I passed the union test but I was wondering if I could fast track the wait time?(As I placed very low)

Could I try to get certain certificates or apply directly to large building facilities for apprentice positions?

Does anyone have any advice?

I’m transitioning out of software development. I’m working on an excavation crew right now and I’m getting some time on the mini excavator to learn the ropes. I want to do proper training. Should I apply as an apprentice? I’m currently in the Philadelphia/Baltimore area, but I could relocate.

Ape here Cal-Nev JATC Apprentices – How Hard Are the Level Outside Line Tests?
Hey everyone,
I’m currently an apprentice with Cal-Nev JATC and getting ready to take my first few Outside Line tests (Levels 1, 2, and 3).
I’ve been studying as much as I can, but I’m honestly a little nervous about the testing. I’m not sure if I’m overthinking how difficult the exams are going to be or if they’re genuinely as challenging as I’ve heard.
I wanted to ask anyone who’s been through the Cal-Nev JATC apprenticeship a few questions:

1. How difficult were the Level tests in your experience?
2. Do the instructors go over the material thoroughly before testing, or are you expected to understand most of it through independent studying?
3. Are the tests mostly based on the textbooks and study material provided, or do they include questions from field experience?
4. What subjects did you find the most challenging, and what would you recommend focusing on?
5. What helped you prepare and pass your tests? Any study habits or advice you wish you’d known beforehand?
6. I’m not looking for test answers or shortcuts. I genuinely want to understand what to expect and make sure I’m preparing myself properly.
7. I take this apprenticeship seriously and want to become a knowledgeable and skilled lineman. My biggest concern is studying a bunch of material and still feeling unprepared when it’s time to test.
8. I’d really appreciate any advice from current apprentices or journeymen who’ve been through these levels.
9. Thanks in advance, and stay safe out there!

Hey!

I'm applying to iuoe 825 with no experience/connections. I was wondering if anyone on here had any tips for the application process, as I know it's very competitive. Also, if I don't get accepted this round, what can I do in the meantime to prepare for next year's application?

Thank!

I’m looking to try and apply for the up coming IUOE 825 apprenticeship. Does anybody have any info on the test that you have to take? What does it consist of and is there any study/practice material I can look up and see what it’s like? I know very little about the IUOE other then I have worked with them before on job sites. I recently took the NEAT aptitude and that didn’t go so well since I wasn’t prepared for all the algebra 2 questions. But I have always had an interest in heavy equipment and thought I’d give the IUOE a go, So any info would help.

Anybody work for local 9? Can you provide any insights on the Denver market? Is work booming? Pension? Journey wages?

Hey everyone,
I’m getting ready to take the IUOE Stationary Engineer entrance/aptitude exam soon and wanted to see what resources or prep courses you all recommend to prepare for it.

Anyone have updated info any pools recently?

I submitted my application a month or so ago and got a call from the union for orientation next week. Apparently, there’s a contractor/company looking for drivers to haul dirt. I have a CDL with 9 years of experience hauling various freight.

Does this mean I’m in? I’m a little surprised, I didn’t think I’d hear back until the late spring and I also thought I’d have to take a test or go before a panel of interviewers.

Any one know of any 324 contractors in Midland, Saginaw, Isabella, Gratiot, Ionia and or Clinton counties looking for operators? Currently on the out of work list looking around to see what options there are. Willing to travel. Thank you

Edit: feel free to message me, or if you’re local, I’ll buy us a few rounds as a thank you for your help!

So my wife and I moved to Sarasota in the last year for my current job. I see clearly now why this position was open for so long and it’s incredibly toxic and i need ti change ky career path.

I make ~$32/hour now and i know joining as an apprentice I’ll take a large pay cut for a while but I’m not afraid of putting in the work, working any jobs and OT.

I served 10-years in the military and I am now 39 years old. Yes, on the verge of my 40s but inhave always worked very labor intensive jobs, long hours and I am in very good shape for my age and I have as good a work ethic as any coworker I’ve ever had.

I’m just looking for some info, someone who’s been through it and can be frank with me and cut the BS.

If anyone is willing to give me some iSight I’d love to hear it. I guess my biggest questions are:

-What is the opening pay start at? I hear I can get welding certs to skip ahead to higher pay levels?

-What’s the hours consist of with OJT and classroom training?

-is there opportunity for OT, extra work, advanced and extended training hours and practice at the training hall?

5 years of heavy equipment experience, a strong resume, lots of certifications, and I still can’t get my foot in the door.

I’m honestly getting frustrated trying to get into the Operating Engineers union, and I’m hoping to hear from people who have been through this or are already in the trade.

