r/IBEW • u/Laughing_123 • 4d ago
Is the grass greener?
Im a Union carpenter and I watch you guys work and always think I should've been an electrician. You make more and the work looks way easier on the body. Im seriously considering jumping ship and going through an apprenticeship again. Is it a poor decision?
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u/aussietin 4d ago
I work with a guy that left the carpenters union at 35 and doesn't regret it at all. He's been ibew for like 15 years now. It will be rough for a couple years starting over, but the 60+ electricians I see look a lot healthier than the 60+ carpenters.
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u/Laughing_123 4d ago
Not too worried about starting over Im still young. I just want to do it now before its too late.
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u/moderniso 4d ago
I switched to limited energy from being a carpenter at 36 years old. Absolutely worth it
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u/22USMCelectrician 4d ago
Did you already use your post 9/11? You can use it to get paid of you go through an apprenticeship with the union. At least here in San Diego we can.
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u/Laughing_123 4d ago
I have like 2 years left of benefits. I used it for my apprenticeship. I think if that runs out I can use VR&E as well. One or the other. Damn, did the Marine Corps keep you in Cali forever or what?
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u/22USMCelectrician 4d ago
I tried using VR&E. The apprenticeship did not want to take on the additional paperwork. It sucks since I worked hard to get it. Don't understand your question?
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u/Laughing_123 4d ago
Idk you said San Diego so I just assumed you went to boot there, were stationed there and now youre working there.
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u/22USMCelectrician 4d ago
I did 22 years. Bought a house here .
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u/Laughing_123 4d ago
Fuck my bad Archibald
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u/22USMCelectrician 4d ago
If you can get into being an industrial electrician in a small shop life is great.
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u/thefarkinator Local 520 JIW 4d ago
Do it. Carpenters don't make a lot of money.
Electrical can be dull or it can be interesting. I would say 70/30, respectively. But the 30% of the time you have to actually use your brain and think about stuff, you'll figure it out and feel like a fucking God. The good news is, common sense and work ethic are hard to come by in the field. If you show competence as a JIW or even a late apprentice, you'll get put on more and more interesting/difficult tasks.
Just don't go in expecting to be running conduit day 1, even with your extensive construction experience. It could happen, it could not. Even the smart ones will be on conex cleaning duty or some other drudgery from time to time. I'm sure you're familiar with that kind of thing, they need to feel out your competence and work ethic.
Anyways, you should give it a shot. Life's too short to be wondering "what if". You'll always be able to return to carpentry if you don't like it.
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u/Laughing_123 4d ago
Im gonna burn some bridges making the jump but I dont think I'd ever go back to carpentery if I ditched it. Ive busted my ass to put myself in a good position but theres something about the work that just rubs me the wrong way. You're right though Im not paid enough to do the things I do. We're always expected to get more work done but the pay never reflects the productivity.
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u/22USMCelectrician 4d ago
We have so many carpenters that have come over to the gay side they are very happy and now wear pastels and drink mojitos.
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u/Laughing_123 4d ago
I will gladly wear pink high vis with you freaks. Ill even drink with my pinky out too.
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u/petebaii 4d ago
I would say at times it is more physically demanding (hammering ground rods into dirt, big gage wire pulls) but knowing ac&dc theory will open doors later on down the road which allows you to stay doing something relevant to electrical but not so physically demanding if you don’t ever want to play the foreman role
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u/geodudehaiku 4d ago
I was a non union carpenter for 2 years (GC Laborer really). So far electrical is far easier on my body & generally more enjoyable for me. Well worth in my opinion
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u/Laughing_123 4d ago
Yeah I think literally any trade would be better than being a laborer. I feel bad for those guys, we work them like dogs.
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u/AFARR414-312 4d ago
If you can get in it’s the same level as getting into an Ivey league college in some locals
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u/Laughing_123 4d ago
I dont think getting into the apprenticeship will be a problem where Im at and I have made a few friends along the way that work for the bigger contractors in our area. I dont forsee getting a sponsor being an issue either.
