Couple questions for a new guy

Hi guys.
I'm new to this board and new to the trade. I'm not even in the trade yet. I just took my test last week. Still waiting to see if I passed. So I have two questions.

I am a convicted felon. I told the guy from the local who was giving the test and he said no big deal. Any of you guys have experience with that? My charges were mainly for drug related stuff and they are all almost over 6 years old. I have changed my life completely and am willing to tell the truth about this crap at my interview. Just wanted to know if anyone has felt with this stuff.

Second, if I was to get hired and made it 6 months to get benefits, if I was to get laid off do the bennies stop when I'm not working? Also what do you guys usually do when laid off? Other jobs, side work, or unemployment?

Thanks
Chris

Hey man.
I have not been in the trade long however my dad is in the plumbers union I know that when he is laid off the benefits continued and his union is one of the worst i have ever heard of so i assume that ours continue as well. Like i said i have not been in long but on my last job a mechanic was in prison for a pretty long time and it did not seem to have an effect on him. So thats all i know. Sorry I don't have any clearer answers Good luck.

Thanks

Prolly won't be an issue as far as getting into the local. I know several convicted felons that are in my local. He only issue would be gaining security clearances into govt buildings, schools, office buildings, power plants,.. Etc. from my experience it really doesn't become an issue very often if ever. If you are a hard worker and know your stuff you will have a place to work in this industry. Again, just going by what I have seen in my small world here in Philly.

I have done about 4 months in the trade...I have been doing adjustments and mods and the building I am at right Now ran background checks on both me and my mechanic to get badges to enter the building and use the elevators.Almost every non new install job I have done actually has required a background check to get badges to enter the building so I don't know.

Thanks guys! I interviewd in Orlando and tampa. I am number 38 in orlando and 29 in tampa. Is there a chance I'll get called to go to work? I think tampa has little to no one on their last recruitment list. Orlando still has like 40.