u/TheyCallMeSkog

I'm currently ranked 13 on the Local 46 LE list, having dropped four ranks in the last month. I need entry-level work experience so I can re-interview and keep my rank low. I'm needing clarification on whether I can get hired directly by a union shop for an entry-level role. I'm reading that contractors may have different contracts. The LE contract I found says that forepersons and journey workers can be called by name. I think I heard that the residential contract may be different in that resi contractors can hire from outside the union. I would really like LE Installer experience, but any trainee or stockman hours would help my re-interview. I'm wondering if I should look for a contractor who does both resi and LE. Any advice? I'm really confused about which direction to go.

EDIT: I'm also looking to possibly take some classes to help my ranking. Does anybody know of a good place to take classes?

I interviewed with local 46 yesterday for the limited energy program and got my ranking of 9 a few hours later. I had done a 6 week pre-apprenticeship January-March for residential for which I was granted direct entry. However, during the aptitude test I took with my pre-apprenticeship cohort, we were told that we had the option to start apprenticeships earlier by switching from resi to inside wire or low energy. I didn’t want to wait until the fall to start (the deadline to state my intention for resi is August) so I decided to switch to LE. Did I forfeit my direct entry by switching out of resi? The letter I received is explicit in accepting me into resi. I still have the option to switch back to resi before the August deadline. I guess I’m not quite sure what direct entry means since they wanted my cohort to test and interview anyway.

I’ve also heard about the next cohort of LE apprentices starting bootcamp on May 12th. I assume that cohort has already been fully chosen, yes? I wouldn’t think they’d immediately put an applicant into the upcoming cohort without going through the ranking/selection process, especially with less than 2 weeks notice. Or is it possible I can be accepted into this next cohort skipping the bootcamp portion since my pre-apprenticeship covered all the same material? If they’re matriculating a new cohort of LE apprentices this month it doesn’t seem like the next cohort wouldn’t start until the fall, so what’s the point of me switching? Was the proctor misinformed when they told us we could start earlier by switching?

I know this post is a bit rambling. Thanks to all that read all the way through. I know the work outlook isn’t great, I’m just worried about sitting on my ass and stuck with my part-time flagging job and at my parents place through the summer. I’ve been told I could approach contractors directly and try to get hired that way to start work before officially starting my apprenticeship, but that’s never been my strong suit.