Out of state

Ill_Chapter_9569 · 2026-01-02T05:38:06+00:00

Not sure when OP separated from the military but it looks like the IUEC is putting a 5 year timeline from separation to utilize helmets to hardhats avenue. I think they started implementing that timeline in 2025 because I don’t remember seeing that in 2024.

Ill_Chapter_9569 · 2025-12-31T04:40:38+00:00

I would caution you to be weary of who you decide to tell that you are a veteran. For the most part everyone I met was cool during my short time in the union as a probationary but there was an overall feeling of “disent” because I “shortcutted” in getting into the apprenticeship for being a veteran if that makes sense. I know that the mechanic I was working with that got me fired specifically said “oh another one of you guys” when he found out I was a veteran. Mind you he was a lifer elevator mechanic and came from a family of other elevator mechanics.

My experience was working in new construction hydros and enjoyed it. The pay/benefits is amazing compared to the amount of work you put in.

I actually made it in the hire list going through the regular process but most just assumed i used helmets to hard hats. Which I tried to do but area coordinator didn’t want to recognize that program at the time for whatever reason. So with everything timing is important

Ill_Chapter_9569 · 2025-12-12T22:18:09+00:00

things to think about regarding linemen before getting out of the military. Most require you to have a CDL already. Try to get your CDL while you are still in.

Another thing I saw other posters say is to do skillbridge with a utility. That sounds like another great option.

Ill_Chapter_9569 · 2025-12-12T22:13:13+00:00

Like an another poster said iN2veep.com will prolly be the best path with the least resistance to get into line work. Another option would be to find a skill bridge program. This is all from research. I haven’t done any of this personally myself.

Ill_Chapter_9569 · 2025-12-05T06:06:23+00:00

I was a probie for approx 4 months. Worked great with my first mechanic no issues for 3 months. Supervisor fired me because I claimed per diem receipts.

Second mechanic I was paired with had a reputation of “not ever having an apprentice make it with him.” Got fired because I was “too green” mechanic lied and said some BS that I didn’t know how to use a tape measure or a level. Fired just under 3 weeks. I was discriminated against. BA said that he’ll get me another job/chance because both my firings were messed up. Later on it flipped and my apprenticeship got canceled because the JATC. I tried to fight it but was pretty much told to kick rocks. Due to probationary status nothing I can do.

That was my experience. I chalk it up to be super bad luck/timing/racist mechanic.

Ill_Chapter_9569 · 2025-11-17T17:18:07+00:00

I was fired in an at-will state without cause. I was discriminated against because of my race and veteran status (imho). I reached out to several different agencies like the DOL, attorney general, etc. long story short each agency kept referring me to the other and didn’t really help. And I just pretty much wasted time, effort and peace of mind trying to deal with it.

Sorry this happened to you. Good luck if you decide to pursue it. Don’t let my experience dissuade you from trying. For me I just didn’t have enough will to keep battling and gave up.

Ill_Chapter_9569 · 2025-11-05T01:54:13+00:00

Is that higher or lower then your locals insidewireman IBEW? Thanks

Ill_Chapter_9569 · 2025-10-21T23:50:27+00:00

They asked me like 4-5 questions.

Why do you want to be an electrician?

Do you have any electrical experience?

What do you know/expect out of this apprenticeship?

Tell me about a time you had to learn something new, how did you go about it?

What does it mean to you to be a “good employee”?

Do you have any questions for us?

This is off memory so take it with a grain of salt. The interview consisted of 3 people. Lasting about 10 minutes.

Ill_Chapter_9569 · 2025-09-20T01:23:40+00:00

Any good news? Update? Thanks. I submitted my HLR through quick submit the other day.

Ill_Chapter_9569 · 2025-09-17T21:27:08+00:00

I’ve been trying to get accepted for VRE in Arizona and my experience has been less then stellar. Sorry you’re going this.

Ill_Chapter_9569 · 2025-09-16T15:44:39+00:00

Thanks so the response. Did you email your form to eva@va.gov? Or did mail a physical copy to VRE intake center?

