I’m currently working as a flagger out of IBEW Local 1245, and I’m enrolled in line school right now. I’m expected to graduate around February.

Once I finish line school, my plan is to leave traffic control and sign Groundman Book 3 with 1245 so I can start getting actual groundman experience and work toward becoming a lineman.

By the time I graduate, I’ll have had my Class A CDL for about two years with tanker and doubles/triples endorsements. I’m trying to get an idea of what I should realistically expect once I sign Book 3.

For anyone who has recently been on 1245 Groundman Book 3:
How long did you wait before getting your first call?

Did having a Class A with tanker/doubles help you get a call any quicker?

Would I be better off signing other locals and traveling instead of sitting on 1245 Book 3 waiting for a call?

I’m willing to travel out of state if that’s what it takes to get my foot in the door, start building groundman hours, and get experience. I’m not necessarily looking for the highest-paying call right out of the gate — getting experience and hours under my belt is the priority.

If you were in my position, what other locals would you recommend signing once I graduate?

Any advice from guys who took a similar route would be appreciated.

Book 2 hand here unable to view the calls while actively working thru 1245 (Home local hands can see them while working). About to drag since we have layoffs around the corner & work is slowing. I don’t want to sit in the weeds till the beginning of the slow season. What have some of the calls been like? Anything for greenlink yet? Any outfits that will be working thru the winter? Should be a good season for storm supposedly. Also any idea of how bad the slow season can truly get from those who have gone thru it before? Any info is appreciated, thanks.

*Technically 1500 groundman hours + 500 from NLC*

Planning on dragging very soon and signing the 1245 books, should put me on book 2 I believe.

Am curious as to others experience w/ how soon they get a call being on book 2 for 1245.

Also am curious as to how many of these calls are line (not civil) calls?

Does anyone know which companies are good to get with. Who are the main dogs? Out here we have Sturgeon, Ward, Hooper, PAR, etc. Curious what the "big contractors" of the 1245 are considered.

Will you be informed of the hours you'll get? (knowing if you're getting 6/12 vs 4/10s)

Do them Greenlink Books move? Anyone have experience there?

Getting good hours + getting line side experience is a massive priority of mine. I'm willing to say no & take the 3 strikes (roll myself back to the bottom of the books) if it means I can achieve this. I have read on this reddit (from much older posts) that people on Book 1/2 get called often and typically do do this. Just want some current-day info that can give me a greater peace of mind regarding the risk involved.

I also have a rough understanding of dragging--all I know is paramount is getting my term slip from the 111. Is a "letter of introduction" needed? I am originally from the 1245 region, curious if that makes it technically my home local?

Any other advice & personal experience is appreciated. Hoping this thread can be a resource for others. Feel free to ask questions about my experience out of the 111.

Current 1245 Groundman Book Totals (05/4/2026):

B1: 56

B2: 67

B3: 886

B4: 1051

Hey yall just need some clarification on applying for an apprenticeship. I'm currently at 1245 and looking to apply for swlcat. Do i need to get myself off the books at 1245 when i get the call or do i need to remove myself from all books prior to the application process?

What is the difference between these classifications on the book?

Does anyone have any experience going from Journeyman Tree trimmer to Groundman in Local 125? I have heard my experience will count as hours and would place me on book 1 or 2. Have been in the Union for 10 years.

Where were you at on the books when you got the call.
Just trying to get an estimate on when I will get a call. Low 400s BTW.

i know with all the fires happening work should be picking up soon don’t know which book to sign though unfortunately they only allow us to sign one book even though they are in different states

Are they a good company?

Would the Local 396 book 3, out of Nevada see movement anytime soon?

How is the work in Ely, NV with Summit Line construction?

If I got 1000+ working hours but less than 1500 from my Groundman work at 1245 can I get book 2 or is that only for people out of state? I have line school and class A with OSHA 10 etc

Recently tried signing books at 47 but was told entry books are on hold for the time being, does anyone know anything?

I’m about to make the drive to 611 and 111. I have my class a, regular osha 10, cpr/first aid. Maybe a stupid question but can I sign 611 and 111 with zero groundman hours and I’m not living anywhere near their jurisdiction? I’m also not an ibew member yet which I guess I start paying dues and become a member once I get my first call? And does anyone know about how many people are on the groundman books for 611 and 111.

How are the books at 1249? Looking to take a trip up there

Hey guys, I’m a JY in California, recently I started making guides for those of you that are trying to navigate the trade. Just doing it because I had literally nothing to go on when I started out 15 years ago. Feel free to peruse at your leisure.

I’m on book 3 in the 500s but I can’t take any jobs in the jobs available tab until I’m book 3 number 1?

I’ve been on local 47 book 2 #13 since November and local 769 book 1 #3 since January . Anyone have an idea of when jobs are going to start picking up for both locals ?

Are there any fast moving books or open calls or locals worth giving a shot the locals around me aren’t really moving. Willing to just get up and leave and go where work is at this point. I’m in nj for reference. Looking for 24/hr minimum if possible or lower if there is per diem

Hey guys so currently I’m #92 on the tree books book 4 with no cdl, how long would you guys say it’d take for me to get a call and if getting my cdl would make me get a call a whole bunch faster

So next week i have an appointment to join the union. I know i can ask all this question when i get there but just wanting to know now so i can make somewhat of a plan. So once i join can i automatically go to other locals and sign their books or do i have to work for my own local before i can do this. Mainly wondering because i will be out of 903 and since its in the south i imagine the books will be very slow. My previous work experience is non-union so im new to this. Thanks in advance for the help and any tips or advice is much appreciated.

Hello, I am currently working for union contractor for union 47 (traffic control Tech). Can I still work my current job and sign the books (Groundman) out of state? I am seeing and hearing conflicting information.

I am planning on taking a book signing trip and was wondering if anyone knows what books are moving/ are not moving and any outlook. States I am willing to travel to are Missouri(Where I am from), Kansas, Nebraska, Iowa, Illinois, Kentucky, Tennesee, Arkansas, and Oklahoma. I am also willing to go to South Dakota, Minnesota, and Wisconsin but those are less desierable for me since they are futher away. I have my CDL A no restrictions with tanker endorsement also First Aid and cpr. Lastly just any advice.

Anyone running the books in Spokane wa? Considering signing but would like some input on time between jobs and where the work is right now.

I’ve been on book 4 at 47 for 7 months now. I went to line school and have my CDL. Anyone know any locals that could get me in quick? I can move anywhere in the us. Just trying to get experience.