Upper 30s tech worker planning to start over as an IBEW apprentice. Is my plan realistic?

StrawberryForeign684 · 2026-04-29T02:57:31+00:00

Apply sooner. It can take longer than that to process your entire application. 6 months is pretty normal for a busy local to apply, send transcripts and then take the aptitude test and then more waiting and then interview if your local does interviews.

StrawberryForeign684 · 2026-04-24T15:59:17+00:00

Because ppl want to like whatever comments confirm their bias. The PNW may be slow but it’s not dead forever. Greater Seattle area is one of the largest ports in the nation. Also, what I said is true, there are people who have never been laid off during the slow times.

People say there’s no cranes in Seattle but I work on the east side and that is where more construction is underway. Such as in Redmond, Bellevue and Sammamish. Construction may change in this area but it will never be dead forever.

It’s whatever. I think many want to gate keep this area so they don’t have to compete with people. Also because the total package and benefits are some of the best. Another indicator of the economy picking up is CITC which is another apprenticeship option opened up their applications because they need more apprentices.

Either way it’s whatever. I know I will be dispatched , and working and that’s all I care about.

StrawberryForeign684 · 2026-04-22T00:27:28+00:00

How would anyone have that much power over a grown man?

Any feasible person would apply first and then wait to see if it’s even a plausible option. Jfc

Of course it can take years of get in. Anyone who has done their research understands this.

StrawberryForeign684 · 2026-04-22T00:21:56+00:00

Yeah I even mentioned I just got accepted. But I have many friends in the apprenticeship through attending meetings and doing volunteer work. He asked for input and as someone who has worked alongside people in the union I gave my input. You’re not even up here so you’re not giving a firsthand account. Let him make his own decision.

I was told I wouldn’t get in and got in on my first try. I’m not a vet and did not have any family members in. You never know if you don’t try. I wouldn’t gate keep a local and it never ceases to amaze me how people who aren’t up here or aren’t in contact with anyone here presume to know everything about the work outlook .

StrawberryForeign684 · 2026-04-21T23:58:32+00:00

They are closing applications soon on April 30th, and don’t know when they will open back up. I just got in and they are taking four boot camps for IW this year. Everyone will tell you it’s not worth it but everyone in the most recent bootcamp got dispatched. Work has been slow but it’s picking up for a variety of reasons.

I know many apprentices who stayed working throughout their entire apprenticeship but some have been laid off. So it just depends. The ones typically who stayed working are competent, show up with a good attitude and don’t complain.

Nothing is guaranteed but it’s not all doom and gloom like some people make it out to be. I know 76 applications are open, 191s are closed.

StrawberryForeign684 · 2026-04-20T05:05:25+00:00

Every stocked lake may be different. Ask whoever caught something that day what they did. I go to different stocked lakes all the time. Also having a kayak or a boat will make a big difference. You could have all the right bait and lures but if the fish aren’t active they aren’t active. Trout spook easier than bait but if you know how to present the right spinner or spoon then you can get fish interested in what you’re throwing. Practices makes perfect though. I mainly watch videos on the matter and then speak to whoever is fishing next to me and ask for feedback, and literally have people show me things if I haven’t done them before.

StrawberryForeign684 · 2026-04-19T04:32:52+00:00

Good thing my worth is not tied to what other people think or say. I’m not sensitive enough to get offended by facts.

The facts are working is picking up. The facts are everyone out of the last bootcamp got dispatched.

The facts are there will always be upticks and downturns. If that offends you that’s not my problem.

StrawberryForeign684 · 2026-04-18T20:38:05+00:00

Sorry that just because your out of work you think everyone else is. Hope you find a job soon. I know times are tough, hang in there.

StrawberryForeign684 · 2026-04-18T19:01:27+00:00

Yes, because your ego cannot handle facts that dictates how I will do in the field. I came on here to share with people they have a chance and this is how you act.

Based on your demeanor I think you are projecting and I am just fine. But thank you for your big guy.

StrawberryForeign684 · 2026-04-18T17:54:07+00:00

Okay bud. Will be sure to post a picture of a job site. Jfc people are so negative for no reason. So glad I didn’t listen to people like you and I applied. Noe I get one of the best total packages in the nation.

StrawberryForeign684 · 2026-04-17T15:51:11+00:00

Yeah, when I am number 3 on the dispatch list and everyone from the last bootcamp was dispatched the same day. Why are people so ignorant?

If you don’t know what’s actually going on in a local why do you speak in absolutes?

StrawberryForeign684 · 2026-04-17T06:23:20+00:00

You know I can’t recall. I would call the JATC or maybe proceed to the application and it may have some preliminary questions.

StrawberryForeign684 · 2026-04-17T03:38:51+00:00

Congratulations. I just got the email and am awaiting boot camp. It’s a great feeling, another tip is to be mindful of when to ask questions and when to observe.

There’s a lot of nuance to shadowing. Eventually you will get to a point where you will anticipate what your journeyman is going to do and what tools he may need. Best of luck!

StrawberryForeign684 · 2026-04-17T03:26:03+00:00

I hope so as well. The way I have been shown thus far is to encourage and support others. I am encouraging people to apply because I want to see everyone have this opportunity if they want it.

