Any Chicago Trades people here?
Hi! I'm trying to make a career change into the trades, currently in the electrician's union application process and set to take the aptitude test in September. I am interested in other trades though as well, and possibly going non-union. Anyone here have experience in any of the trades in Chicago?
I started with Electricians union simply because it seemed interesting and seems to pay the most, but I'm now starting to get more interested in carpentry. Plus local 134 is extremely selective and I would pretty much have to get 100% on the test to have any chance of getting in. I know having construction experience helps with the union applications, but I'm struggling to find non-union apprentice/helper positions. I'm also still working my 9-5 IT job so I can keep my insurance that covers my HRT. Any advice?
EDIT: also considering not going electrical because I don't love the idea of working on data centers