u/Mysterious-City5568

I’m trying to understand how Local 825 works.
Let’s say someone joins the union as a regular member (not through the apprenticeship) and has little or no experience operating heavy equipment.
Is the only way to learn equipment like excavators through the apprenticeship program, or can regular members also enroll in excavator/operator training at the training center?
If training is available to regular members, can they eventually get dispatched to operator jobs through the hiring hall, or is the apprenticeship required before that can happen?
I’m looking for answers from people who are actually in Local 825 or have firsthand experience with how the hall and training center work.
Thanks!