I don't care what you've been doing, or what your education may be....there is simply no way to reduce the amount of time necessary to learn this trade. Other experience may help, but there are so many facets, so much to learn, that the apprentice period is only a start!
The US Dept of Labor certifies apprenticeship programs. Check with them as to alternatives to the union program. Likewise, there may be similar programs, say, in Industrial Maintenance, offered at your community college.
You should apply to contractors as a "helper." We all start there. It's necesary. Even today (age 50, college, contractors cert, etc), I still end up manning a shovel on a regular basis.
