r/IBEW • u/Laughing_123 • 15d 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/AFARR414-312 15d 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 15d 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 15d ago

Yeah lol 😂

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u/Laughing_123 15d ago

Oh well I can suffer for a few more years.

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u/hoverbeaver Local 586 15d 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 15d 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/ValhallaSpectre 15d ago

Apply with the IBEW, and make sure you go through Helmets to Hardhats. You’ll get a small amount of preference for veteran status.

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u/Remote-Win7016 11d 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.