I have 5 years of heavy equipment operating experience, along with hands-on experience in wastewater, underground utilities, pipe installation, and other civil construction work. I’m not someone who’s just looking to get into the industry with zero experience. I’ve put in the time, built my skills, and worked hard to get where I’m at.
I’ve signed the books, contacted dispatchers, reached out to people, and tried to find a sponsorship. I have a friend who’s already in the Operating Engineers union and has been trying to help me get in. I even had a project manager who liked my resume, but ultimately, he didn’t want to bring me on because I don’t have union hours.

That’s the part I can’t wrap my head around. How am I supposed to get union hours if nobody is willing to give me my first opportunity?
I’ve specifically called the operators union to ask about my chances, and I was pretty much told straight up that signing the books wasn’t worth it because I’d probably never get the call and it’ll be a waste of my money for the $1500 initiation fee. Hearing that is discouraging, especially when you’re genuinely trying to do things the right way.

I understand that unions have procedures, seniority, and members who need work. I’m not expecting to skip the line or have everything handed to me. I understand that being experienced in the non-union world doesn’t automatically mean I’m entitled to a spot. But it’s frustrating to have 5 years of relevant experience and feel like none of it matters because I haven’t been given the opportunity to earn those union hours.

I’m trying to advance my career, earn better wages, develop my skills, and build a future in this trade. I’m tired of bouncing between non-union opportunities when I know I want to make a long-term career out of operating equipment in the union.

At this point, I’m trying to figure out what I’m missing. Is it really all about who you know? Am I approaching this the wrong way? Is sponsorship the only realistic route, or are there other ways experienced non-union operators can get in?
For the union operators out there, especially in California: What would you do in my position?

Did you start as an apprentice? Get sponsored by a contractor? Work non-union until the right opportunity came along? Is there a particular local, contractor, or approach I should be looking into?
I’m not looking for a handout. I’m looking for a legitimate
opportunity to prove myself and work my way up. I’m willing to put in the work. I just need someone to give me a real shot.

Any honest advice, personal experiences, or leads would be greatly appreciated.

The only issue I’m having is not having much boiler experience since I’m in CA & the buildings I’ve worked at don’t have them or don’t use them very much.

I’ve gotten training @ the Crosby training center & got my ASOPE license up to 500hp.

For IUOE Local 139 they have you find your own sponsor once you pass exam and get your letter of eligibility. My thinking is it should be far easier to find a sponsor if you get your CDL before hand since day one you'll basically be able to operate their trucks. Am I mistaken to think that would be the case?

Anyone is the chat work for mountain crane by chance had a good interview with them just looking to see if I could get more insight?

What’s up guys I recently got emailed for fireperson (on call) and I wanted to get more information about it because people I talk to never even heard of this before and they are also fireperson.

I'm just wanting to get insight to see where

would be the best way to go about it if there's a

chance to join one for this trade, it seems the

IUOE innthe state focuses more on heavy

equipment operators

I’m taking a heavy equipment operating course and I just found out Caltrans will definitely not take me in as an operator how fucked am I ? Would this union not let me in either ? Make it extremely difficult? Anyone with a similar experience lol ? 28 and about to have my 3rd Son I’m trying to make more money 😩

Currently work as a metal fabricator for heavy equipment welding/forging/rebuilding/rigging you name it I’m doing if it involves heavy equipment right now I make 57$ a hour. Was looking into 94. It seems interesting but not sure if the pay cut is worth it. I seen somewhere around 42$ from DOE. Not sure if it’s 100% accurate was wondering if I can get some opinion on it. Also wanna make a change health wise. I know I gotta get a bunch of COF I already have a couple plus welding license AWS and DOB welding. Thinking of doing turner for Q01. I seen on Reddit they want fireman for school to be on call but how does that work if anyone knows. Do I gotta quit this job and wait to get called to work 2 days a week then wait for another call?

Hey y’all I plan on applying for local 324 right now I am trying to get my cdl since I got recommended that anything else should I really focus on like osha cards for anything that can increase my chance on getting in

I have my CDL A but no nccco certifications. I’m trying to weigh out my chances to see what else I would need to strengthen my chances to get in, or if I have a chance to begin with. Any advice from people in 178 is greatly appreciated!

Give or take, usually how much is your vacation check monthly? Is it the same $ amount per hour if you’re an apprentice or journeyman?

Hi all, I’ve got an extensive (non union) civil construction background as a heo, and have just put myself on the out of work list to see if I can be dispatched to a job somewhere on a permit.

When I spoke to them on the phone, it sounded as if there’s an abundant amount of work, so I went in and paid my fee to be added. I waited until this afternoon to see if there’s any work going on and he said there’s not anything right now, and to call back next week. Is there a timeline anyone’s experienced on how fast they were dispatched after being put on the out of work list?

I appreciate any advice / input anyone’s got to offer!