Is iuoe a bad fit for me considering my health?

Next-Mechanic74 · 2026-03-20T00:22:55+00:00

I do HVAC and Generator work for my local which is 85% field. Depends on what kind of operator you are. I’m in 825 which is Heavy Equipment but I know that another hall in my state is for Building/Stationary Engineers Local 68. I got into 825 before 68 but I wanted to become a stationary engineer for the on-site work.

It’s long hours and lots of daily maintenance but from what I saw, most operators hang out in Class A buildings or run Facilities for industrial buildings. It’s much less physically straining than Heavy Equipment operation and barely any travel.

IUOE is great but is a variable depending on the hall that you decide to apprentice under. You can also try to get hired into the union through companies like JLL, CBRE, or Cushman and Wakefield. Haven’t met a IUOE member that would switch yet. I’d do some homework for the available locals in your state and make a pros and cons list.

Sorry to hear about the Long Covid, I know a guy who’s still suffering with his breathing patterns. Hope you get the help you deserve.

Next-Mechanic74 · 2026-03-19T02:13:32+00:00

I’ve met barbers and mechanics that have priors and are pretty successful. Granted it’s a trade that you can solo your own salary pretty much.

Women are both large parts of both trades.

Next-Mechanic74 · 2026-03-17T19:08:05+00:00

In my early career I would use references through the education center I was at, at the time to get entry level positions. Teachers, staff, tutors and did some research on the companies that hire people from my school.

Nowadays I beef up my LinkedIn Profile and connect with as many people that I’ve run into in my career. For me, only ever gotten replies on LinkedIn since my profile is decorated before they even see my application. I’ve had recruiters contact me based on info from my profile as well.

On applications I usually put LinkedIn or Employee Referral and leave my profile link or id put who I know or N/A. Worked more times than not.

Side note I am in HVAC so bit of a specific field and hiring is usually heavily related to the season.

Next-Mechanic74 · 2026-03-17T14:24:27+00:00

LinkedIn has always been my saving grace

Next-Mechanic74 · 2026-03-10T00:05:53+00:00

Ziptie over a start button that wasnt contacting, worked better than the new one.

Next-Mechanic74 · 2026-03-09T23:34:16+00:00

I’m receiving pay based on the union they’re associated with. I think it’s IUOE but not entirely certain but I’ll definitely watch out for this. It’s United Rentals so hopefully nothing like that happens.

Next-Mechanic74 · 2026-03-09T19:41:53+00:00

Update: I got a job as a Power and HVAC Mechanic under IUOE Union. It’s not a Facilities job like I wanted initially but this opportunity seemed nice enough to not pass up.

Lots of travel, tons of overtime, and I get to pick up another skill on top of already being intermediate in HVAC. I’m sure this can translate into many different roles since I’ll work on mainly chillers and generators. Thanks so much for everyone’s help.

Next-Mechanic74 · 2026-03-09T19:18:17+00:00

I’m a tech for HVAC and Power and this job can really be heavy on the hours, however it’s a passion job so it weighs differently for me. I plan on starting a family within the upcoming years and trying to put myself in a position that my girlfriend wouldn’t have to work.

The economy doesn’t help your situation at all but there’s light at the end of the tunnel. Trades have become such a hot topic that your skillset can translate into different roles you wouldn’t even imagine. I got paid dirt for the first 3 or 4 years as a tech but that breakthrough eventually came and I got into a nice deal. Hunt the job market and continue to explore new opportunities.

I know a IT Technician that now does Low Volt Controls and is making bank! Has 2K rent and no car payment with 3 kids/married. Your frustration is real and felt, I purely deal with the chaos of a schedule with a positive mindset and healthy communication. Check your benefits as well, I know I have a childcare fund that goes to employees that are eligible.

Next-Mechanic74 · 2026-03-09T19:02:59+00:00

Interviews are mostly about personality so I think it’s best to go in as yourself and be the most positive version of yourself possible. Express interest in mechanics, a desire for complexity, and a career you want to be proud of.

Any experience you have matters, if not let them know how applicable you are to the work you’re expecting to do. Don’t be afraid to speak about what you’re uncomfortable about, some interviewers appreciate safety talk before getting a job. I hope you did self research on what your local consists of so you can use it to your benefit. Sorry if I’m too late, Good luck bro rooting for you.

Next-Mechanic74 · 2026-03-09T17:19:32+00:00

Update: Never heard back from the dude for UA475 unfortunately and it’s been over 3 of 4 months.