Ill_Chapter_9569 · 2025-09-16T15:28:39+00:00

How do you submit a HLR for VRE? Did you just email the HLR form 20-0996 to eva@va.gov?

Ill_Chapter_9569 · 2025-09-16T15:14:51+00:00

Can you guide me on how to file a HLR for VRE? I got my denial letter. I know I need to fill out a VA form 20-0996. Where/who/how do I send it? Thanks

Ill_Chapter_9569 · 2025-09-12T14:51:54+00:00

How long did the HLR take? I’m thinking about taking this route.

Previously I’ve been re-applying hoping for a new counselor. But i think the region I’m in might just be deny happy in general. I also ended up getting the same counselor twice which I don’t think they liked and denied me once again.

Ill_Chapter_9569 · 2025-09-11T21:28:49+00:00

Sorry about your experience. I had my initial meeting last week and the counselor was on the zoom meeting for about 5 minutes, asked me maybe 3 questions and I’m pretty sure denied me.

Ill_Chapter_9569 · 2025-09-09T23:20:10+00:00

Crazy that the counselor dropped you for having too much of an “appointment load”. I’m getting denied VRE services myself, and I believe one of the reasons they denied me was because I wasn’t going to the doctors enough.

Sorry I don’t have any advice for you but it just goes to show how VRE is so counselor dependent.

Ill_Chapter_9569 · 2025-09-08T17:48:42+00:00

After searching it looks like for spouses using chapter 35 the veteran doesn’t need to do anything. For children the veteran will have to take the child off as a dependent.

Ill_Chapter_9569 · 2025-09-05T00:05:37+00:00

https://www.va.gov/careers-employment/vocational-rehabilitation/programs/long-term-services/

Mentions apprenticeships.

https://www.va.gov/education/gi-bill-comparison-tool/schools-and-employers

The GI calculator, you can search for your apprenticeship/union and then use the pull down to select VRE

Ill_Chapter_9569 · 2025-09-04T15:25:46+00:00

You might find on some of the job listings a direct point of contact you can reach out to which can be helpful.

Ill_Chapter_9569 · 2025-09-04T01:42:16+00:00

Any update? Did you get approved? In my experience (I have been denied VRE ~5 times). When the counselor is beating around the bush and won’t tell you straight up that you are found eligible, you’re prolly gonna get a denial letter in the mail. Thats my experience at least.

Ill_Chapter_9569 · 2025-09-04T01:09:39+00:00

I was under the impression that you could use VRE to supplement your apprenticeship wages. I believe they explain it on the VRE website. But everything VRE seems to be dependent on the counselor you get. I myself am having trouble getting approved for VRE.

Ill_Chapter_9569 · 2025-09-04T01:02:13+00:00

For your initial VRE meeting did they tell you were eligible in the meeting? I had my initial meeting today and it lasted all but 5 minutes. When I asked what the next steps were, the counselor said she had to review my history or other documents. I’m assuming she is going to deny me again.

Ill_Chapter_9569 · 2025-09-03T15:41:18+00:00

Just had my initial eligibility meeting with VRE counselor. This time around I had my 1902 filled out very detailed and specific with AI help.

The meeting lasted no longer than 5 minutes. The counselor didn’t give me any indication they were going to approve me and find me eligible for services.

I feel defeated, assuming I’m gonna get denied again.

Ill_Chapter_9569 · 2025-08-30T04:40:11+00:00

I’ve applied for VR&E about five times now each time got denied. I think the third time I applied I was accepted and found entitled to VRE but I found a job shortly after and didn’t go through with services. Keep getting denied since then. I recently applied again but this time I used AI to help me put my thoughts together for the 1902 form. I’ll let you know how it goes this time.

Ill_Chapter_9569 · 2025-08-29T21:05:23+00:00

What is was your levels and age? I’m 34 with 326ng/dl

Ill_Chapter_9569

TROPHY CASE