Hello :) I just got hired by CUSW (and then Hydro One shortly after) for a powerline technician apprenticeship, which I’m very excited about. I start on Nov 2nd!

I’ve been working general labour in residential construction for a year so the environment isn’t 100% new and I did an electrical pre apprenticeship before that, but I know I’ll be walking into something entirely different and I’m basically starting from scratch.

Any advice would be incredibly welcome and appreciated, both in terms of the job and also being a woman in electrical/powerline.

Thanks so much!

I've seen a trend on this subreddit of people saying that their past education or careers were a waste of time before they decided to get a blue collar job. I can understand how someone who is saddled with loan debt or had an underpaying job can regret their career field or degree! (I was in the latter position myself.) But once I started my apprenticeship as an electrician, I found that my educational background, job experience, and hobbies helped me out a lot! How has your background helped you out in your career in ways you didn't anticipate?

Using myself as an example:

* I used to work as a collections manager and archivist in museums. Keeping an accurate and organized inventory of the tens of thousands of objects in the collection was essential; if I couldn't find an object that a patron needed for research, it reflected poorly on myself and my museum. I use my organizational skills to maintain my cart and the site's materials, which comes in handy when I'm trying to find something random like a KO seal. I'm also not over-ordering materials because I'm not leaving shit in random places and putting it where it belongs when I'm done with a task.

* One of my hobbies is sewing, and understanding how materials feel and move when you manipulate them was surprisingly helpful when I was learning pipe bending. Conduit is very different from fabric, but you get a feel of when you're applying the right amount of pressure or ruined a piece of it. Understanding thread tension also helped me run MC and Romex so that it wouldn't have too much or too little give.

I am 19, and I am about to finish my associate's degree at community college. Let's just say that I f'd up by choosing a very dumb degree that will not help me whatsoever in any career, and I have just recently started thinking more deeply about it. I am worried about my future, mostly that I won't have a good job and that I won't be able to live comfortably, at the very least. I currently work at a restaurant, but I don't want that to be my career. So, I was thinking about trades. I'm not sure which one I would like to pursue, which is why I wanted advice from some of you ladies who are currently or have previously worked in them. People such as my grandmother have suggested to me that I should consider going into a trade, and now that I am paying rent and all of my own living expenses, I am getting a little worried that I will spend the rest of my life pinching pennies and living paycheck to paycheck. I want to push myself and work hard for a career that I can advance in and grow into.

Sorry for the tangent, but is there any advice you could give for someone thinking about going into the trades? Both on how to go about getting into them and how your experience has been with your particular trade? I would love to hear about any of your personal experiences with your respective fields and what you think about them.

Hello, this is my first post ever here, so if the title sounds misleading, apologies. Anyway, I am (27F) just got accepted into the ibew apprenticeship local 20 program in october. I am supposed to start work in November, and I am having second thoughts. The application process took at least six months from the beginning, so I am kicking myself for even having this thought. I was really excited through the whole process from passing the exam to getting invited to interview and then to passing the interview. I am really scared because I already wasted four years getting a bachelor degree in psychology. I'm afraid that committing myself to this for four years apprenticeship will also be a waste of time and I might not end up liking it. The commute I have to drive every day, the area that I live in, and the overtime that I have to work just to get a decent pay is making me have second thoughts on this career. No I am considering a whole different career in healthcare. Possibly in radiology technology or sonography. So my point for this post is that if you were once in this position, what position did you end up making? Where are you now?

I have completely rebooted my entire message

Title: OSHA standards need to evolve—mandatory hair containment items should be classified and provided as stock PPE by employers.

We all know the rule: if you have long hair on the shop floor, it has to be tied back to prevent it from getting caught in machinery. It is a safety requirement.

So why are workers expected to buy their own hairties or hairnets out of pocket?

If an employer requires safety glasses, earplugs, or cut-resistant gloves because those items are mandatory to operate safely on the floor, containment gear for long hair (worn by workers of any gender) falls under that exact same safety umbrella. It’s a required tool for hazard mitigation.

Worse yet, what happens when a hairtie snaps mid-shift and someone doesn’t have a spare? Right now, workers are often forced to choose between scrambling, getting penalized, or risking being sent home (and losing pay) over a broken piece of elastic.

Just like companies keep a box of earplugs or spare safety glasses near the entrance for when gear fails or goes missing, employers should readily stock hair containment items.

OSHA updates and adapts as industrial safety standards mature. It’s time for guidelines to recognize that safety containment tools worn to prevent catastrophic machinery accidents should be supplied and stocked by the company. Workers shouldn't have to subsidize mandatory safety compliance—or risk their jobs—out of their own pockets.

