Hi salewit.
I hear you when you say the applications are few and far between.
Have you tried the following site for more information?? (National Joint Apprenticeship and Training Committee.)
http://www.njatc.org/ or the following (IBEW and the NECA
http://www.ibew.org/organizing/construction.htm When I was trying to get my son into the trade I told him that perseverence was important. They want to see someone who is that interested that they will keep calling in person and by phone. He was told not to bother, they would call him but he kept it up and in a month he had his apprenticeship started.
From what I hear, electricians are in demand throughout the States and Canada. The lack of skilled trades is creating opportunities for Canadians to work (legally) in the states. I know these are journeymen and formen but it stands to reason apprentices are needed as well. ( Coffee, gophers, and on and on as well as learn the trade)
I am an IBEW member and can only say good things about the organisation. There are others that believe a "union" is a bad thing.
Like life, there are good and bad everything.
If you do get to work with an electrical contractor in a non-electrician capacity, you may be able to get that company to sponser you down the road. But, be honest..tell them, if they ask, that you are going to be making application for an apprenticeship at the first opportunity.
Keep up and persevere.
Doug...et al
[This message has been edited by DGT (edited 01-15-2004).]