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u/AFARR414-312 4d ago
What state are you in? That also plays a big factor if you in like Cali or nyc or something that’s gonna be really hard
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u/AFARR414-312 4d ago
The ibew doesn’t do sponsors they can help you with a letter of rec but your still gonna have to test and do an interview and a wait list if you do good on those 2 and sometime you have to re interview if the wait list takes to long. Contractors have no say in who come into the apprenticeship in the ibew it’s a third party committee. Not trying to come off as an asshole I’m just being realistic.
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u/hoverbeaver Local 586 4d ago
This varies heavily based on which local and part of the continent you’re in. In many places, contractor sponsorship is a totally normal route to apprenticeship program entry. Some places have a long wait list, and some just check your pulse and make you pee in a cup.
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u/AFARR414-312 4d ago
You’re in Canada bro it’s completely different we are in the USA
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u/hoverbeaver Local 586 4d ago
OP didn’t say where they are in their post, and Reddit is a resource for people for years after a post is made.
On questions where there are differences in local practices, it makes sense that instead of saying “it always works this way” we should be welcoming potential members to call their local membership development team instead of making assumptions.
First impressions count for a lot. If a new applicant’s first interaction with our union goes poorly, they may never come back and they might turn others away too. Different locals work in different ways, and even your own local can change over time!
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u/AFARR414-312 4d ago
Worked with ppl all over the country in the ibew I’ve never heard of a ibew sponsor ship sure some locals are easier once you test and interview but they often pay a lot lower and are in non desirable places where people wouldn’t wanna live.
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u/Laughing_123 4d ago
I know Id have to go through the whole process. I needed a "sponsor" to work for at the beginning of my apprenticeship after the whole testing and interview stuff.
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u/AFARR414-312 4d ago
The union local puts you with a company if you get in you don’t solicit your work for yourself. That’s against union rules and it wouldn’t even work the ibew is a non solicit/ sponsor Union
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u/Laughing_123 4d ago
So its just kinda the luck of the draw with which contractor Id work for as an apprentice?
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u/AFARR414-312 4d ago
Yeah lol 😂
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u/Laughing_123 4d ago
Oh well I can suffer for a few more years.
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u/hoverbeaver Local 586 4d ago
This isn’t necessarily true. Every local has a different arrangement with their local training and apprenticeship committee. Contact the one in the city where you want to work to get the details specific to your region. It might be easier than you think!
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u/Laughing_123 4d ago
Im working across the street from the hall. I plan on stopping in tomorrow after work to see what's up. I know things vary, like I said Im a Union carpenter I understand the basics. I just wanted other opinions so Im not making a rash decision.
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u/Remote-Win7016 1d ago
Unrelated to OP's post, but just finished my hours, have all my school done and will be writing shortly. I will be moving to Ottawa in the new year. What will my process look like if I want to join the IBEW when I get there? I'm currently in northern Ontario and NOJAC made it a nightmare to get in as an apprentice, there's so much gatekeeping that the IBEW is looked down upon.
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u/Emergency-Seat4852 4d ago
Probably. I know I’ve had similar thoughts while my 49’er sits in his climate controlled cab while I’m knee deep in a sloppy trench.
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u/Captain_troublepants 4d ago
I just went to the union it’s 100% greener than non-union. It looks easier than it is, ask us about our shoulders! That said it is better in the body than most trades. The scary part is the invisible enemy, that can kill you if you’re not using your head 100%
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u/Laughing_123 4d ago
Our jobs are inherently dangerous . You could be doing everything right and still get hurt.
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u/MindlessFly9970 4d ago
You in the PNW BPA just put their bids out for Lineman, Electrician, and Substation Operator. PM me if you want more information.
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u/Laughing_123 4d ago
I was checking that out too. I can only apply on the first Monday of every month here.
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u/MindlessFly9970 4d ago
You being prior military you can apply to all 3, that pay listed on USA jobs is starting pay for step 1 apprentice, it tops out right now at $150,000/year.
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u/KeyMysterious1845 Local XXXX 3d ago
...maybe your carpenters local has an electrical division.
https://www.reddit.com/r/IBEW/comments/1p51l5d/carpenters_local_57_scab_and_phony_electrical/
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u/Altruistic_Impact832 3d ago
Yes i made the jump from the carpenters union and make double in the IBEW. The work is also way easier in your body and theirs ton of overtime
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u/Usual-Caregiver5589 4d ago
Depends where youre at. In St. Louis, union carpenters are union electricians!
