questions the best you can and be ready ask them questions and the end of your interview.
Dan
Posted By: ss2112

Re: Apprenticeship advice. Austin, TX - 10/03/16 12:07 AM

I recently passed the test but then got an email saying I failed the interview. I was totally shocked because I answered every question very professionally. The 2 guys were even kinda joking throughout the interview. I even asked a lot of questions at the end. Does anyone have any advice on what went wrong??? I guess I'll try interviewing in other states.
Posted By: Lord morey

Re: Apprenticeship advice. Austin, TX - 10/03/16 01:50 AM

Where did you interview?
Posted By: ss2112

Re: Apprenticeship advice. Austin, TX - 10/03/16 02:13 AM

Pennsylvania
Posted By: Joe45

Re: Apprenticeship advice. Austin, TX - 10/07/16 01:47 AM

Has anyone got an interview date for the Los Angeles recruitment yet?
Posted By: ElecTech

Re: Apprenticeship advice. Austin, TX - 10/07/16 03:40 PM

Yes, got it yesterday.
Posted By: hog451

Re: Apprenticeship advice. Austin, TX - 10/07/16 09:25 PM

Was that Local 84?
Posted By: Joe45

Re: Apprenticeship advice. Austin, TX - 10/08/16 02:11 AM

Yeah I just got mine.
Posted By: Precise

Re: Apprenticeship advice. Austin, TX - 10/08/16 04:35 AM

Good Luck to you all, mine is this week!
Posted By: CrowTRobot

Re: Apprenticeship advice. Austin, TX - 10/08/16 06:40 AM

I remember when I went for the Dallas list, they said something about if you apply at another local, you don't have to take the test again, I think? Can anyone confirm that? I may go for the Austin local too, lots more friends and family down there compared to DFW, but cost of living sucks in Austin.
Posted By: Silly

Re: Apprenticeship advice. Austin, TX - 10/08/16 05:32 PM

Just be open minded to travel, and you will not have any problems. Getting in is the key, you can transient to another local later if their work picks up and it is closer to "home".

I am local 19, if I travel to the center of our primary, it takes me just over an hour. To hit the northern reach of our primary is an 1:20-1:30 and coming home from that ungodly area would be a 2 hour drive easy. Don't even get me started on if it's a Friday or holiday, or if we started later, say working 8-4:30. I have pulled over and rented motel rooms for 3 hours, solo unfortunately, I have had dinner at strange hours just to let traffic clear, I once went in and watched a movie to let the worst of it pass.

Point is, it's not a job, it's a career, it's a trade. It will take care of you and your family financially all on its own. Imagine not requiring your spouse to work, and still being able to afford a nice home, two cars, vacations... THATS what this career can afford you. What sort of sacrifices are you willing to make? A bit of a commute? Being yelled at when you screw up? Being yelled at when you just look goofy? Buck up, check your feelings at the door.
Posted By: UnionSprky

Re: Apprenticeship advice. Austin, TX - 10/10/16 03:23 AM

I received my interview date a few days ago. I'm really excited and I'm looking forward to this challenge. Good luck to everyone who's going through the process and thanks to anyone who's already in and comes here to give us some tips or encouragement.
Posted By: hog451

Re: Apprenticeship advice. Austin, TX - 10/10/16 09:45 PM

I got my ranking in Richmond. Took 18 days to come in. I expect I'll get a call sometime next year or never. Who knows we'll see.
Posted By: Dxxx_93

Re: Apprenticeship advice. Austin, TX - 10/11/16 03:00 AM

anyone on here on the list at the norfolk local 52?
Posted By: hog451

Re: Apprenticeship advice. Austin, TX - 10/11/16 03:04 AM

I met a guy outside of the Richmond interview who said he was ranked 22 in Norfolk.
Posted By: Ethan

Re: Apprenticeship advice. Austin, TX - 10/11/16 12:41 PM

Anyone know how many people are on the list for Local 25 in Denver and/or where they're at on the list?
Posted By: cityboy_5454

