u/Interesting-Stay-122

Hi everyone,

I'm currently looking for work in the East Bay and figured I'd ask here since I'm open to a pretty wide range of opportunities.

I have a B.S. in Software Engineering from San Jose State University and about 3+ years of professional experience as a Front-End Software Engineer, primarily working with React, TypeScript, GraphQL, JavaScript, and web technologies.

I've been applying for software engineering positions, but the job market has been very competitive. Because of that, I'm not limiting myself to software anymore.

I'm good with my hands and would be very open to learning a skilled trade or another career where I can develop a valuable hands-on skill. I'm completely willing to start at entry level and work my way up.

I'm open to things like:

• Software engineering / IT
• Union jobs and apprenticeships
• Skilled trades
• Construction / labor
• Manufacturing
• Transportation
• Facilities / maintenance
• Warehouse / operations
• Government / public-sector work
• Other entry-level positions where I can learn a skill

I'm currently unemployed, so getting into something relatively soon is important to me. I'm willing to go through training or an apprenticeship, but I'm particularly interested in opportunities where the hiring process isn't extremely long and I can start earning within a reasonable timeframe.

I'm also looking for reputable staffing agencies or recruiters in the East Bay that actually help people get placed into jobs. If you've personally had a good experience with one, I'd really appreciate the recommendation.

I'm located in the East Bay and would prefer to stay in the area rather than relocate.

If you know of a local company that's hiring, a union accepting applications, a hiring hall, staffing agency, contractor, apprenticeship program, or even just someone I should contact, I'd really appreciate the lead.

I'm not picky about the type of work at this point. I'm willing to work hard, learn something new, and build a career from there. I'm mainly hoping someone in the East Bay community can point me toward a legitimate opportunity.

Thanks!

Hi everyone,

I'm currently looking for work in the Bay Area and I'm seriously considering switching careers into a skilled trade.

I have a B.S. in Software Engineering from San Jose State University and about 3+ years of professional experience as a Front-End Software Engineer. I've worked primarily with React, TypeScript, GraphQL, JavaScript, and web technologies.

However, I've become increasingly open to doing something completely different. I'm good with my hands, enjoy working with tools and figuring out how things work, and I'd be very interested in learning a skilled trade from the ground up. I don't mind starting at entry level and working my way up.

I'm particularly interested in union trades, apprenticeships, hiring halls, or companies willing to train someone who doesn't have previous professional experience in the trade.

I'm open to pretty much anything at this point — electrical, HVAC, plumbing, welding, millwright, sheet metal, carpentry, laborers, equipment operation, manufacturing, maintenance, etc. I'm more interested in finding a trade that has good long-term prospects than being locked into a specific one.

One thing that's important for me right now is the hiring process. I'm currently unemployed and have bills to pay, so I'm looking for opportunities where I can realistically get started within a reasonable timeframe. I'm willing to go through training or an apprenticeship, but I'd prefer not to enter a process where I could be waiting many months or a year+ before even getting an opportunity to work.

For anyone in the Bay Area trades:

What unions, locals, hiring halls, contractors, or apprenticeship programs would you recommend I look into?

I'd especially appreciate recommendations from people who have actually gone through the process themselves. If you know of a trade or union that's currently taking applications and isn't extremely difficult or slow to get into, I'd love to hear about it.

I'm also interested in staffing agencies or labor agencies that can get someone working relatively quickly while they work toward learning a trade.

I'm located in the East Bay and would prefer to stay in the Bay Area rather than relocate.

Thanks in advance. I really appreciate any advice, leads, or recommendations. I'm willing to work hard and learn something new — I just need some direction on where to start.