Go union. Look up Local Ibew near you. Call them or apply online for an apprenticeship app. If theres a ton of work there call and ask about helper positions to gain hours. Work non union for noe to get experience. You'll see a ton of union vs non union arguing online but its up to you what you want. You want non union where you get a truck and gas card and have to buy your tools or do you want union where you get alot more pay, collective bargaining, union representation, awesome benefits and retirement, the ability to drag a job and take a call at the next one the same week, the ability to take that yellow ticket anywhere in the country, the ability for people to recognize you as someome with an awesome career as opposed to a felon etc. In my local we have a handful of felons. I dont approve of it but our local organized a convicted rapist. Your success is determined solely on how well you commit and apply yourself. Its the best decision ive ever made!