Re: Apprenticeship advice. Austin, TX - 10/12/16 01:29 AM

Anybody work or know how well the industry is at local 93 (nashville)?
Posted By: titans

Re: Apprenticeship advice. Austin, TX - 10/12/16 02:35 AM

Nashville is booming right now. Check out all the cranes downtown. They have 2nd, 3rd, and 4th year apps probated which means we don't have enough journeymen mechanics for all the jobs, so all the probated guys are getting mechanic pay and running jobs. Just call Tim at the hall and he can keep your updated, he's a stand-up guy. I work at Nashville Machine Elevator by the way. Good luck
Posted By: cityboy_5454

Re: Apprenticeship advice. Austin, TX - 10/12/16 01:30 PM

Appreciate the info I passed my eiat back in July for atlantas but am thinking about heading up to Nashville. Just waiting on an interview time. Titan I sent you a message have a couple questions when ever you get the time
Posted By: Dxxx_93

Re: Apprenticeship advice. Austin, TX - 10/12/16 10:01 PM

How many would you think are on the Norfolk 52 list overall? I was ranked number 5 as of two weeks ago. Hoping I get my call soon. Seem likely to hire 5 people within the next year and a half??
Posted By: hog451

Re: Apprenticeship advice. Austin, TX - 10/13/16 09:18 AM

where do you get the number to call the local?
Posted By: Joe45

Re: Apprenticeship advice. Austin, TX - 10/14/16 11:42 AM

https://www.neiep.org/About/bst-Location.aspx

Follow the link and it will provide you with the number to call for your local of interest.
Posted By: chuggins25

Re: Apprenticeship advice. Austin, TX - 10/19/16 02:03 AM

Updating: I have been working in Charlotte since July now and we are stacked with work! I am with Otis and love doing what I am doing! Hope you guys have success and good luck!
Posted By: GMC94

Re: Apprenticeship advice. Austin, TX - 10/20/16 06:24 PM

Just wanted to give an update to anybody on the Chicago list. A mechanic at local 2 told me they have taken 12 off the list so far, and that they most likely won't be taking on large chunks of apprentices until spring. I don't know what the current outlook is as far as construction and new jobs but everyone's saying Chicago is pretty busy so hope it stays that way! good luck everyone.
Posted By: Dxxx_93

Re: Apprenticeship advice. Austin, TX - 10/21/16 03:39 AM

Just got my phone call today to start next week with thyssenkrupp, cant wait to start this journey and being this rewarding career!
Posted By: hog451

Re: Apprenticeship advice. Austin, TX - 10/24/16 08:01 PM

Congrats!
Posted By: UnionSprky

Re: Apprenticeship advice. Austin, TX - 10/25/16 08:16 PM

Finished my oral interview, i felt I did good but we'll see. Can't wait for the results. Good luck everyone!
Posted By: getitdone77

Re: Apprenticeship advice. Austin, TX - 10/27/16 12:24 AM

Has anyone off the Vegas List been hired yet? I ranked number 3, but I haven't heard anything yet.
Posted By: Pinche

Re: Apprenticeship advice. Austin, TX - 10/27/16 02:41 AM

Heard that same thing chuggin, I'm #160 now
Posted By: Lord morey

Re: Apprenticeship advice. Austin, TX - 10/27/16 02:13 PM

I just finished my interview in Phoenix, I was told that the probationary period has been changed from 6 months to a full year. Anybody else heard this and know why it has been changed?
Posted By: hog451

Re: Apprenticeship advice. Austin, TX - 10/28/16 12:31 AM

Posted By: hog451

Re: Apprenticeship advice. Austin, TX - 10/28/16 12:33 AM

Posted By: hog451

Re: Apprenticeship advice. Austin, TX - 10/28/16 11:08 AM

Yes, it is in the CBA.
From the CBA:
(page 23)
"A newly-hired employee without previous mechanical experience shall be classified as a Probationary Apprentice and shall work as a probationary employee for a period or periods totaling twelve (12) months within the aggregate period of not more than eighteen (18) months. The Company and the Union shall have the privilege of testing the ability of Probationary Apprentices during this twelve (12) month period. If they agree that the Apprentice during this probationary period does not display sufficient aptitude to become a first year Apprentice he/she shall be discharged at any time during the probationary period as stated above."

