r/iuoe

What do you guys bring in every year, and where you out of?

So I currently been working in construction for 6years an counting, but it’s time for me to branch out and go Union. I recently searched around and feel like local 542 would be a good fit for me, but I don’t have my CDL’s. I live in the PA area, could really use some advice on getting started with this new journey.

Just thought id make a post if any of you have been following my other posts. I got called in last week on Wednesday with a score of 98 but I had been called about a month ago and had to be passed up as I wasn’t in the state at the time but was able to do my paper work and all that good stuff last week. I did my drug test the same day and I actually go in for my two week training starting tomorrow. I was talking to one of the 5 guys that came in with me and he had scored a 94 as an HEO, 4 of us were HEO's and last guy was a diesel mechanic, if that gives anyone some hope! Sounds like they’re in low 90’s and my coordinator had said work is picking up a bit more for D5. If yall have any questions let me know!

Hey guys, I got hired onto a job as an apprentice in the material producers program. I’ve been here for a few weeks. I work in a mine, and to be on surface goes by seniority, so I’m nowhere near in line. The job has been causing a lot of anxiety. I’m not sure how long I can continue being underground my whole shift. I’m still on my probationary period. Is there absolutely anything I can do? I don’t want to lose this opportunity.

I’m afraid of reaching out to any BA, as they were the ones who told me this was my way of getting into the union.

What type of questions do they ask at the oral interview? I haven’t interviewed anywhere in the past 5 years. I’m so nervous right now😅🥲

Canadian Member here, wondering if any locals are short Crane operators, looking for some travel card work down south, if there is any..I have my Red Seal, and NCCCO for fixed can, swing cab and lattice boom

I just got made an apprentice at local 150. How do I go about obtaining a crane oiler/rigger job so I can eventually become a crane operator? Since becoming an apprentice, I've just been called out for one or two day jobs with different contractors for weeks now. This is unsustainable and I need to be working full time, just as a crane oiler. It also sucks that I can't turn down a job so what can I do.

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!

Local 793 Heavy Equipment apprentice, went through the operating engineers training institute of ontario a couple of years ago.

Since then I have had approximately one week of work and zero hours of machine time- just put on a skidsteer.

I’ve been in communication with other apprentices in my area- they will be put on a rocktruck or a packer, work a few weeks, get a couple weeks on their machine, and then they’re gone. Back on the list. At this rate you can expect to get your 2000 hours just in time for retirement.

Every year we pump out more apprentices through the school. We all pay union dues. Employers have a growing supply of apprentice labour. It is not in the union members interest to grow the labour pool indefinitely while theres no work. Its in the employers interest, and the administrators interest.

The analogy I would draw is the same thing happening in my union is what has happened in the Canadian workforce broadly. Bringing in people to keep labour costs down and keep the economy growing at the expense of the existing workforce.

Hey yall recently saw an ad for local 487s apprenticeship over In Florida and was wondering if I have to be a states resident to apply, also looking on any 487 guys to lmk how it is, thank yall in advance!

Hey all, I’m currently a CDL A driver with an interest in joining the IUOE, however I suffer from a traumatic wrist injury and haven’t been able to heal it. How demanding is this industry on the wrist itself? I’m not sure if I want to make the jump and was looking for insight. TIA!

After being a non union heavy equipment operator, and joining a different union im curious as to how it works. One of the reasons the last union didnt work was the insane lack of work. Im a workaholic and i cant afford months without work, another concern i have is rain days. Is there something the union can do in terms of rain days or are you out of luck like the non union work.

I’m 20 from Colorado and I want to get into the crane industry. Starting from scratch here, if you were in my shoes, what would you do to get your foot in the door? Looking at rigging, signal, and crane operator classes. I’m weighing both union and non-union routes, just trying to figure out the smartest path in. On the non-union side I’ve been looking at paying for my own NCCCO certs and crane school to get certified fast, then hiring on with a crane rental or rigging outfit to build seat time. Union (IUOE) vs non-union to start, which gave you a better foot in the door? And anything you wish you’d known starting out? Really appreciate any tips, thanks.

Current local union backup for a while so non union route tips would help ! And if school what schools would be recommended.

I just completed my pre apprenticeship for 701, and waiting for dispatch. A couple of questions I have are what tools would I need to bring myself (if any) that the employer doesn’t supply? Also hard hat and vest question. Should I get my own hard hat and vest? Or just get one from the employer? Do you get a new hard hat and vest with each employer if laid off then dispatched to new employer? Seems like getting my own would be the way to go.

Hay i am a recent graduate, i dont have much experience in the field otherthan my internship, I applied for many jobs in the field but didn't even got any response, what should I do to get an entry level engineering job

Just got accepted into the apprenticeship and start soon for local 825 heavy machine operators.

What advice do yall have for a newcomer? What did you wish you Knew when you started, how can I set myself up for success.

Thank you

I finally got my call today from 181 training center I was 1 of 13 to be accepted this go around. Orientation July 13th, can pass a piss test without worry but is there anything I should do prior to going to the training center? Absolutely thrilled and still kind of in shock I'll be a 3rd generation operator.

So I’m just going to be blunt here, this being reddit and we’re all anonymous…what exactly does the DOB ask you for to verify your steam time to be eligible to take the exam?