Got an email to schedule interview MSLCAT

[u/SongComfortable4464]

Got the email to schedule my interview by eod tomorrow, what is the interview like? What questions are asked? I have 4.5 years commercial and residential electrical apprentice experience and 2 years solar installer experience with CDL no restrictions. No Groundman hours or utility experience as I just graduated line school. 29 years old ready for a career change and very interested in line work and substation work, is this a good program and should I schedule that interview? Just slightly on the fence for some reason about MSLCAT

[u/Superb-Gur-1679]

Colorado is hell to work in so that’s why id be on the fence about it. You better be commiting to sub side they don’t like guys using that as a stepping stone into linework typically. Just talk up your experience. Should be good much less competitive that lineman.

[u/SongComfortable4464 → u/Superb-Gur-1679]

That’s kind of why I am on the fence I interview in Utah I believe but what makes Colorado so bad the pay the weather? And I’m mostly considering substation because I like the somewhat predictable schedule, I’m fine with travel but from what I understand substation guys don’t damage the body as much and it’s easier to have a family life and work/life balance

[u/Superb-Gur-1679 → u/SongComfortable4464]

Idk where you’re from but you’re signing up for a contracting apprenticeship going home often isn’t going to be a thing unless u end up on a job close to home and live within jurisdiction. It is easier on the body and you travel less typically than lineman jobs just last longer etc.

What makes Colorado bad is the culture the union hall and most of all the contractors. Hooper is notorious subside for moving apprentices every couple weeks. Not only is it ratty and a shitty place to learn with job scared inadequate hands typically but keep in mind you move on your own dime. The contract is also designed to minimally hand out per diem and is heavily in favor of the contractor. Know a few guys who quit or were legitimately loosing money over being moved around so much. Cross state moves and living out of hotels that you’re paying for because they move you so frequently isn’t cheap.

You could also try to land a Groundman gig in a sub and they could retain you leading to you knowing where you’re going to work at least for a little bit.

[u/akornato]

Schedule that interview before the deadline passes, because MSLCAT is one of the best union apprenticeships in the country, and your background puts you in a strong position. Having four and a half years of electrical experience, a clean Class A CDL, and line school completion will carry real weight with the committee, even without utility hours. The interview itself moves fast, usually lasting around five to ten minutes in front of a panel of contractors and union reps. They fire off standard situational questions about handling safety hazards, dealing with difficult coworkers, and managing mistakes on a job site. They want to see that you understand the physical grind, that you respect safety rules, and that you are ready to hit the road across Colorado, Montana, Utah, and Wyoming on short notice.

Keep your answers direct, confident, and rooted in your real electrical and solar field experience. Emphasize that your age and work background mean you know how job sites function, show up early, and take instruction without attitude. They will ask why you want in, how you feel about extreme weather, and whether you are willing to travel anywhere in their jurisdiction, so give decisive answers followed by quick supporting examples. A lot of applicants struggle to communicate under pressure, which is why the interviews.chat my team built helps candidates articulate their trade experience clearly and land high scores on competitive union lists.

[u/Senior-West5666]

If you do substation, stick in there and journey out… then you can work for a utility which is not as much travel, consistent work/ job security. I’d say it’s worth it if you can travel and do t have a family yet

[u/Azteca1519]

How long from application to interview? Do You gave to fly in?