However, do note that it says "...without previous mechanical experience..." I think it is very unlikely that a person without any previous mechanical experience would get through the interview process.
Posted By: hog451

Re: Apprenticeship advice. Austin, TX - 10/28/16 11:09 AM

I've tried to hyper link twice as you can see above with the blank replies. Here's the CBA link:

https://www.dol.gov/olms/regs/compliance/cba/private/9064_7-8-17.pdf
Posted By: ElecTech

Re: Apprenticeship advice. Austin, TX - 10/31/16 02:25 AM

There seem to be two aspects to being a proby; one is with regard to wage and the other with regard to mechanical inclination. Even in the link provided, there is a 6 month proby wage increase. But I believe the employer has 12 to determine if the proby is likely to be successful in the apprenticeship.
Posted By: Joe45

Re: Apprenticeship advice. Austin, TX - 10/31/16 08:09 PM

I really don't care how long the probation period is. It can be two years all I care. Im ready to get in and work my ass off to prove my worth.
Posted By: Eman310

Re: Apprenticeship advice. Austin, TX - 11/03/16 02:56 PM

Has anyone from the LA group received their interview results?
Posted By: HeardThatInd

Re: Apprenticeship advice. Austin, TX - 11/03/16 05:20 PM

No nothin yet
Posted By: Joe45

Re: Apprenticeship advice. Austin, TX - 11/04/16 02:17 AM

We probably wont hear back till around the 14th. I believe they are doing interviews till the 7th.
Posted By: UnionSprky

Re: Apprenticeship advice. Austin, TX - 11/04/16 02:25 AM

That's a whole lot of interviews.
Posted By: Joe45

Re: Apprenticeship advice. Austin, TX - 11/08/16 02:45 AM

Just got word there are 702 ppl on the new LA list. We should be getting our emails soon.
Posted By: UnionSprky

Re: Apprenticeship advice. Austin, TX - 11/08/16 03:54 AM

that's a lot of people, but not as many as I thought there would be. Good job on getting the good info Joe45, you've been a big help, thank you.
Posted By: Joe45

Re: Apprenticeship advice. Austin, TX - 11/08/16 04:23 AM

Hopefully we all can get to work soon. There are two guys that work for two different companies in my welding class that told me their companies are waiting for the new list to come out because they need bodies. And after the new year a lot of projects are coming up for the LA & Vegas list.
Posted By: UnionSprky

Re: Apprenticeship advice. Austin, TX - 11/08/16 04:45 AM

I'm hoping we all hit the field soon too man. And as far as the contractors needing bodies, it's music to my ears. Downtown LA is just full of cranes everywhere you look. That's a great sign for all of us hoping to get the call.
Posted By: UnionSprky

Re: Apprenticeship advice. Austin, TX - 11/14/16 10:22 PM

I ranked very close to the top of the Los Angeles list. Just got the call about going in to the union office to start the process (paperwork and such). Just giving all you guys a heads up. I'll try to come on here whenever I can, and best of luck to all of you still waiting for that call.
Posted By: SRiley

Re: Apprenticeship advice. Austin, TX - 11/14/16 10:24 PM

Originally Posted By: UnionSprky
I ranked very close to the top of the Los Angeles list. Just got the call about going in to the union office to start the process (paperwork and such). Just giving all you guys a heads up. I'll try to come on here whenever I can, and best of luck to all of you still waiting for that call.


Are you willing to share with us how high on the list you were? Just to get an idea of how fast that list is currently moving.
Posted By: streetcar

Re: Apprenticeship advice. Austin, TX - 11/15/16 01:49 AM

Anybody else on the waiting list in Phoenix? I'm in the top 25, interviewed late october. Just trying to get an idea of when to tell my current employer about all this.