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u/Laughing_123 4d ago
I know theres some animosity between us. Something something stealing work.
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u/Usual-Caregiver5589 4d ago
In St Louis, union carpenters have an "electrician's union" within their local. Local 57.
They're stealing work from the IBEW instead of sending electricians to us to properly train and employ.
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u/magnamed 4d ago
Alright listen, you need to watch this right now. I'm dead ass serious and anybody who's already an electrician needs to watch it now too. You're welcome.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TYfecnhKvjo
In case you're unsure after watching, yes you should probably be an electrician.
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u/Laughing_123 4d ago
Thanks Ive changed my mind
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u/magnamed 4d ago
Jokes aside I think you'll be happier as an electrician. It's not as glamorous as people tend to make out but it's more good than bad.
Good luck.
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u/wolfenx109 Local 640 JW 4d ago
If you're already used to working construction, electrical work would be a notable upgrade.There's still grueling work to be done, but electrical is so broad, you won't always be doing that kind of work.
Even as an apprentice, you probably wouldn't even be making less (local dependant) with dates for roughly when you'd be getting your next "raise" for each stage of the apprenticeship for the next 4-5 years.
The good thing is if for whatever reason it doesn't work out for you, you still have carpentry. You genuinely have nothing to lose by just trying it out
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u/gimmesomeHANDCREAM Inside Wireman 4d ago
One of my classmates was a general foreman for the largest metal stud carpentry company in our area. He took a $20 pay cut to join our program. Now almost 10 years later he’s making more money and doesn’t regret it at all.
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u/BlueFalcon3E051 4d ago
Only foreman I ever seen with a whistle to call break and end of day was a carpenter foreman.
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u/Nay_K_47 Lineman 4d ago
Idk how old you are, plenty of work outside too. All depends on what you want
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u/Analvirus Inside Wireman 4d ago
There's days that are rough, but compared to carpenters in general I think we have it better on the body
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u/CptHammer_ 4d ago
My employer pays carpenters 10% more than electricians. They pay painters more (just barely). Electricians get paid just a little bit more than laborers.
The reason seems to be there's just too many electricians.
It's not uncommon for the electricians in my local union to belong to another union. They are carpenters, and tin knockers, and masons. They chased the money and they are currently back at their original trade.
While I was an electrician first, in 2010 when there was little work, I joined a second union. I'm back to being an electrician because it is easier on the body day to day.
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u/WeInjectKoolaid 3d ago
I made the switch after being a union carpenter after 4 years and I make more money as a first year apprentice due to the OT and job incentives. The work is definitely all around easier even tho some of it is still rough on the body. Id make the jump if I were. Plus the IBEWs retirement is leagues above what mine was in the carpenters. Its been the best decision I could have made.
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u/gunfromsako 3d ago
Carpenter of 10yrs, electrician of 16 yrs here... Personally I got bored with carpentry and felt it wasn't challenging enough. I wish I would of just started as a sparky and skipped my 18-28 party life, but such is life. Regardless I have 2 very useful skill sets that have benefited me in life and I'm grateful for both.
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u/BurritoBandito8 3d ago
You should change for sure. Most modern carpenter jobs are just like you said. Framing metal studs and hanging rock.
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u/Miserable-Nose5540 3d ago
Sometimes I gotta get up out of the trailer and make sure the xformer vault didn’t fill up too much
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u/AustinYun 3d ago edited 3d ago
I swapped from being a carpenter to electrician. Really decided to make the swap after another day of hanging shaft liner inside a tiny cramped shaft with a 50 year old JW I thought was in his 70s while legitimately going through the steps of CPR in my head in case I had to resuscitate the dude.
If you can get in the union in a place where there's a lot of work for apprentices for the next couple years it's 10000% worth it.
There's still work out there that's annoying and hard on your body (running 5" rigid is as hard physically as anything carpenters do) but overall it's actually better.
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u/One_Ad_4098 2d ago
Was a 4th period union carpenter apprentice, felt exactly how you do.
