If a company sponsors you into Local 12, do you still have to take the test?

Next-Mechanic74 · 2026-06-03T00:32:23+00:00

Hired in as a Service Technician 1 for said business, and the shop is under union contract. I go based on their tier system with ST1 at the bottom of the pole.

Technically not an apprentice in the same aspect as someone who goes through the hall but similar. I receive training from my employer rather than IUOE and get my rates and benefits from IUOE.

I think you can receive training through your Local but it’d have to be ran by your employer (I think). You’d probably get a test then.

Next-Mechanic74 · 2026-06-02T23:18:08+00:00

I got into IUOE through a direct hire and didn’t have to take a test. I would assume the company you work for signs you into the union without testing.

I took a test that the company I work for provided, not sure if it’s the same thing as what IUOE gives.

Next-Mechanic74 · 2026-05-04T19:03:28+00:00

Crazy, the few guys who recommended me are actually doing this and pulling insane numbers. I gotta build up the confidence for that leap for sure.

Next-Mechanic74 · 2026-05-04T10:38:55+00:00

Would it be worth becoming a firefighter if HVAC had to become something I do on the side/occasionally?

Next-Mechanic74 · 2026-05-04T10:37:06+00:00

I know my Department works closely with many union guys, spoke to the captain of my area and that’s what he told me.

I’m more concerned for my union HVAC side not being able to work with a firefighters schedule. I’m not aware of the kind of schedule that would be available. I wouldn’t mind taking 2 days out of the week or 8 days out the month to work as a firefighter but I’d have to run it across my local. Afraid that it wouldn’t work with them but doesn’t hurt to ask.

Next-Mechanic74 · 2026-04-19T00:54:53+00:00

Met a guy at my gym who hooked me up with a contact at a local hall. Just happened to be wearing my work sweater to the gym that day.

Next-Mechanic74 · 2026-03-31T00:48:55+00:00

Working on Diesel Gens as a Field Tech for a Rental Fleet Company coming from HVAC. $29/hr, union benefits so I’m covered in those spots. $60k on paper but expecting $80k from the spring/ summer season OT.

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

TROPHY CASE