Also, does anybody know if the elevator company you hire on with contacts your current employer to check references etc? If nothing else I would at least like to be the first to let them know...
Posted By: Joe45

Re: Apprenticeship advice. Austin, TX - 11/15/16 05:13 AM

Congrats on getting that call. Hopefully I get an email soon before I lose my mind lol.
Posted By: JustWolf

Re: Apprenticeship advice. Austin, TX - 11/15/16 01:11 PM

Street, when you get the call, JUMP. Companies will not give you a heads up or wait for you. You may burn a bridge, but that's life.
Posted By: Lord morey

Re: Apprenticeship advice. Austin, TX - 11/19/16 12:08 AM

I'm also on the Phoenix list, although I didn't rank as high as you did. Let us know when you get the call so maybe I'll have an idea how fast they are going through the list.
Posted By: getitdone77

Re: Apprenticeship advice. Austin, TX - 12/01/16 05:39 AM

Vegas just hired 6 people I believe. I know for sure that 3 people just got hired by Thyssen. We filled out paperwork today and we begin orientation on Tuesday. It seems like work has been slow for Vegas these past few years, but things may be picking up because of the new, "World Resorts Casino." That's about all the intel I have right now. Best of luck to all you guys waiting to get out there.
Posted By: dotpwnd

Re: Apprenticeship advice. Austin, TX - 12/17/16 02:56 PM

Does any one know where the Vegas list is at?
Posted By: getitdone77

Re: Apprenticeship advice. Austin, TX - 12/19/16 03:18 AM

I know for sure 6. They have 5 of us working on an 8 floor parking garage. I can't speak for the other companies. It seems like construction is a little slow right now and has been for awhile. I hope things will start picking up next year for all you guys waiting to get out there. My best advice is to start studying now so you'll be prepared for when you get the call.
Posted By: SamyDaBul

Re: Apprenticeship advice. Austin, TX - 12/30/16 10:06 PM

Anyone know if Austin started calling off the list. Ranked 12th not sure how far the will go in Austin.
Posted By: Solution

Re: Apprenticeship advice. Austin, TX - 12/31/16 02:25 AM

Not a clue, but everyone I've talked to is highly optimistic about 2017 work wise. Good luck.
Posted By: SamyDaBul

Re: Apprenticeship advice. Austin, TX - 12/31/16 03:11 PM

Thanks Sir, your curiosity to start this 2 years ago has help ease my worries. Right now I'm in an apprenticeship program Marek Brothers construction in Houston. I'm willing to move to Austin as long as need be. My hope is to be able to transfer back here in a year or two. It seems that the other guys that started with you all gave it up. What has been your biggest obstacle? Have you had any doubt on staying.
I'm a little older than you are now turning 31 in Jan, have a 2year son and wife. Hard work is nothing to me and luckily I was born with "common sense". What is the most difficult thing you had to learn? I understand I'm rambling been up sick sence 7.

Ps.. Like I said I live in Houston and my plans to stay with family fell through. Know any cheap hotel/motel in Austin?

Once again thanks man..
Posted By: Solution

Re: Apprenticeship advice. Austin, TX - 01/02/17 01:36 AM

The only time I questioned things was when I was laid off towards the end of my probation. It seems to be a very common occurrence as pretty much every probationary apprentice I've talked to or who was hired after me has been laid off. Most of them were rehired not long after though, and have been going steady since. It's just the way this union works.

Construction can be tough for various reasons, the physicality, the temperature, and the person who you are assigned to work with. I started in construction, and was rehired after my lay off into Modernization. The mod department fits my really well, but I know a lot of guys who excel in construction where I don't necessarily.

There are a few people from that initial hiring group I was in that are still in it with me, so maybe half stuck around?

People from our local have gone to work in Houston recently, so if work kept up, transferring back to Houston would be a possibility down the line hopefully.

31 is still on the younger side in this trade, nothing to be ashamed about. Some of the better mechanics and apprentices didn't get started well into their 40's.

