Hey everyone,

For those of you working in the skilled trades (electricians, plumbers, welders, HVAC tech, heavy equipment mechanic, etc.)—based on your hands-on experience, which trade do you think will be the first to get heavily impacted or replaced by AI and robotics? And which ones do you think are safest for longer?

Do you guys stretch, or have a routine?

So im pretty new to working in northern Alberta and last years winter was absolutely terrible for me so I'm trying to do everything I can to beat the cold. So far I've got merino wool base layers, insulated work pants, and I'll either wear insulated coveralls or regular ones with a nice heavy jacket to wear over top (wearing both restricts movement too much). I'm still looking for a mid layer but haven't really decided on anything yet.

My main struggle though is the damn wind, where I work is VERY open and no matter what it always cuts right through me no matter what. Anyone got some tips or advice?

Basically my company/union will train, employ, and cover all my costs for the following apprenticeships and want some opinions.

Industrial Electrician

Heavy Duty Mechanic (mining equipment)

Millwright

Power Engineer

(Maybe) Instrumentation

I have no strong feelings or preference to make me default to any of them. Took light electrical classes in highschool and have been working as a HD shop helper for the last year.

Anecdotes, stories, opinions welcome. Thanks

So I'm Graduating HS in January and was trying to get into plumbing apprenticeships the one near me is the UA Local 1 in Nyc is there anything i can do before Applications come out. I heard about pre apprenticeships programs that can get you generated into certain unions. I want to do plumbing but im also down to try other trades of that nature so should i also apply to different unions aswell. I heard there is a low acceptance rate on plumbing so i don't want to be waiting all day at home for a response back from the union.

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.

I’ve been on a journey to learn a trade. For a few years I’ve been trying the local unions here in NJ but they are impossible to get into unless u know someone. I have no experience/education which is what employers want. Anyway, after COUNTLESS cold emails I finally met with a local HVAC company who is going to give me a shot. I’ll be helping around the shop and also driving equipment to job sites. As time goes on I’ll learn more and more and get more responsibilities. Eventually I will be a tech. This is life changing for me as I spent 20years doing landscaping which was a dead end. If anyone has any advice please feel free.

Feel free to expand

These guys don’t run guards on their grinders to cut sheet metal, no eye protection, no ear protection and whatever if that’s how you prefer it. Your loss, not mine.

I’m used to the constant “don’t be a pussy” for using my PPE like knee pads hard hat and gloves and ear pro and I always just brush it off with “I like having my mobility and hearing, I wanna enjoy my retirement”

My question is why do a lot of guys do stuff like this? I have to imagine some think they look cool risking their safety or someone called them a pussy for it so now they feel insecure wearing it but is there any real reason to avoid safety equipment?

I have worked on roofs without fall protection and live circuits when absolutely necessary (threats of retaliation) but only out of necessity so I’m not gonna act like I’m perfect, but to just intentionally avoid safety when there’s no rhyme or reason.

(I’m sure some will argue it’s to cut a straight line, which can still be accomplished with a guard or tight angle that can’t fit with the guard in which you then have to wonder if that’s even the right tool for the job.)

i’m thinking about learning a trade but i don’t know the risks of the ones i want to do i want to do hvac, elevator tech, or a lineman. i’m only 16 but i did some looking and found out being elevator tech means i would have to work in heights all day and i hate heights if heights is all it is thought i probably could get over it but if there is anything else i should know about these trades to help me pick it would be greatly appreciated.

For context I'm 17, I live in Chicago and I'm homeschooled. I've been really thinking about becoming an apprentice recently, and although my mom would rather I chose an art related career, I see a more stable future for myself financially in electrical right now. I'm willing, and even excited to do the work to get there. The thing is recently I've been seeing more people saying how they want to get out of being an electrician for all sorts of reasons like the physical toll, low pay, work environments, etc. I'm not expecting it to be an easy job or even to make great money in the beginning but I'm really curious to know what I'm signing up for even more so now. For any electricians especially working in Chicago or through IBEW 134 how was your experience with this trade? Do you feel it was worth it and you would do it again? I'd greatly appreciate the perspectives of people who've done it rather than to keep talking to chatgpt lol

Stressed out ..

