Just got accepted!
Officially made it into the apprenticeship.
About six months ago I got turned down after my first interview. It sucked, but a lot of the advice I got here was simple: get your hours, keep showing up, and reapply.
So that's what I did.
I went to work as a CW, put in the hours, asked questions, learned as much as I could from the journeymen around me, and kept my nose as clean as possible. I worked for 3 months, taking as much OT as I could and reapplied. The committee was impressed at the 180 from my original interview and resume. Laughable, but understandable.
Today I got the acceptance email and text!
I'm not posting this to celebrate as much as to say thanks to everyone who took the time to answer my questions over the last several months. At times people interested, including myself, can be goobers ^^*. There were plenty of days where I questioned whether I was on the right path, but hearing from people who had already been through it helped more than you probably realize.
For anyone who just got a rejection letter: don't assume it's the end. If your local allows reinterviews, use the time to become a stronger candidate. Every hour you work, every recommendation you earn, and every bit of experience you pick up can make a difference.
For anyone on the fence, I'm 29, it's never too late to start, but you'll be mad if you start any later. Give yourself a shot at something better for yourself. I still question the decision, but I know what I'm working towards, excel sheets and numbers have been put in place. Maybe do it for yourselves.
Now the real work starts. Looking forward to learning the trade and earning my place.
Thanks again, brothers and sisters.