Further south might be the cheapest place for you to live, or far east.

Lastly, the most difficult thing for me to learn is just how stupid I can be and how to deal with it. I am continually impressed by how much I don't understand about this trade more than 2 years into it, and how much knowledge goes into installing or modernizing an elevator from start to finish. So be humble, and don't try and act like a badass. Just show up to work ready to work and learn, and make the most of your opportunities.
Posted By: 2Tall

Re: Apprenticeship advice. Austin, TX - 01/06/17 06:18 PM

Creepy man, I also just interviewed in Austin, am 31, have a wife and a two year old and live out of town. I'm in Midland instead of Houston though so other side of the state. And I ranked 21 instead of 12, so it'll be a while before they get to me. I'm hoping for maybe late this year or early next year, though sooner would be nice. Who do y'all call to see about the list moving? Just the local office, or is there a specific person who keeps track of that?
Posted By: E311

Re: Apprenticeship advice. Austin, TX - 01/07/17 08:45 PM

Midland is part of my "area" as an Engineer, from all indications, that area is set to have a huge boom the next couple of years. It's very hard to find guys that want to work out there.
Posted By: 2Tall

Re: Apprenticeship advice. Austin, TX - 01/08/17 04:28 PM

Yeah, west Texas is pretty bleak I'm not surprised no one wants to move out here. Especially with all of the oil money, your dollar doesn't go as far as it would in other towns this size. And another boom is definitely possible, it all depends on if oil prices keep going up.
Posted By: hog451

Re: Apprenticeship advice. Austin, TX - 01/09/17 01:15 AM

I'm next to be called in my local. What should I expect after the call?
Posted By: SamyDaBul

Re: Apprenticeship advice. Austin, TX - 01/09/17 06:22 PM

Yeah I interviewed on that Monday 40 people were scheduled. Do you have any idea how many in total made it on the list.

I haven't called the office yet I was gonna wait till February if I hadn't heard anything by then. I was hoping more of our group would find this page
Posted By: 2Tall

Re: Apprenticeship advice. Austin, TX - 01/15/17 04:50 AM

Well if your timetable is anything like Solution's was, since he was 14 I think on his list, you're looking at 4-6 months before you get picked up. Granted he interviewed early in the year rather than late and construction generally picks up in the summer. I'm far enough down the list that I haven't bothered calling. Maybe once you get called I'll keep closer track. Here's hoping your call comes soon!
Posted By: SamyDaBul

Re: Apprenticeship advice. Austin, TX - 01/17/17 01:39 AM

Yeah I'll keep you posted. Hopefully I get the call soon. Every time my phone rings at work I hope to see (512)area code.
Posted By: SamyDaBul

Re: Apprenticeship advice. Austin, TX - 01/21/17 03:56 AM

Broke into the top 10.... #9
They hired 3 in December... from what I gather the pool is shallow so..
Posted By: hog451

Re: Apprenticeship advice. Austin, TX - 01/21/17 11:53 PM

I got the call; I start Tuesday.
Posted By: ElecTech

Re: Apprenticeship advice. Austin, TX - 01/22/17 06:50 AM

Congrats!
Posted By: JaBru

Re: Apprenticeship advice. Austin, TX - 01/23/17 04:02 PM

Anyone from St.Louis??? I received my ranking last month...Just wondering if the list has moved yet. I heard there was a layoff a few weeks ago. If someone could give me an update, I would greatly appreciate it. Thanks!
Posted By: Phx23

Re: Apprenticeship advice. Austin, TX - 01/24/17 12:16 PM

Congratulations on getting the call!!!
I applied and got my ranking almost two years ago. The list expires on 2/1/17
And what is extremely disappointing is that if you are not called by the expiration, you have to go through the interviews again because they change some of the scoring and can't have people on the list scored differently than others. So in other words, right now I'm two numbers away from bring called. Do to be so close after two years, only to possibly get bumped back down the outer would be so disappointing.
Posted By: hog451

