From a small Local booming from Data Center work. We’ve an infusion of new money and new blood, and it’s time for some wins. In the spirit of inspiration, share what aspects of your local JATC make it great.
Union electrician here. Got put on a Trimble crew doing slab layout. I know that surveying is far more than the scope of what I am doing, but I really am enjoying this work and want to take the next step for the sake of my career, even if that means pursuing some training on my own time. I want to continue as an electrician, but add in surveying skills. What would be an intelligent next step after having gained some experience on this Trimble crew? LSIT? Or is it unrealistic to "double dip" into both trades?
Is the overall quality of union work still better than open shops in your area?
Yo. I’ve searched and read posts similar to mine, but I have enough self-doubt that I’ll make a post of my own. My suspicion is that the answer is yes, but here’s the dream. Is it feasible?
I’m 31, master’s degree, 5 years into a school teaching career, but I don’t want to send my kids to traditional school. I’m talented here, but I’m burning out in education. My wife (26) and I have no debt, a 4 year old, a 2 year old, and one on the way. Live in a super low COL place. Local is exploding with work due to a data center. Apprentices are in demand.
Wife is a SAHM and primarily in charge of homeschooling. We want to be flexible geographically and raise the kids with perspective and a love of learning and nature. We love mountain biking. We are cool with living out of an RV or something similar. My family is scattered all over the states and we want to be able to spend time near them for important seasons of life.
I make 73k now and we do just fine, but I know I’ve basically hit my salary ceiling, and my benefits suck. Wife and kids have no healthcare. I want a career that allows me to move anywhere I want to live. I fell in love with labor history during my BA, and truly believe in unionism. I want to work with my hands and my head, and I want to pass something on to the kids. My dad and grandparents two generations back were union electricians, and my grandfather was a union contractor in NJ. It’s in my blood.
I know that apprentice life will be hard, especially the pay cut and the hours. Say we have the savings to float us until I make a living wage. Once I turn out though, is it realistic to bank on being able to travel every 1-2 years with my family to a new place? We want to try living in Alaska and bump around the states west of the Mississippi over the years as the kids grow up and we continue to be their school.
Give it to me straight. Am I insane?
Howdy. I am 31, father of 3, and a full-time teacher looking to get a feel for a swap to a skilled trade. Grew up doing DIY renovations (mostly carpentry and plumbing but some electrical) with my dad but no real experience in electrical, especially commercial. Looking for on the job training and experience over my summer break, from June to September.
Got in touch with my Local and they suggested CE/CW to "taste and see." We have a huge Data Center going up near my house and I would likely end up there if I get called. I know it will be brutal work but I am willing to work hard and learn. I have all the tools.
I'd like some advice on my next steps as well as what to expect. How do I make myself helpful and valuable to the job and avoid CE/CW pitfalls that I am seeing online? I've never been on a jobsite before, and I know basically nothing about electrical other than what I am learning through YT channels like Electrician U and Mad Electrician.
Help me help myself here, please.