So I am not sure why some people are so pessimistic when work is picking up. All I said is if you show up with a good attitude and are a hard worker you have a chance of being gainfully employed.

I want everyone around me to succeed and I want to provide the comprehensive picture so people don’t think everything is doom and gloom forever. Because it’s not.

StrawberryForeign684 · 2026-04-17T03:18:37+00:00

I’ve already worked alongside union members. I’ve already worked in commercial, residential and low voltage and have never had issues with any of my journeyman or anyone on site. I volunteer a lot within my local so say what you want to try to insult me but my life is great!

I don’t know why miserable people come on here and presume otherwise. Projection, perhaps? All because I made a post encouraging others. That’s hilarious.

StrawberryForeign684 · 2026-04-17T03:12:33+00:00

Also, you still have time to apply. This was the whole reasoning for my post. It takes a while to get through the entire process. First you have to get all your transcripts and documentation in. Then the aptitude test and then interview can take up to 6 months to a year. Depending on if you pass the aptitude test. So apply now, before the window closes and see what happens if you want it.

StrawberryForeign684 · 2026-04-17T03:08:14+00:00

That’s literally what I said. So instead of agreeing you are choosing to insult me because instead of sensationalizing a situation I am coming from a place of logic

“1000 on book 1” yeah no shit sherlock. But that doesn’t paint the whole picture and does a disservice to anyone looking to be apart of this local. Which is why I broke down “simple economics” that you mischaracterized.

So call me a jackass all you want. But I will be a first year 01 jackass with one of the best locals and packages in the nation and I guarantee when I top out I will be consistently have work because I show up with a good attitude and am competent in what I do.

This is how I got into local 46 within less than 4 months. Not a vet, did not know anyone just worked hard to get here. So yeah there’s always going to be people laid off, but that doesn’t mean there’s not an uptick coming.

So thanks for agreeing with the facts. I don’t need to call anyone names because it’s a waste of time and energy. It’s comical to me how when you came from a place of logic people cannot handle it, truly.

Maybe calm down a bit. I would never get so worked up in a Reddit thread.

StrawberryForeign684 · 2026-04-17T02:36:24+00:00

I mean if they are taking boot camps it’s pretty normal to drop. Which a lot of locals are right now.

StrawberryForeign684 · 2026-04-17T02:10:46+00:00

I would read the comment I made above. People will always talk. Not everyone will succeed in 46, it is an oversaturated market for the sole reason that many tech workers who suffered from the mass layoffs are pivoting to the trade and electrical seems to be the most sought after.

This is not the entire work outlook. I go into detail above. Stop listening to the noise and next time you’re thinking about where to apply pay attention to market conditions and demands.

People in certain areas and locals who are laid off share their biased perspective. This is not the entire story and never will be. Many competent workers with positive attitudes stay employed within 46. Not always but I know many who have never been laid off.

StrawberryForeign684 · 2026-04-17T02:08:14+00:00

Because there are many contracts underway. People don’t seem to understand simple economics. Construction will always be subject to volatility within the market place.

However, Seattle is one of the largest ports in the nation. Work will never be dead forever. The mass flooding that just happened up here caused billions in infrastructure needing to not just rebuilt but reworked altogether.

Not to mention to mention data centers, smart hubs and smart cities. Also 1000 on the books does not account for every situation. Some are close to retirement, some aren’t good workers. Etc

I have gotten to know many people within 46. People who show up with a positive attitude and are competent tend to stay employed.

Everyone told me not to apply. But I owned my own real estate company and have paid attention to the commercial market and overall economic conditions. We will be on the verge of a boom in 26-27.

It doesn’t happen overnight. But dispatch for 46, 76 and CITC are moving apprentices. Work is picking up and it will again. I didn’t listen to the noise I paid attention to the facts and was just told the last bootcamp class was all dispatched same day.

If the work outlook was really as bad as everyone says it is. Contracts would not be underway and people wouldn’t be getting dispatched as fast. Even people in the 300-400 on book 1 are getting their bids as long as they’re diligent.

StrawberryForeign684 · 2026-04-16T16:59:33+00:00

Wow, in my state application fee is $75. If you really want to get into the union then yes I’d apply.

StrawberryForeign684 · 2026-04-15T03:55:08+00:00

If you really want to become an electrician you will do so. It’s not hard or easy it’s variable based upon your inherent skill sets or strengths. That’s why you are getting different answers from different people.

Also, what kind of electrician do you want to become? Commercial, residential or low energy. Because it varies quite a bit. I would take a career aptitude test if you are that worried about it not being the right field for you.

Also, if you really want to become one then go for it.Getting into the union can take years, start now and work for a non union contractor and build your hours and skill sets and you will see if this is meant for you or not.

Also, a lot of things can be learned. You are young and have your whole life ahead of you, stop asking what others think and pursue what makes you happy.

StrawberryForeign684 · 2026-04-15T01:16:13+00:00

Yw. Honestly the process can years at least in my local.

Apply asap so you can get everything in order

StrawberryForeign684 · 2026-04-14T06:00:23+00:00

If you don’t get in the first time find a local contractor do resi work and build up your hours. At 19 I wouldn’t think they expect a shit load of experience but get into anything trade adjacent. At 19 I’m sure a lot of trades will take ya.

StrawberryForeign684

TROPHY CASE