celtic is "right on" in his post. every hall is a little different. i've worked directly out of some halls in the past, and others that basically will send you to an employer interveiw, usually with a letter of qualifications. i have devoted the past several years to specializing in motor controls and PLCs, and i havent missed a days work in all that time. once you get your feet wet, and get some basic experience under your belt, you might consider finding a "specialty" and get really good at it, through schooling or any other training that is offered. dont pass up any training, either through the union or through an employer. these other guys on this board will tell you that a basic conduit bender or wire puller employee is relatively easy to find, and the competition is fierce, to say the least. find your niche, get "expert" at it, and your qualifications will stand out, when the need for that specialty arises. again, good luck!
oldtimer
