There’s lots of info online for those interested in apprenticeship programs throughout the country, although I don’t think it’s something you do in your spare time. The classroom training is mostly safety oriented and provided for apprentices while they work in the trade. Most trade jobs require 40 hours a week if not more.
As I said before, trade unions are looking for good dependable young people right now, being that the average age for tradesmen is somewhere over 50 I think.
I am a member of International Union of Painter’s and Allied Trades, District Council #4, Lu #112. I’m taking a leave of absence right now to finish a degree in Construction Management Technology at Ecc.
If your interested in becoming a painter, glazier, or drywall finisher, or possibly a carpenter, send me a pm. I’ve worked for a few large companies in the area you could try to apply with before applying for the union. Although you would probably be better off applying with the union first.
If interested in another trade, I’d be happy to help you find the right contacts to get your foot in the door if at all possible.
Well with most of the trade unions you do work a 40 hour week in addition to school. Most of the time the work is first shift and school is at night. So it takes more than a full time commitment. If your looking to do this to supplement the job you have, unless you can shift to third shift with your current job and not sleep, it’s probably not going to work for you.
I am in the electrician’s union which is Local 41. I also know people in the HVAC union as well. If your serious about either let me know. Getting into 41 requires you to take a aptitude test which is math and reading comprehension. I’m guessing other trade unions are similar.
And as far as safety goes, well yeah that is important. Constructions sites are dangerous places. If you don’t learn what the hazards are, good luck avoiding them. Not to mention, in electrical there are obviously plenty more ways to get hurt badly or killed.
Nelson: Hey, look how much Skinner makes–$25,000 a year!
(the kids sound impressed)
Bart: (typing into a calculator) Let’s see, he’s 40 years old, times twenty-five grand…whoa, he’s a millionaire!
Children: Wow!
Principal Skinner: I wasn’t a principal when I was one!
Milhouse: Plus, in the summer he paints houses.
Milhouse: He’s a billionaire!
Children: Wow!
Principal Skinner: If I were a billionaire, why would I be living with my mother?
(the kids laugh)
Principal Skinner: They don’t seem to listen to logic anymore.
true, early on in this thread we were talking about public sector unions. unions that have an artificial monopoly for their services and who are funded by public dollars. they are not subject to market forces as are the types of unions you’re alluding to. definitely good to point out the difference. unions in the private sector that have to compete with non-union companies are a whole other kettle.
for the guys not happy with their current jobs, if you cant find a better one then get a second one or find an after-hours hustle for extra dollars.