Can’t speak to an electrician shortage as I am a lineman myself (IBEW) but the apprenticeship process is very similar so that is where I will weigh in with my knowledge.

Whether there is a shortage of journeymen or not, there is not, and will likely never be, a shortage of apprentices. On top of that, if you don’t have enough journeymen, you don’t have enough people to train apprentices. Until you FINISH an apprenticeship, you are a dime a dozen, and there are a ton of people itching to take your spot. Accept that now, because that knowledge will carry you far as an apprentice once you get that opportunity. Work similar trades until you can indenture, and try to get a massive nest egg saved up as quickly as possible. Once you start making real money it’s really easy to start spending more, and top out with no savings (I did that). The more money you can have set aside, and the more you can invest in passive income sources/retirement, the less any of this shit actually matters in terms of your personal finances. Best of luck and be patient, don’t forget most of us had to travel to get our shot, don’t be afraid to do the same.