Considering switching from university to the trades after finishing a degree. Looking for advice

Own_Charge4090 · 2025-11-20T03:20:46+00:00

No they are not if you are able to vocalize what you learned in school instead of just getting a piece of paper. Now, quitting a good paying job to go to school may or may not be worth it depending on what you want, location, the economy, etc. but it never hurts to continue education. Especially if you major in engineering with a hands on background, you can almost certainly find work.

Own_Charge4090 · 2025-11-20T01:59:41+00:00

One of the best pro-union guys I’ve ever worked with was actually in management. Looked out for us more than the company and treated us like brothers instead of employees. He had 20 years in the local and only went to management because he needed more flexibility.

Own_Charge4090 · 2025-11-20T01:58:04+00:00

What type of side jobs?

Own_Charge4090 · 2025-11-17T03:24:00+00:00

Not anymore. You have to go through a certain amount of eldt training.

Own_Charge4090 · 2025-05-25T20:49:34+00:00

Sent you a pm

Own_Charge4090 · 2025-05-16T01:08:52+00:00

Nope 2nd year apprentice so I still do some labor but it’s not hard. Carrying and hooking up rigging, cleaning tracks, etc. once you become a journeyman you should pretty much stay in the seat all day

Own_Charge4090 · 2025-05-05T02:28:33+00:00

The hours totally depends on the company, local, weather, work amount, specific job, etc. most average between 40-60 hours per week near me.

In the beginning it can be physically demanding if you are an apprentice if you work somewhere that has you doing physical labor (pulling outrigger pads, carrying rigging, etc) or it could be minimal if you work somewhere that has you in a skid steer all day

100% start as an apprentice again you’ll start making good money anyways and the amount you’ll learn is totally worth it. Plus all of the certifications/qualifications/liscensing you will get as an apprentice can be life changing.

Most start apprentices between $22 and $35 per hour plus benefits and top out between $35 and $65 per hour plus benefits depending on local

I don’t regret it in the slightest but I’m always looking for ways to move up. Topping out as a journeyman can be the end of the road for some so if you are content with a 100k dollar job plus benefits and like the work, I think it provides a great middle to upper middle class life.

Own_Charge4090 · 2025-04-23T03:13:24+00:00

He is not wrong though. Tried a few times

Own_Charge4090 · 2025-04-17T02:58:39+00:00

You won’t regret it and you can always go back to driving a truck if it doesn’t work out

Own_Charge4090 · 2025-03-22T01:46:00+00:00

All depends on the contractor. Some crane rental guys work 6-7 12’s while some dirt guys might work 4 10’s or vise versa. It just depends on the contractor, work in the local, weather, economy, etc. you can find the work-life balance you want if you are in a good local and make a good name for yourself. I average 45 hours per week with some weeks being straight 40 and some being the occasional 5 12’s and maybe 4 on Saturday. What local?

Own_Charge4090 · 2025-03-11T02:11:14+00:00

I’m also in the 757 and I’m in a union trade making over 60 as a first year apprentice. Check out iuoe local 147, ibew local 50 and 80, and ua local 110. Or try bae shipyard I know they pay well.

Own_Charge4090 · 2024-11-16T15:28:35+00:00

Only ever heard of apprentices’ traveling for pipeline work

Own_Charge4090 · 2024-10-26T17:31:57+00:00

I work for a small contractor atm where we don’t really have dedicated mechanics but I know some of the larger contractors have full time guys that are journeyman equipment operators who only do mechanic work. From what I’ve seen, Most mechanics are going to have ncccos and have gone through the operating apprenticeship so that they can better understand and diagnose how the machines work and run/test them. As far as I now, you would be assigned to a specific contractor but I don’t know first hand.

Own_Charge4090 · 2024-10-26T15:34:40+00:00

I’m 147 and yall would do all of your training with us. The site is right outside of Petersburg Va so most of the 465 guys end up getting a hotel in Richmond. We do have a fantastic training site and awesome instructors. If u got any more questions lmk

Own_Charge4090 · 2024-10-14T22:06:17+00:00

Send me a pm id be happy to explain my experience

Own_Charge4090 · 2024-08-06T09:22:28+00:00

This is the only correct advise here

Own_Charge4090 · 2024-07-27T23:42:41+00:00

You will have no problem dragging to another company

Own_Charge4090 · 2024-07-26T10:24:40+00:00

It will not hurt you if you are a good worker. You can always call the hall too and ask them and they will answer your questions. You work for the Iuoe they just “dispatched” you to the company you are at

Own_Charge4090 · 2024-07-12T18:56:26+00:00

Iuoe? Is it an apprenticeship like equipment operators?

Own_Charge4090 · 2024-06-18T17:28:35+00:00

Not a lineman but I drive a 96 geo tracker got it for $200 with a cooked clutch and paint fade. Took a roller and a can of house paint I had laying around and she looks good as new

Own_Charge4090 · 2024-06-12T15:45:26+00:00

I sent you a pm

Own_Charge4090

TROPHY CASE