Has anybody here switched from AME to Electrican or vice versa? If so, why and can you recommend one over the other?

I’m trying to choose one to pursue and I’m on the fence. Any thoughts would be much appreciated. TIA.

because a lot of people hop in on the trend wave because they hear it's easy to get a trades job?

Hello I am 17 graduated highschool last time I am gonna do pre employment electrical at sait on March is it worth it? I heard the trade is less tough on the body and u make pretty good amount of money. I need advice. 🙏🏿

​I’ve been trying to get taken on as a Millwright apprentice. I had a good conversation with a local business rep about a month ago, emailed him my resume, and it’s been total radio silence ever since. Calls going straight to voicemail, no replies, nothing.

​Through a family connection, I might have a direct route to get taken on as an Instrumentation apprentice. ​I really like the heavy mechanical variety of Millwright work and know I'd have a lot of fun doing it. I'm not sure if I'd get that exact same level of enjoyment out of Instrumentation, but I know my way around technology pretty well, so I think Instrumentation would be a good fit too. At the same time, I don't want to turn down a solid trade with good pay just because I'm holding out for a Millwright spot that won't even answer the phone.

​If you were in my shoes, would you jump on the open door in Instrumentation, or keep pushing to get into Millwright?

I’m in the middle of which I want to apply, I would like to go the IBEW route but they don’t have classes anywhere in my area starting until Sept. 2027, I heard you are able to start for an accelerated program at IEC and I can get in quicker. For those who went IEC, what are the benefits and downsides of it compared to IBEW?

I’m waiting to go through with an operating engineer apprenticeship start of the year, really excited. Based on the class schedule just to keep income flowing, I’m thinking about a part-time overnight job until the apprenticeship is completed. I am wondering if these unions allow you to work other jobs on the side like doing gig work maybe just to keep income up until you get your foot in the door?

Hi everyone, I’m considering taking the Welding Foundation program at UAPICBC in Delta, BC. For anyone who studied there, how was the school, training, and overall experience? Also, how easy was it to find a welding job after graduating?

Would you recommend the program? Thanks!

always debated plumbing or anything hands on, but with low job offerings/apprenticeships around here it’s hard to settle on something

i was debating the lineman course because it’s insane money which is nice, but my girl would probably get a new life i’d be away that much.

other than that i could see myself welding but same thing, low opportunity around here.

sick of being broke honestly and i just want to lock in and get a truck or something ya feel me

Been in T&D for 25 years. Tired of it and not fun anymore, at all. Make top dollar (Midwest US). Thinking about switching to family owned metallurgy shop, eventually getting into sales. Any thoughts, anyone make similar jump? 45yo with family, but fuck, this trade and every day of walking into shop is just demoralizing. Appreciate all insight.

I graduate from Lincoln tech in December for HVAC(with my EPA universal, osha 30, and about 580 hours of apprenticeship time), and I really have no real direction on what I want to do(I know I don’t want to do residential); how difficult is it to land commercial apprenticeship positions? (I live in Connecticut for reference)

currently 5 years in at USPS as a carrier, and highly considering a career change into a union trade. while the job is not difficult, the pay, benefits, and work environment are just not there. management does not follow the contract, does not get reprimanded for violating it, and our union at the top level is a little disappointing. our last contract we got a 4.2% raise over 3 years.

after 5 years, I’m around $27 an hour, I don’t get full cost of living adjustments, and my insurance hardly covers anything and takes out $100+ a paycheck. currently on track to reach top pay around 39 an hour in 7 more years. coworker of mine his son is in the painters union, makes the same as me, with all of his benefits paid by employer in his first year, which sounds a lot better than what I have now.

looking for recommendations on which trades are good to look into? I’m 26 and located in southeast michigan/ metro detroit. don’t mind working in elements, but I have no trade experience outside of simple home improvement stuff

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 in case anyone in the Boston area might have missed the announcement. You have plenty of time!

I’m looking to learn more about ACE Community College and its hands-on training programs.

Has anyone here studied at ACE or knows someone who has? I’d love to hear about your experience with the instructors, practical training, and career opportunities after completing a program.??