To those interested I am an IBEW union electrical apprentice, second year. Before I applied to the apprenticeship, I had been an electrician for eight years, non-union. I started in housing( custom homes) for the first two years and from that point on worked mostly commercial, tenant improvement and new construction.

I had some very good employers, but mostly bad ones. I worked late and put myself in dangerous situations just to keep my job in some instances. I used tools and equipment that were never maintained, so most of the time I used my own, because I knew I could trust them. I learned everything I knew from non-union through a handful of talented co-workers not through any training.

One day I realized that if I didn't become more skilled and knowledgeable of my trade, that when I was fifty I would still be making $16.00 to $18.00 an hour. I joined the electrical union to receive the proper education and training so that as I progressed I would become a more valuable employee to the employer. I also joined to have a better working environment that has safety regulations, along with protection for the employee like receiving overtime when due, stop from being harassed by the boss and many other non-union job problems. I wanted a better life for myself and my family, benefits and a retirement program.

A lot of people seem to think Union workers are overpaid, well have you heard the term you get what you pay for. When you hire Union Electricians you can be sure you are getting the highest skilled and most qualified person in the electrical field. You know that the minimum training they have had in a classroom is five years and eight thousand hours of on the job training. I worked non-union. Ask me how much training the non-union electrician has?

Thanks for taking the time to hear the working mans side of the story.

Kevin Helferty:

Of all the non - union jobs I have worked, none were as secure and promising as union work. The International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers offer competitve pay scales and scheduled pay increases for apprentices. The pension plan which is part of the negotiated wage and is paid into hourly at a very lucrative rate and is protected by a trust is the best I have ever had. The pension plan and Health and Welfare plan is also very stable and are in trusts. Non-Union contractors rarely offer any retirement or a health plan. The apprenticeship training program includes electrical theory and the hands on training needed to become a journeymen.

The apprentices work is divided so that he or she is very familiar with residential, commercial and industrial wiring upon completion of the five year program we are skilled competent electrician. I worked non-union here in California and on the east coast and they never offered me any training, none that would ever compare to the Union apprenticeship program. Anyone who is interested in what the IBEW has to offer should not hesitate to go to any local IBEW union hall and find.

The apprenticeship program I am in is part of a nation wide program, the studies are the same here in California as in Florida, I feel my education in the electrical field will be the best, now that I have became a I.B.E.W. electrical apprentice. I personally have worked non-union and put up with a lot of unnecessary treatment. I am now a union worker and will not return to any non-union work.

Don Feeley:

I got into the electrical apprenticeship program two an half years ago. I was not happy with the training I was getting in the field when I was working non-union let alone not having any medical benefits or pension and vacation funds.

The apprenticeship schooling combined with the on the job training is the perfect combination to learn the electrical field the right way. There are also other classes offered above and beyond just basic electricity such as fiber optics which are now being offered to us to help us stay current with the changing and modernization of the electrical field.

The instructors that I have worked with have all been more than helpful with me and any questions I have about something inside the classroom or out in the field. They always take time out to make sure I understand exactly what I have asked them about.

As far as working conditions and the experience I am getting out in the field it could not be better.

There is always a constant variety of work such as running conduit, pulling wire, making up fixtures, panels and bending conduit.

The journeymen I've worked with have all been very knowledgeable and helpful.

I thrive on the daily challenges of learning something new and figuring things out for myself. Of all the different jobs I've had this is definitely the most challenging and self fulfilling.

Alice Zegers:

Becoming an apprentice was definately a wise choice for me. Before entering the program I was bouncing back and forth between Ventura Junior College and work. I was unsure of the benefits that a college education would get me because I didn't know what to major in.

Fortunately, I got and opportunity to do some electrical work. I enjoyed the work so much more than any other job in the past. The individual I worked for told me that if I truely was interested in furthering my knowledge in the trade I should get into the Electrical Apprenticeship Program. So I took the advise, and here I am!

It wasn't the easiest task getting into the program, but well worth it. I didn't let tht fact that I was not accepted the first year I applied discourage me. I'd heard that many people don't get in on their first try, so I went back the next year and was accepted.

I think it's better not to be accepted the first time around, because the people who really want to be in this program will show the determination it takes to come back next time and try again.

The JATP is an excellent program, but that doesn't mean that it is easy and always fun. There are days when the thermometer reads above 90 degrees and there is one heck of a ditch to be dug by hand. Yes I do mean with a pick & shovel. I don't personally know anyone who enjoys tasks like these. I do know that it is part of my job and that is what gets me through the rough days. I think of it as a good shoulder workout that someone is paying me to do.

I also know that showing a positive attitude, whatever the task may be, leaves a good impression on others and that really counts. If one ses how willing you are to do the rough stuff, often they will take the time to teach you the beneficial parts of this trade also. And that is what makes it all worth while.

Another part of this program is school. Definately not my favorite topic, but once you get in the groove it's a little easier. The way I see it is that I'm getting paid to learn. Which is much more than I can say for most of my friends attending college. They still are unsure of the job field that their degree will land them in.

In this program, you go through 5 years of school & training ( OJT ) and you are set until you retire. That is as long as you are willing to go where the work is. Once you recieve your J.W. ticket that means you have to sit through the dry spells for one particular employer. That yellow ticket enables you to travel to any I.B.E.W. Local and sign their book. Targeting of course the locals where work is booming so you are more likely to be employed.

Apprenticeship is not for everyone, but if you are willing to put forth an effort for a brighter tomorrow, it could be for you.