Re: Apprenticeship advice. Austin, TX - 01/24/17 06:00 PM

Where are you ranked? And how far down the list were you?
Posted By: 2Tall

Re: Apprenticeship advice. Austin, TX - 01/24/17 06:52 PM

Oh wow, I didn't expect the list to have moved at all yet. Well that's encouraging to hear, maybe it will be sooner rather than later.
Posted By: ElecTech

Re: Apprenticeship advice. Austin, TX - 01/24/17 09:20 PM

The list doesn't expire on that day unless a new list is made on that day as well. Has there been a new recruitment recently or one planned soon to your knowledge? They'll keep drawing from the old list until interviews for a new list are done.
Posted By: SamyDaBul

Re: Apprenticeship advice. Austin, TX - 01/25/17 03:23 AM

Did you start in Austin or Los Angeles
Posted By: skilledbutcher73

Re: Apprenticeship advice. Austin, TX - 01/25/17 04:09 PM

Yes this does suck.. I was working for IUEC a couple years back and really don't agree with the way they hire at all... if you do get laid off you get put back on the list and I have seen guys on the list not move in 8 months !
I got lucky and ranked 12th in austin and got called within 2 months, i got laid off within a month... They literally called about 15 of us into the office during the month of november and laid ALL of us off .. i didn't not get hire back on till feb and they wanted me to work the DAY they called me ... luckily my job was flexible enough to allow me to go back to work but then i was the only helper for the company for 6 months and could have been laid off at any moment for any little mistake i made... yeah screw that. I am back and moving up with my old company making more money than i would have made with IUEC . It's a great job if you can find side work but if it is your only source of income and nobody to help you when you get laid off you can get royally screwed. just letting yall know.
Posted By: hog451

Re: Apprenticeship advice. Austin, TX - 01/26/17 12:13 AM

Did you quit or get laid off?
Posted By: Solution

Re: Apprenticeship advice. Austin, TX - 01/26/17 09:43 PM

Hey Hog congrats! I think you have been assigned to my job, and will be working with my mechanic of the past year or so. I'll see you tomorrow at the shop or Monday, but you could not have landed in a better spot.
Posted By: skilledbutcher73

Re: Apprenticeship advice. Austin, TX - 01/26/17 11:19 PM

the first time i got laid off... the second time i was ready to get sworn in and had 2 mechanics sign off on me but i ended up quitting to go back to my old job as they still had a full time spot open . It was the best decision for me at the time and i was the only helper for the company at the time .
Posted By: hog451

Re: Apprenticeship advice. Austin, TX - 01/27/17 02:14 AM

Sorry for the confusion, but I'm not in Austin. I'm in Raleigh, NC.
Posted By: Solution

Re: Apprenticeship advice. Austin, TX - 01/27/17 03:08 AM

Oops, our department hired a guy here in Austin on the same day. Good luck regardless.
Posted By: ElecTech

Re: Apprenticeship advice. Austin, TX - 01/27/17 04:53 PM

I think skilled butcher's experience is all you can really ask for. To give it a shot and decide if it's something you want to continue to pursue. It would suck to have to quit because of unstable work but that didn't happen here and the best decision for him was made. This trade ticks every box for me in terms of work variety, being related to things I've done in school, skill attained, pay, hours, etc. but I'll see for myself whenever I get called. Any info about the trade is useful and this was very valuable info. Thanks.
Posted By: skilledbutcher73

Re: Apprenticeship advice. Austin, TX - 01/28/17 01:17 AM

It really is a great trade, just difficult to get established if you are a helper. I was in Mods so i literally had to learn everything really quick and the owners of my company really pushed us to hurry and work which made it even more difficult to learn and then we had to do little repair and other locations around Austin WHILE we were doing mods/construction . I am always here to help new guys . I got hired on with Solution , who is an awesome dude so he can help yall .
Posted By: hog451

Re: Apprenticeship advice. Austin, TX - 01/28/17 03:40 AM

Fun questions, what company did you work for and was there OT?
Posted By: skilledbutcher73