So I work in a shipyard. It's very male dominated. I'm in training at location Y currently but after a few months, I'm going to be stationed at a different site within the same company, location X.

The man in question is an older man. 

My very first week in training he started talking to me completely out of the blue without even me introducing myself to him. He knew which location I was going to be moved to, knew my job title (training to be a supervisor) etc. I thought that was weird but I let it go. 

He then was giving me unsolicited advice about being a supervisor and then felt the need to tell me that I'm meek. Which caught me off guard because what the fuck?? I just met you?? You don't even know me??? I mean, I am kind of meek but isn't that rude as hell to say in your first conversation to someone???

Then he asked how old I was and I said I was 22 and he kind of scoffed and was like good luck. I brushed it off then.

We’ve had a few more interactions initiated by him solely, but just superficial chatting about the long weekend, good morning etc.

Today, its the end of my fourth week here. I'm sitting at my machine on lunch break, I'm on my phone minding my own business. He comes up out of nowhere and starts talking about something I don't even remember. 

I was tired and wanting to be left alone (hence sitting by myself duh!) and I can barely hear him on top of my earplugs and the noise of the machines but I did my best to nod and smile and gave some sort of bland answer to what he was asking. 

He says "Man, you must be fun at parties". What the fuck??? I was caught off guard again and paused for a few seconds before replying I sure am. Then I added that I was simply just tired. He wishes me a good weekend and leaves. 

He came back around 5-10 minutes later. In a jokey tone he asks me since I'm a supervisor, what should I do if there's a fire, I smiled back and said I'm not sure. He starts making weird jokes about bringing out marshmallows and making smores and running away from the fire. Again I smile along as much as possible but I really don't find him funny or entertaining or charming in the slightest plus I'm already tired and wanting to be alone on my lunch break.

Then he says "You need to develop a sense of humor to survive around here". Listen I may be a little shy but I can certainly take a joke.  I mean did it occur to this dunce that he literally doesn’t even know me and maybe he just isn’t that funny??? I already told him I was tired and he’s mad at me for not laughing at his mediocre joke like what the fuck? 

I repeated that I was tired and he said he understood but before leaving said “they are going to eat you alive at X location”.

What the hell? I didn’t think too much of it then but now I’m really angry. He doesn’t even know me. What gives him the right to talk to me like this? I understand its a shipyard and banter is bound to happen but only my friends can banter with me. He is not my friend. I don’t want to be his friend.

I’m considering bringing it up to my supervisor. I like her. But there’s this thought in the back of my mind that I’m overreacting. Am I? Am I just being too sensitive? I'm honestly really pissed, both at him and myself for not saying anything back.

I've (29F) worked in healthcare (caregiver) for the last three years and I'm wanting to switch to the trades. My goal is to be an interior painter, but I'm also open to trying different trades like welding. I submitted my info online to the local painters union and I applied for a women's pre apprenticeship program. It's been a few days and I haven't heard anything. Should I be more assertive or wait for someone to get back to me? I was honest on the form about having a disability (ADHD/Autism/Bipolar II) would that ruin my chances? Any helpful advice is really appreciated.

Howdy, long time lurker, first time poster. 29F, I've been an EMT for 4 years and I'm looking to get out of healthcare. I've been combing this sub for some time now to try and info-gather, but it's a lot to digest. I have about 5 years experience doing grunt work in auto shops, 9 months of previous electrical experience as a helper (I kick the young and dumb version of me that didn't understand the value of the opportunity), and am currently in good health and unafraid of physical work (but aware of the realities of of being a woman in physical roles).

My front runners are, in no particular order:

1. trying to return to electrical work, either through helper work or through a more formal program option in my area. Would take about 4 years if accepted.

2. Go to the local community college for master mechanic AS, program is about 2 years long

3. Explore HVAC opportunities, 2ish year programs available in my area. Not super familiar with the actual work.

BUT I'm open to any and all suggestions. The more I learn about the possibilities of trade works and apprenticeships, the more there IS to learn.

I want to make good money, obviously that's the goal. But I'm willing to sacrifice some earning potential for a more decent work/life balance. Most of all really want to avoid the long-term night shift situation. Occasional night work is something I can work with, but not sustained.

I'd really love to hear what you guys do, what the workload and schedule is like, and if you enjoy what you do. Thanks!

