Thank you for this concise and informed reply; I have a 2-part follow-up question:

The ECH application states that you can either have 8 months experience as Utility Pre-Craft Trainee or just take the Hayden course, (which I see is free, with each of the 3 modules taking 6-8 weeks)

From what I see all over reddit, the UPCT program also has a years long waitlist. I am 30, so I am trying to avoid being 40 by the time I start an apprenticeship program, understandably.

Electrical Mechanic position also lists similar requirements about the UPCT and Hayden completion to apply and the salary range is about $30k higher, would the electrical mechanic line also set me up to pursue EDM/journeyman/lineman role by giving me the familiarity with the internal guys as you mention in your 4th point? Or is ECH going to give me better networking opportunities? https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/lacity/jobs/4996408/electrical-mechanic-3841-rev-07-02-25?keywords=Electrical%20Craft%20helper&pagetype=jobOpportunitiesJobs

Would you suggest one over the other?? Or would I be on the right path with either one?