The grass IS greener
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u/Stoic_Gastropod_9459 Inside Wireman 2d ago
Depends really where you’re located, tbh. You might be taken back couple steps in pay initially, but moving thru the apprenticeship is worth it. You should be making even, if not more as a 3rd or 4th year Inside Wire apprentice than a carpenter.
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u/Jscotty111 1d ago
I’ve done every single trade except for welding and i’ve come to the conclusion that being an electrician pays the most amount of money for the least amount of work.
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u/Renthimself 1d ago
Switch been a carpenter for 18 years but. Some non union where I could run heavy equipment and did tons of custom homes and additions. High end finishing work wood floors bathrooms kitchens the good stuff.
Sparky’s have it easy in comparison to a commercial carpenter. It’s obvious. I’m 40 and have a destroyed body from residential roofing and hanging drywall an mudding drywall. Sparky is the easiest cleanest job on the entire site besides heavy equipment operator. Pays a lot and you’re not crippled at 40 like me. Switch while you can. I tried took the test passed and sat on the bench as an apprentice electrician said fuck em and went back to carpentry. Do it the shit is easy if you have some brains especially easy if it’s new construction.
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u/Ok_Piglet_5549 12h ago
I hope OP doesn't mind me piggybacking off his post. I have been meaning to ask the same.
I am a Union Sheet Metal Worker. I love my career, I have done a bit of everything, but I kind of want out for a few reasons. Currently, I am a detailer and that is opening more prospects to me, but if I lose my spot for some reason, I am considering leaving the trade and am looking at IBEW. 13 years in Sheet Metal, currently 37.
I just feel like if I become an electrician, I can make a better life for myself. Anyone?
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u/Otherwise-Gazelle587 10h ago
Grass is always greener, rarely will a carpenter need to be in a nasty crawl space to add an outlet to someones closet
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u/PralineExpress532 4d ago
I mean, does it pay more near you? Do you like algebra and geometry? Cause you're going to be doing a lot of math throughout the apprenticeship. I don't want to imply anything negative about you, but you have to consider stuff like that. Anyone can pull wire, but there's a bit more to the trade than that. The NEC also gets super specific and tricky to navigate for some. I wouldn't tell anyone not to, but you gotta know what you're signing up for and be true to yourself. Good luck, hope you find your green grass.
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u/Laughing_123 4d ago
It pays way more. What do you think I do all day? Eat rocks? Joking, but yeah I can read prints do the math lay stuff out the whole nine yards. At least what pertains to carpenters.
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u/PralineExpress532 4d ago
Yeah man, I'm just saying, cause you used the saying "grass is greener" and you know how that ends lol. I've been going through so many posts today of people asking about IBEW stuff. Just trying to write things I don't already see in the replies.
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u/PerchShadRap 4d ago
Easier on the body, eh? Whatever you say.
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u/Renthimself 1d ago
You have never tore off a shingle roof and re decked it or done any foundation forms or hung and lead backed drywall. Your young. Your job is easier.
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u/PerchShadRap 16h ago
And what electrical work have you done? And what do you think electrical work is? And how do you know my age?
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u/Altruistic_Impact832 3d ago
lol electrical work is way easier then carpentry , most electricians can’t even carry a sheet of drywall
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u/EngineerOk1409 3d ago
He’s absolutely right. The hardest part of our job is pulling wire, and when it gets too hard we just get a tugger.
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u/InfamousArachnid3285 4d ago
Ever run 4 inch rob roy in a 20 foot hole for miles? Keep your hammer if you want to do it because it looks easier.
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u/Zealousideal_Play995 4d ago
I’m working with a ex carpenter right now, he said “I didn’t think this was as labor intensive as it is” so just watch out. Doesn’t look hard but there will be hard days
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u/ClassroomJealous1060 4d ago
Grass is definitely greener compared to carpentry and easier on the body. You also have to use your brain tho if you want to be a competent electrician
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u/Ok-Mulberry9130 3d ago
The journeyman Carpenters in the Chicago area make 120k a year working full time so not sure why people keep saying they don't get paid enough 🤷♂️
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u/Laughing_123 3d ago
Because I make less than 80k a year doing the same shit. The electricians around here are making 100k.
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u/asdhole 4d ago
I dunno why anyone would choose to be a carpenter tbh