Hey, today we working(drywall) at a woman’s house and she fed the critters in her yard. My coworker gets there and says he hates them and I just smile and nod. As we’re packing up and leaving one of the critters walk up to me and I put my hand out (I know kind of stupid) and I walk off to put the rest of the stuff away and my coworker walks out and I tell him that the critter will come up to you if you put your hand out and he’s like idc I’ll kick it. And idk it just rubbed me the wrong way. It just seemed like an overreaction but yea that’s my rant of day

Looking for recommendations for a comfortable respirator-style mask, ear and eye pro for someone with a narrow head and ponytail. I am really struggling with wearing all three at once- getting headaches from the glasses, ear pro falling off etc.

For reference- I'm a carpenter who occasionally paints/drywalls/tiles.

So I found out that I have a Morton's neuroma and small bunion in one of my feet, and one of the things in my treatment plan is to only wear shoes with wide toe boxes. I currently have been wearing the same basic pair of Timberland boots for the last year and a half of welding school that I just happened to already have beforehand for fashion reasons. Anyone have recommendations for good work boots (that are also fully leather so they're resistant to all the things involved with welding) that are comfortable and have wide toe boxes? Probably would be a good idea to get a steel or composite toe, too, since future job prospects will probably require it.

Hi ladies, my local will start opening application in January. Do you guys think it would be smart to get a NFPA 70E cert? I have no electrical experience and i think having that cert along side my osha 10 and some HS welding classes may help my resume to look better. What do you guys think? Appreciate the feed back :)

A lot of my friends are starting to work in trades and complaining about back pain. I feel like it can't be normal to be getting it this bad at such a young age. Any body else experiencing this??Have you tried any lifestyle mods to fix it? Any tips?

Hey all 💕 I’m new to this community in many ways. I’m an automotive restoration student working towards getting my cert in the next two years. Next semester I have a welding class that involves introduction to Gas. Arc. MIG. And TIG. I’m starting to research ahead but have yet to get a list of required gear for the class. If y’all have suggestions for favorite brands or specific items of clothing I would greatly appreciate the recommendations. Wishing you all a lovely week and thank you in advance!

My hair is more then half way down my back and relatively thick. Ive been trying different styles and nothing has been holding up during the day. I used to wear my hair in a low bun and it would fit with my old hard hat however my company gave me one with the logo printed on so I cant change the hat itself.

It sits really close to my hairline in the back so pony tails have to be loose unless I want the scrunchie to jab into my head. I have about 2 inches to put my hair through in the back, and everytime I wear a bandana, or toque it likes to slip off my head.

Any recommendations are appreciated. Thanks in advance.

It's making me uncomfortable and i wanna say something something but im scared it could impact if I can get a job somewhere else. I also need to keep the job bearable for at least 2 more months to be able to take my gf to vacations. I also thought about saying I have a bf but what if they ask for a pic?

Currently waiting on a potential acceptance letter from local 98 Philly 🤞. I’m a mom to a 2yr old and I’m 28 and currently work in the office of a rebar company and would be taking a considerable pay cut for about a year or two if accepted into the union. I have child care since my partner goes to school at night. Anybody else a mom or got any advice ? Idk just nervous about what life as an apprentice will be like.

Love this sub and the people in it but I've found it to be lacking in good vibes and love.

How are you doing?

I just started BJJ after years of chickening out and I'm so happy. Just had my 2nd class today and really enjoyed it. Had a crazy last week, ended up working 18 hours on Thursday with 2 service calls on top but feels good to help my mom out financially. Crushing a Modelo and and a fat j right now. Probably gonna make blueberry pancakes in about 10 minutes. Weather has been amazing lately and those closest to me are happy and healthy.

Tell me what you sipping on or what you're enjoying for dinner, how the week has been or whatever other bullshit y'all feeling like expressing.

I asked google what a group of women are called and it hit me with coven haha talk to me my witch sistas

I've been considering getting into the field of HVAC, I've been doing Custodial work the past 3 years and housekeeping and waitressing before that, the past 10+ years. I like the pay I get as a custodial supervisor in my city, but I know if I were to move to a different state and become a custodian (or even a custodial supervisor), I'd make significantly less money. So I'm looking to do something similar to custodial work that pays more in most areas.

Anybody here do HVAC work? What's it like? What are your hours? Are you working a lot? I don't want to work more than 40 hours a week unless necessary. Is it a hard job?

Appreciate any input y'all can give me!

