Home Forums Introduction Welcome to Elevator Trader Local 19 Seattle

Thanks for your insight. It's good to know which classes are considered more difficult so I can prepare myself. Classes once per week is so much more doable than two or three days per week (electricians). It's tough having night school more than once per week when you have young kids. I feel really bad leaving my wife by herself with the little terrorists, because I've done it when she is out-of-town for work, and it'll make you crazy sometimes. lol

I completed the IBEW Inside Wiremans apprenticeship program prior to completing the IUEC NEIEP apprenticeship program. The IBEW program was two nights a week and one eight hour Saturday per month. If you scored less then a 70% on any of your final tests you were out. If you missed more than two classes you were out. The IUEC program was more laxxed, one night a week. If you failed a course you could retake it. If you missed days you could make them up. The IBEW program administrator would make employer changes quite often to give us different work experience. If you're not careful in the IUEC you could end up cleaning and stacking rails with the same company for 5 years. I was quite fortunate to get a little bit of experience in all aspects of both of the trades. The elevator trade is so much more complex and dangerous. You are forever learning new things. You can't beat the IUEC pay/benefits. Only trade off is most elevators/escalator work is in the big cities (commute, cost of living, ect.). Electrical work is everywere. Both trades will provide a great living. I love being an elevator man!

I agree that the IBEW has a very inflexible program. I understand why they are like that but sometimes bending the rules a little will keep a few more good apprentices on the books. The schedule for the IUEC classes sounds much better for family life. What makes the Elevator trade more complex in your opinion? Thanks for the info! Everything I hear makes me more excited. Hopefully, in a few months my number will come up.

The instructors are top notch because they actually care ! Also if you have any issues don't be afraid to reach out to Patrick Straeffer, your instructor, or Scott McGinty. This Union is strong ! These guys understand we have to preserve our work and passing down good habits, methods and overall knowledge shid. Those are just a few...........

Man, I'm going to be so happy and excited to learn if the instruction is half as good as everyone says it is. Scott seems like a really nice guy. I have not had the opportunity to meet Patrick yet but I look forward to it. I like the trade because the work is very specific. You would not be able to replace these guys with other tradesmen or automate the work very easily. That makes the career much safer (job security) than many other careers where the knowledge is widely available and easy to learn on youtube. You got in on the last round didn't you, Mr. Penthouse? What's your experience been like from the start?

Just called this afternoon. It looks like the list is moving again. She said that they just hired 2 more so the list is at #22 now.

Just got a call from the the Seattle hall letting me know that their list is now on #52. He said that he expects to hire 20-30 within the next couple months because the cement workers are back and jobs are starting to get to a point where they'll need more elevator crews. Things are getting exciting!! Looking forward to working with some of you guys soon.

I’m number 74. I know I’ll get called soon and was wondering if anyone knows that scale so I can start looking for apartments out there and figure out what I can afford. Live in Vegas currently. Thanks in advance.

I was #14. Started with Otis back in December. Where are all you guys getting hired at?

Hey noylrelyt! I was number #63 and just got the call today. I will be starting Monday with Otis. It sounds like they took me and one other guy off the list. I'll probably get to meet you at some point. Do you live near the shop? It seems like there is no slow down for Seattle at the moment. The only constraint is how quick cement can get delivered.

Be prepared to leave in 3-5 days because Jim said he is taking 5-6 every couple weeks. You are about 10 guys down the list so (this is just a guess) you might get called in less than a month. Get ready!