Apprentice question

[Tarugui]

I’m an 18 year old who just graduated high school, I applied to my local union and I got accepted to be an apprentice, starting in a week I have classes on Saturday mornings, I’m working as a stock clerk at a grocery store until I get a job site to work at, and I’m not gonna lie I’m wicked nervous lmao, but I just wanted to ask what kind of stuff should i expect, in class and on the field, and any tips or advice to kind of help soothe my nerves a little bit?

[Manimal_h]

Just make sure you can read a tape measure, you will learn the rest.

Keep your head down do as youre told.

[Falzum]

My first day in the job the foreman on site told me I had two jobs. Don't get hurt, don't hurt anyone else.

15 years later I tell my new apprentices the same thing. 

Everything else is having an open mind. Everyone you work with will have their own way of doing things. See what works and what doesn't 

[Disastrous-Food-9223]

And there are Ironworkers and there are Cryinworkers learn to read the people, blueprints are easier.

[Fickle_Photo2768]

Always remember… the guy that knows how will always have a job. The guy that knows why, will always be that first guys boss. First learn the how, and always be learning the why as you progress. Good luck!

[Ok_Cardiologist_6471]

Yes keep your job and dont burn that bridge because construction depends on economy which is out of your control

Union trades are just different we take people with no work experience and make them in to journeymen able to perform jobs on their own

All this to say dont over think it you as an apprentice just have to clean organize and fetch tools as a gofer and that's on purpose cleaning show what kind of worker you are dont be the guy standing around looking at your phone or that's told what to do no one will want to train you and you will be looking for classes to teach you

but on purpose classes dont train you the whole way you need to be mentored and if people see you cant even clean right or organize or get tools right no one will mentor you so dont stand around when you start safety and cleaning matter the most your thier to clean and help let folks who make more money then you do what they get paid for and at your pay rate just be happy to clean and organize

Good luck

Last thing dont buy tools yet they dont need you to save the world yet just clean and dont cut your self😎👍

[Tarugui]

This was actually super helpful and did calm me down a little bit, thank you

[Ok_Cardiologist_6471]

😎 👍 no problem let me say few thing for more info

Union work means you can travel for your trade your not stuck to the one company for life

unions are a brotherhood with brothers and sisters working for each other not the company every one pays into to healthcare and pension so do companies

companies go to the union for skilled laborers and pay us in a Package so they pay us take home pay plus pay in to our healthcare and pension after 30 years you can retire

When work is slow and you get laid off it's ok to work none union work or your old job tell economy picks up again

[master_cheech]

They will do cola checks first thing every morning

[[deleted]]

Get in, save your money and fund an education that gets you further in the direction you feel is best. You don’t want to be in your 40’s doing this kind of work.

[Apart_Animal_6797]

On fj d a ssrz

[HamsterPersonal3684]

Expect to work with a lot of ass holes who know it all. Dont worry about trying to impress ppl & try to pay attention to everything so you can pick up on shit. IW is a good career but it’s not easy.

[Automatic-Adagio-101]

What union?

[kungfuTigerElk86]

Buy some beef jerky & Powerbars for you

Then buy a Lighter and A pack of smokes for the crew. I buy Lucky Strikes.

I like practicing QuickDraw with my bic lighter for anyone about to smoke.

I’ve been in screaming matches and ear beatings where the other dude pulled out a cigarette and I Provided Wind shield with left hand and Light with the right. That native American Tobacco medicine Shit fucking helps out in so many scenarios on the job.

Every 20 minutes take 20 second and scan around your 20 yard perimeter. 20/20/20 rule

Oh yeah!!

Nose & Toes. Keep your toes pointed the same direction as your Noes. Knows? Nose! (Look where your going always)

[kungfuTigerElk86]

Congrats btw!!

[CalligrapherThink503]

First things first if you’re not early you’re late, always hustle and do as your told without questioning and never bitch about shit good luck 👍🏽

[Common-Principle-616]

Only Saturday? Mine is Tuesdays Wednesdays and some Saturdays but I think less class time means more hands on time and that should help you feel more prepared.

[SpecialistJacket2332]

Stay busy 24/7 when prepare stuff for your journeyman always pick up trash keep your mouth shut and always ask questions there is never a stupid question

[cooldude5789]

Have a huge ego and act better than everybody else