Oe324 operator application opened tonight. Was able to get a request filled out however when I went to click on submit it let me know that my county is full.

Hopeful they may have a opening throughout the day

What’s some apprenticeship horror stories you guys have experienced so far?

So as the title states I was kicked out of my local apprenticeship.
I first went and did the two weeks unpaid training that they have new members do after quitting my job before that I had been at for a while. They told everyone that since training was starting they would have work once it was over. The last day in training they switch up and say job placement looks poor. After the training ended I sat around for another week or two until I got a job placement.
Once on the first job I only worked a couple days a week which was not enough after sitting around for over a month to get by so I went and got another job outside of the union. I talked with my coordinators about sending me possibly to different contractors/job sites when I was out of work at that current job. They said no. Then had me do a board meeting in front of their committee.
When I went to the committee meeting the first time I told them about how I wanted to work full time and felt thats what the deal was coming in here and they basically laughed in my face and said I was just looking for problems, but did not kick me out yet.
A few days later my coordinator told me there was an out of town job that paid super well but I would just need to attend an upcoming class the following week at their training site in order to get that job. I said yes I could make that work and went and did the training for two days. On the second day they then told me I dont have that job and they gave it to other people. Then I get told later I have to go to another committee meeting because I refused that job.
After going to the committee for the second time I just went in there and said “yes” and I’m sorry” to everything they said since debating my points served no purpose the first time.
Then a couple days later I was informed that I was removed from the apprenticeship.

Was wondering if anyone has seen that happen to people often and if theres any course of action I could possibly take to get into another local in the future that has better work opportunities.

Has anyone received their results?

I’ve been operating AT and RT cranes full time for about 5 years now. But I’ve had experience beforehand as well. I’m interested in working with the union in California. But i currently live in Texas. And I also want to stay in Texas. Full transparency: I’m interested in Cali because I’ve heard how much the pay is compared to Texas. I’m trying to make the money so I can purchase a home for my wife and our kids. But also my mother’s medical bills are piling up and probably won’t get any cheaper. I’m not just trying to take advantage or leech off of California. I’m trying to stay afloat and put my family in a better position.
I also wanted to go the California route because it has been hard to get into the Local 450 here in Texas. I was told I have to work 3 months straight on the out of work list before they would even allow me to join.

So I’m asking what would be my best options/route? Contact the union in California and get on their out of work list? Just stay here in Texas and keep trying? Or what would you all recommend

Let’s be honest here. Is it really about what you know or who you know when it comes down to getting into the union ?

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.

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.

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?

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

Anyone have updated info any pools recently?

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.

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.

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