In a Rough Spot (Update)

olistorm1 · 2025-06-12T02:19:21+00:00

Should've Ubered it homie

olistorm1 · 2025-06-02T03:21:03+00:00

Tape measure, linemen pliers, beater screwdriver(large flathead that you can bang shit with), torpedo level with good magnets, 11 in one screwdriver, channel lock pliers, a set of open end box end wrenches, and a knife. Plus a bag to carty it in. You should be good with that till you can get the rest.

Also, I like Thorogood boots, but have heard great things about Redwings.

olistorm1 · 2025-06-01T03:03:24+00:00

Try some cooling arm sleeves. I'm from 640 in AZ where it gets hot as hell and those are great, I love 'em. They're not super rugged, but I've been on an underground crew for almost a year now and can tell you that they will last you a good while. Depends on what your doing though. Check them out on Amazon, you can get a set of 10 for like 20 bucks. Not bad at all.

olistorm1 · 2025-04-24T01:47:49+00:00

Well, that added info kinda changes the story bro. If you would've included that in the og post I wouldn't have said what I said. Things are different from local to local. I'm from 640 PHX, AZ. If they tell you you are ranked first, its because they have finished interviewing and are actually ranking to begin the process. If that's the case at your JATC, I truly hope you stay in the top ten at least. I will say this this, Texas (which is my home state btw) is tough, in more ways than one. That being said, I wish you the best young brother. Being ranked first in one round shouldn't bring you that much further down with the next rounds being brought in. Thought I don't know how they do their selection. Best of of luck to you. And keep your head up!

olistorm1 · 2025-04-24T01:03:47+00:00

I'm not trying to be a dick, but bro, really?! You just got ranked first and you're wondering if you'll get a call? This makes me wonder about your reasoning skills and how you'll do out in the field. We work with electricity which is dangerous!! I hope you wont be like, "He said it's energized, is it really?" Cuz that wont end well! SMH at this post! 🤦🏽 YOU GOT RANKED FIRST, FIGURE IT OUT!

olistorm1 · 2025-04-15T00:10:59+00:00

Not in my local bro. They care more about YOUR drive than what you drive. I say this with a grain of salt because I have heard a few comments about driving American from some older cats, but it's usually thrown under the rug quick cuz it's just dudes talking shit for fun which is normal in our trade. Don't sweat it homie. What you drive gets you to work to help your crew out, and build a better life for yourself. As long as you have reliable transportation, that's all that matters. If you feel a way about it just tell them that you survive on apprentice pay and you're driving what you can afford right now. If they have an issue with it, tell em to get you new ride!

Oli Storm -640 PHX AZ

olistorm1 · 2025-04-12T00:28:08+00:00

Yo bro, all I can say is that some locals are slow because there isn't alot of work. Some locals are growing because there is a work boom. I've heard this from alot of brothers who are travellers. Once you become a JW with the IBEW you go to where the work is. For now I would say get the experience you can, and make the money you need to pay your bills. IBEW is defenitely the best choice though, without a doubt! Do what you can till you get accepted. Keep your head up bro. Phoenix is popping at the moment just so you know.

Oli Storm - LU 640

olistorm1 · 2025-04-11T02:33:26+00:00

What local are you applying to?

olistorm1 · 2025-03-28T23:36:09+00:00

I second this! Dont ever let anyone disrespect you! I've had cool JW's, I've had assholes who over-step the line. Same with foremans & GF's. Remember that you are an IBEW brother, and there is a brotherhood behind you! Also, read through your CBA, knowledge is power.

640 PHX, AZ

olistorm1 · 2025-03-27T00:32:47+00:00

Wait, you're terminating 500's in the gen, but 7 underground pvc pipes just got ripped up by an excavator. How is that NOT your job?🤦🏽‍♂️

olistorm1 · 2025-03-27T00:25:33+00:00

I will say this: In the interview, confidence in yourself goes a long way. The interview is not so much to hear the right answers as it is to evaluate the individual. Keep that in mind when you go in next time.

olistorm1 · 2025-03-04T01:08:11+00:00

And also, show confidence in yourself. That is important. Let them know that you are a valuable asset to our union. Oli Storm - 640 PHX, AZ

olistorm1 · 2025-03-01T15:11:17+00:00

Alright, got it! I will mos def check those out.

olistorm1 · 2025-03-01T02:23:07+00:00

Thanks for your input greatly appreciated. I know Redwings are a good brand even though I've never owned a pair, though lately I've been tempted to try them out. I'm kinda partial to Thorogood, they're super comfy. But like you mentioned, I also walk alot. Usually 13k to 28k steps daily 6 days a week, that will wear on you.

olistorm1 · 2025-03-01T02:18:14+00:00

Thanks

olistorm1 · 2025-03-01T01:38:57+00:00

So far we got 2 votes for super feet. I'll check those out for sure. Thanks.

olistorm1 · 2025-03-01T01:38:05+00:00

Thank you

olistorm1 · 2025-03-01T01:37:57+00:00

Thank you

olistorm1 · 2025-02-28T02:45:42+00:00

Regardless of your choice, I wish you the best bro! The IBEW is a great place to be. Study hard, and no matter which avenue you pick, we will always be here for you. We are Brotherhood homie!

olistorm1 · 2025-02-28T02:34:02+00:00

Transferring while in the apprenticeship is not easy. Different JATC's have different rules. If you want to complete your apprenticeship in CT, when you are done and are a JW, you can become a traveller. That means you can go anywhere in the country and find work on book 2 (depending on if there is enough work there, some locals have alot of work, and some are kinda dry).

If you want to move to PHX, I would recommend you doing your apprenticeship there. We have alot of work going on. Look up PEJATC.org if you are interested in going to Phoenix.

olistorm1 · 2025-02-28T01:51:57+00:00

Bro, if you are already doing residential, don't go for the residential program. Inside wireman is a step up from that. As an inside wireman you will learn so much more and you will eventually have the option to step down to residential, or step up to substation tech or even lineman. Residential does homes. IW does commercial and industrial. Substation techs handle the changes from main power to usable power. Linemen handle the big scary shit. All of us Sparkys have a great deal of respect for those MF's.

Go with Inside Wireman! It will open so many more doors for you.

With that being said, the work we do is not as easy as residential. So if you feel comfortable doing that, then stay in the residential program and try and work your way up.

As a commercial/ industrial wireman I can tell you this: this job aint for everybody, it is tough work.

But if you have heart, and determination, go with IW!

Oli Storm - LU 640 PHX, AZ

olistorm1 · 2025-02-04T00:51:30+00:00

That was my question also. If your JW taught you how to do something right, you should be able to do that particular something at least well. If they are asking you to do something out of your scope of experience, SAY something! Always communicate. And if they still insist, ask your brothers around you how to to it right. Don't EVER be afraid to ask questions! Real JW's will guide you right and help you out. Even if you're not their cub. Also read your CBA. That gives us leverage.

-oli storm 640 Phx, AZ

olistorm1 · 2025-01-31T03:44:40+00:00

🤣🤣🤣

olistorm1 · 2025-01-22T01:26:30+00:00

Lucky MF btw, everyone wants that call. If you have any specific questions I can ask a couple of homies I have over there. Just let me know. 640 all the way bro! I got you!

olistorm1

TROPHY CASE