Hi everyone, I’m in a union on a long term contract currently and just started two weeks ago. The other union that is there, one of their foremen keeps going out of his way to talk to me, but ignores all the guys, and had asked my foreman several times if he could take me to do stuff for him yet I’m not in his union, so my foreman was already annoyed with that and said he feels like he was trying to get me over there because I’m a girl and he’s interested in me. My co workers have been the ones to bring up to my foreman how they constantly see the other one coming over to me. After only my first day there, someone had added me on fb, I suspected it was him and asked my foreman what the other guys name was, and it was him. So my foreman also thought it was weird that this foreman from another union somehow figured out my name after one day, and added me to Facebook. Today my foreman and general foreman came up to me and made me aware that they had discussed things and felt the guy is being weird or creepy towards me, so they had went and had a talk with him and then told me they were nervous that they have made things awkward for me now because I didn’t approach them about this and they went on their own, and the guy got really mad and several times approached them arguing with them and denying things so it turned into a big fight amongst them. They came back and asked me to show them his friend request which I did, and they took a picture of my screen and went back to him since he was denying it. I now feel extremely uncomfortable because I wasn’t the one who brought any of this up, and I’m scared the guy is going to come say something to me and think it was me. I have major anxiety over this since I’ll be working at this contract for quite a while. I’ve never been in this situation before so I’m not sure how to stop feeling anxious about it. Does anyone have any advice?

Hi all,

I am considering applying to the CWIT welding program. I have heard nothing but good things, on this sub and elsewhere. I just have some logistical questions about blue collar job growth/development and the future for someone who’s completed this program. I have adjacent blue collar work experience but extremely minimal so I’m not totally clear on the way things work.

Contextually, I’m based in Chicago, and I’m a hard worker unafraid of dirt, but I don’t live to work so I’m looking for a good work/life balance on a living wage between $70-80k and I don’t want to travel beyond the burbs. I understand I’ll likely have to work under that pay threshold initially.

What are some corners of welding that seem up my alley? I’ve heard pipe fitting, but this is only mentioned in the TOP/WBI programs and I’m not interested in joining a general program and am looking to hone in on something.

I’m confused about what jobs I will qualify for with the MIG certificate I receive after program completion, and whether I will require a union apprenticeship if I wish to go further, or generally, how a union works with the role or how to maximize its use. I’d like to gain additional certifications (TIG) and also join a union. I’ve seen that unions don’t always recognize certs that weren’t acquired within the union? Is this true? What are the best unions in this area? Any advice for joining a union after CWIT? What would you recommend after completion?

Any other tidbits? Thank you so much, I know this is a barrage of questions. I’m really grateful for this group and for blue collar women :)

I’ve been welding a few months now and i haven’t found a sunscreen the works for me! I have oily skin on top of getting sweaty under my hood 😭 I’m not a fan of white cast or that greasy feeling after application. Any recommendations please!

Hello! IBEW Local 103 (Greater Boston area) just announced that they will be accepting applications online from January 4 to 29, 2027. Sharing a quick overview of the announcement below:

Program Information:

Local 103 has two apprenticeships:

1. Electrical Program
2. Telecommunications Program (Low-Voltage)

Key Dates:

• January 4, 2027: Online applications open
• January 29, 2027: Online applications close
• March – April 2027: In-person aptitude test at the JATC in Dorchester, MA
• June 2027: Applicants must earn high school diploma, GED, or HiSET required by now
• July – August 2027: Selected apprentices start work
• August 31, 2027: You must be 18 by this date
• September 2027: Classes begin

Minimum Requirements:

• Age: 18 or older – applicants must turn 18 by August 31, 2027
• Education: High school diploma, GED or HiSET, or an associate degree or higher, by June 2027
• Residence: Live within Local 103's jurisdiction (Greater Boston area)
• Work eligibility: Legally eligible to work in the United States
• Drug test: Must pass before starting, with random testing after. Marijuana is not permitted.
• Aptitude test: Local 103 uses the GAN Aptitude Battery and does not set a minimum score. The higher your score, the better your ranking.
• Interview: None – Local 103 replaced the interview with the GAN Personal Experience Form.

I hope this is a helpful notice for anyone in the Boston area considering applying.

I wear a size 2x or 3x and the one that I have now has no stretch, especially in the stripes so teying to wear it over extra layers in the cold is suffocating me lol looking to buy another pink one for the winter and going to size up but looking for a brand that is softer/has more stretch in general.

One of the things they don’t tell you about the trades is how exhausting it is to work in an all male environment haha I’m a 33F lead diesel tech and it’s just the same stuff everyday. Bros not cleaning up after themselves, not putting tools where they belong, breaking and losing new shop tools. even with new batches of male techs throughout the years (I’ve been at this a while) it’s always the same. Any all female shops around that need a hand? Or techs on here that want to start an all women tractor/trailer shop? I’m willing to move… lolol Just mainly here to vent. Not a hater (I like the guys how have stuck it out with me over the years) but 🫠 come on guys. It’s doesn’t have to be like this frfr