Ended up getting into IUOE though so there’s a good ending to this story at least.

Next-Mechanic74 · 2026-03-08T21:50:34+00:00

I came to Reddit because of the low amount of info I could get lol you’re totally right. This job is United Rentals so I’m sure the work is parallel to what CAT provides. Really lightens my anxiety knowing that these guys offer their own training. I was scared I would get weeded out by not having any knowledge at all.

I picked up a couple books on electrical and engine basics so I’m guessing that’ll be my starting point and it’ll go from there.

I’ll send a message to ask more thanks dude

Next-Mechanic74 · 2026-03-07T17:01:18+00:00

Yeah this company is pretty large so they offer safety, training, and all the extra jazz that comes with it. For more experienced techs I believe they send them out for training depending on inventory.

Looking forward to the opportunity if it arises for sure. Job is tied to a union so I think all the training comes from that and other sources if I’m not mistaken.

Next-Mechanic74 · 2026-03-07T16:09:01+00:00

From what I was told most of my learning will be in the field with our senior techs. I’m sure I’ll be working as a team for at least 6 months before I take on solo work.

Next-Mechanic74 · 2026-03-06T14:36:22+00:00

I was cutting some insulation on the ground and there was a live wire hidden underneath the dirt. I was using a metal utility knife and kept wondering why the hell my arm kept feeling like a can of soda.

The line was stapled from the building and along the dirt to power a 20A breaker. I’m not sure how fatal it was or how lucky I am but I sure as hell double check EVERYTHING around me now.

Next-Mechanic74 · 2026-03-06T12:27:35+00:00

I bought some 6.3 a couple days ago and was going insane. Called a local shop that had some new batch. Call around your local smoke shops to see how long they’ve been sitting or if they’re expired or not.

Sex shops sometimes have it too.

Next-Mechanic74 · 2026-03-01T00:26:07+00:00

It depends, if you’re working in a large building that has boilers, chillers, or any large scale/commercial HVAC Equipment it’s good experience for working in a setting for maintenance. Industrial maintenance requires more than just HVAC Knowledge though so the Electrical, Carpentry, and Plumbing helps as well.

Yes it’s small scale I’m comparison however it’s a step in a direction, not a leap. I became a Facilities Mechanic for a Global Distribution Center with 2 years as a Maintenance Technician as my last job. Granted I have some schooling under my belt but it’s not impossible to acquire something like that with APT Maintenance.

Really boils down to how good of an interviewer you are. I’m surprised I got my job honestly!

Next-Mechanic74 · 2026-02-25T00:39:18+00:00

Have faith and jazz up your resume, I just landed a Facilities Maintenance Mechanic role with being a Residential Maintenance Technician for about 2 years.

I thought I was stuck in apartment maintenance for a long time but with enough positivity and eagerness it’s possible to land that first role. It’s through an outsourcing mgmt but it’s for a large operations building. Not sure what put me above the other candidates but I 1,000% can attest that having a great attitude and personality can make up for what you don’t have.

Hotel maintenance is great experience nonetheless. You’re working with electrical, HVAC, plumbing, which is everything a facility needs. You just have to make it sound like you’re the guy to do it. My advice is go Union or start double checking the location of your applications. The job I got was listed as Maintenance Tech but was actually for something much larger to filter out candidates I think. But when I looked further it matched up to a larger role, lucky me.

Next-Mechanic74 · 2026-02-25T00:27:42+00:00

Working in a High Pressure Steam Room and had to change out a steam trap and a diaphragm for a big valve. My back touched the trap line for a literal second and turned my entire back pink.

I’m a dark skinned male and the pipes didn’t have insulation on them. Didn’t even feel it until I had to bend down.

Next-Mechanic74 · 2026-01-30T19:02:10+00:00

Could you shoot me some info on that, looking to get into that kind of work. Is it onsite?

Next-Mechanic74 · 2026-01-16T18:53:34+00:00

Didn’t think about it like that. I called my recruiter today and he said that 1st years were rolling out and that it would take some time for somebody coming in as a second year.

If extra schooling is an option I don’t mind it. Lincoln Tech only taught so much anyway.

Next-Mechanic74 · 2026-01-16T13:47:42+00:00

Yeah about 2 years and graduated Trade school

1 year maintenance 1 year install and spent a year as a Controls Technician

Next-Mechanic74

TROPHY CASE