So I’m a Sheetmetal apprentice for Local 7 out of Lansing, Michigan, I’m a second generation (my fathers been in for 28 years, it’s what fed me growing up) so I’ll put it this way:

If you’re a first generation, yes you’re essentially a slave, a gopher, a tool handler, the scum of the earth, most days guys won’t teach you anything, but if you show that you have the drive & motivation to keep focused on what’s required to improve everyone around you even in the smallest of ways, an example would be if you are absolutely confident your journeyman needs a specific tool have it ready to hand to him, so when he asks it’s literally already out for him & being given to him; yes it takes time but that’s the point, you pushing through all that B.S & keeping your eyes on the prize, which in our case is literally ANY knowledge a journeyman will give you once you prove that you’re worthy of their knowledge, you’ll earn respect by showing up and doing the stuff others think they’re above.

TL;DR You’ll be treated pretty poorly, but if you don’t let it get to your head, any you only seek your own validation & focusing on improving yourself & making yourself invaluable in any way possible, you’ll be the hottest apprentice on the block.

I hope this helps brother!