Re: Apprenticeship advice. Austin, TX - 01/29/17 12:45 AM

my first company was thyssen , my mechanic was an adjuster so when there was a elevator that was about to be completed , yes we would get overtime... my second company was tejas, and we got some overtime but not much.
Posted By: hog451

Re: Apprenticeship advice. Austin, TX - 01/29/17 01:22 AM

Thanks, I was wondering. I've been placed with Otis in mods.
Posted By: Duane

Re: Apprenticeship advice. Austin, TX - 02/04/17 04:00 PM

I got the call yesterday here in Houston. I start Monday morning. It's been a long time coming, about a year and a half
Posted By: ElecTech

Re: Apprenticeship advice. Austin, TX - 02/04/17 05:55 PM

Congrats. What number were you on the list?
Posted By: SamyDaBul

Re: Apprenticeship advice. Austin, TX - 02/21/17 12:15 AM

Got the call for Austin, gotta be there Wednesday
Posted By: 2Tall

Re: Apprenticeship advice. Austin, TX - 02/22/17 12:12 AM

Congratulations man, wow they must be flying through people if they've called you already. I guess I'd better start keeping track for myself.
Posted By: Eros

Re: Apprenticeship advice. Austin, TX - 02/23/17 01:41 AM

passed the SF test! thanks for everyone who contributed to this thread helped me alot!
Posted By: Rob P

Re: Apprenticeship advice. Austin, TX - 02/23/17 02:50 AM

Eros, you got your results today? By mail or email? Congrats!
Posted By: Eros

Re: Apprenticeship advice. Austin, TX - 02/23/17 02:51 AM

thanks! i got my results by e-mail today
Posted By: Dirty

Re: Apprenticeship advice. Austin, TX - 02/23/17 04:49 AM

Congrats! Is it true that 70% or above is all that matters? They don't consider the score at all? (besides pass/fail)
Posted By: ElecTech

Re: Apprenticeship advice. Austin, TX - 02/23/17 05:34 AM

Yes that is true. The interview will be graded as well and that show does count for went you pass and what number you get.
Posted By: Rob P

Re: Apprenticeship advice. Austin, TX - 02/23/17 05:51 AM

Just went through my spam and found my PASSED email! And it actually took 2 weeks to the day to get the results. ..
Gl all!
Posted By: Eros

Re: Apprenticeship advice. Austin, TX - 02/23/17 06:07 AM

good luck to u also!
Posted By: westcoast

Re: Apprenticeship advice. Austin, TX - 02/23/17 09:56 AM

Quick question:

Once you pass the test and pass the interview and start the apprenticeship, do you go to school along with being an apprentice? If so, are there usually online courses?
Posted By: Eros

Re: Apprenticeship advice. Austin, TX - 02/23/17 05:52 PM

From what I hear you physically go to class but the union teaches you not a community college or anything
Posted By: Prails

Re: Apprenticeship advice. Austin, TX - 02/24/17 12:21 AM

6 months of online stuff, then 4 years of class once a week. Considering you pass each year. There are also extra curricular classes you can take which are both online and classroom.
Posted By: SamyDaBul

Re: Apprenticeship advice. Austin, TX - 02/24/17 11:45 PM

Im working for thyssenkrupp Did paper work an all the safety. Start on Monday.
Posted By: westcoast

Re: Apprenticeship advice. Austin, TX - 02/25/17 10:41 PM

Originally Posted By: Prails
6 months of online stuff, then 4 years of class once a week. Considering you pass each year. There are also extra curricular classes you can take which are both online and classroom.



Im guessing the classes are usually located close the the Local?

I ask because I live about two hours from where the local is headquartered.
Posted By: Prails

Re: Apprenticeship advice. Austin, TX - 02/26/17 05:23 AM

For the most part they are held at the local. But they do have distacne learning for areas further away only if there are enough helpers to justify having the class. If so you only go to class once per month instead of weekly
Posted By: westcoast

Re: Apprenticeship advice. Austin, TX - 03/06/17 06:11 AM

Hey everybody who has passed the aptitude test for the Local 8 in San Francisco: Have any of you received an interview date yet?

