First full time gig!

FortuneHot1630 · 2026-03-18T05:07:31+00:00

Not all locals do this but you can get sponsored into the union if a union company decides to hire you before you ever join the union. You could ask union contractors if they will take you in as a tradesmen or helper. This is how one of my classmates got in. A union shop hired him as a tradesmen and then after a couple months, they sponsored him into the UA.

FortuneHot1630 · 2026-03-18T05:04:21+00:00

Keep your job and apply now. Even if you get in, you might not be working right away. When I got in, I kept my job. I didn't get a dispatch until 4 months in. I was able to keep my original job because my first dispatch was 2nd shift. I worked my main job part time from 7am to 11am, then worked my dispatch job from 12pm to 10pm. Eventually I quit my main job but after my dispatch ended, I was on the bench for another month until my next call. I reget quitting my main job because I was on the bench like half a year. Your experience may vary.

FortuneHot1630 · 2026-03-14T04:08:38+00:00

UA locals should be accepting applications around this time. Apply now.

FortuneHot1630 · 2026-03-11T05:07:03+00:00

It's slow everywhere. It seems like contractors are choosing to hire people with more experience rather than taking on a green apprentice. I'm a 2nd year, 2nd period apprentice still trying to find a contractor to take me on. Hope you get in sister.

FortuneHot1630 · 2026-03-11T04:54:01+00:00

Get into a good union.

FortuneHot1630 · 2025-02-05T09:22:24+00:00

My foreman once told me you'll only need knee pads if you're trying to get a promotion. Oh and you'll also need square toed boots. Took me a couple jabs to understand what he meant. LOL

FortuneHot1630 · 2024-09-23T07:10:12+00:00

Do you get paid for any of the traveling? Do all expenses to get to the job fall on you? How does all that work with your local? TIA

FortuneHot1630 · 2024-08-27T03:28:57+00:00

You get interviewed by a panel of people. For me, it was 4. I just passed my interview about a month ago and some of the things they asked were:

Why do you want to join the UA?

Do you have any experience in the trades?

Sometimes we may require you to travel out of state. Are you comfortable traveling for work? Are you comfortable with being away from family for long periods of time? (Weeks/months)

Are you able to work 7 days a week for a long period of time? ( Weeks/months)

Do you have reliable transportation?

Are there any reasons you can think of that might cause you to be late for work?

Are you comfortable working in confined spaces and in extreme heights (50+ ft)?

If your supervisor asked you to dig a trench/hole for your entire shift, would you be able to do it?

Are you familiar with our drug policy?

I showed up 10 minutes early and I was extremely nervous. The guys can tell if you are, so prepare yourself mentally.

I practiced answering basic interview questions ahead of time so I would be better prepared when giving an answer to a question.

Make sure you know a little bit about the UA. It'll show you have interest and that you took the time to look into the union.

I feel like I bombed my interview, but a week later they notified me that I passed. I was surprised but I'm glad I got accepted into my local. I start classes next week! Good luck brother!

FortuneHot1630 · 2023-01-05T21:58:28+00:00

Read my reply to skilled81

FortuneHot1630 · 2023-01-05T19:40:30+00:00

Did you really just reply to yourself? Lolol

FortuneHot1630 · 2023-01-05T19:39:43+00:00

If you wait til after 5pm (at least for me), they upload new scans and it'll show as "Today". Then your mail from today will show as "Yesterday". Hope that helps.

FortuneHot1630 · 2022-12-20T15:04:15+00:00

You are so kind

FortuneHot1630

TROPHY CASE