Im hoping I hear from them this week.
Posted By: Eros

Re: Apprenticeship advice. Austin, TX - 03/06/17 06:58 AM

Nope,not yet
Posted By: Eros

Re: Apprenticeship advice. Austin, TX - 03/06/17 11:15 PM

Got my email today my interview is on the 29th
Posted By: westcoast

Re: Apprenticeship advice. Austin, TX - 03/06/17 11:49 PM

I just got mine, my interview is on the 11th of April.
Posted By: Eros

Re: Apprenticeship advice. Austin, TX - 03/07/17 09:03 AM

Originally Posted By: westcoast
I just got mine, my interview is on the 11th of April.

Good luck!
Posted By: westcoast

Re: Apprenticeship advice. Austin, TX - 03/07/17 08:32 PM

Originally Posted By: Eros
Originally Posted By: westcoast
I just got mine, my interview is on the 11th of April.

Good luck!


Same to you man!!
Posted By: ElecTech

Re: Apprenticeship advice. Austin, TX - 03/09/17 04:52 AM

Neiep's website says Austin is opening a new recruitment today which seems really quick considering they had one in late 2016. Anyone on the inside know why? I think something similar happened with Hawaii as well.
Posted By: Solution

Re: Apprenticeship advice. Austin, TX - 03/11/17 05:24 AM

Originally Posted By: ElecTech
Neiep's website says Austin is opening a new recruitment today which seems really quick considering they had one in late 2016. Anyone on the inside know why? I think something similar happened with Hawaii as well.


Austin's lists are usually pretty small, and we have a ton of work on the books this year. Lot's of probies being hired.
Posted By: 2Tall

Re: Apprenticeship advice. Austin, TX - 04/23/17 06:20 PM

Five guys just got called by Otis last week in Austin, we got drug tested on Friday and we start safety training tomorrow. They got to my number much faster than I expected.
Posted By: streetcar

Re: Apprenticeship advice. Austin, TX - 07/19/17 04:52 PM

Originally Posted By: Lord morey
I'm also on the Phoenix list, although I didn't rank as high as you did. Let us know when you get the call so maybe I'll have an idea how fast they are going through the list.


Got the call today, Otis is hiring a 'group' of guys.

For reference, Phoenix, low 20s rank, nearly a year since interview
Posted By: Solution

Re: Apprenticeship advice. Austin, TX - 07/23/17 07:37 PM

Originally Posted By: Solution
I know I know, another damn wana be apprentice starting a thread. Sorry.

I just have a few questions and would greatly appreciate anyone willing to respond.

I'm currently finishing up my first year as an apprentice in the IBEW (electrical union) and although I like it so far, from the research I've done I really think I would prefer this trade.

So in May the Austin local #133 will be taking in applications, and I got me some questions.

First of all, is this union one where I stand little chance if I don't actually know anyone already inside the union?

Will the fact that I have electrical experience working through the IBEW help improve my odds of acceptance?

Is there any blanket advice that you can give me prior to my interview to improve my odds?

Is there anything about this trade I should know before I apply?

Does anyone work in Austin and/or Texas? If so, am I making a good decision pursuing this and what can I expect?

Overall, how difficult is it to gain entrance into the program?
I'm 23, and have both college/construction experience as an electrician.

Anyways, I'm simply anxious because I really want to be a part of an exclusive and demanding trade such as this one, and would appreciate any and all input. Sorry for all the questions.

Thank you gentlemen!



Well the economy is still strong, and I still love my job (most days). I have found success in this trade since my initial post, and am surprised that this thread has surpassed a million views. There is obviously an ongoing interest in this trade, so I decided to create a subreddit that people are free to post to/ask questions in. Here is a link, please feel free to subscribe. https://www.reddit.com/r/IUEC/
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