Well this isn't really the place for the union/non-union talk. They both have their positives and negatives.

I can tell you that an apprenticeship is hard to get into in some areas and easy in others. Here in Atlanta all you need is $40 for the app. and your scheduled to take a basic test. Really easy. First year classes usually have around 200 people in them and they get weeded out quickly. Usually only those that really want to be here end up staying. I don't know how hard it is in Cali, so I can't really say anything about that.

As far as the
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you can only do so much for the first year and then next year you get to do a little more,etc.

This is not really correct. You will only learn so much the first year, but you will do everything you are capable of and then some. Short of working things energized.

In 2 1/2 years I have worked at a Water treatment plant, the GM plant, a highschool, The airport and now a hospital. I have done everything possible on these jobs from sweeping trash to running 4 inch rigid (with a JW of course).

As far as a PT job, you might want to try staffing agencies too. I have seen some around this area looking for electricains.

I do wish you the best of luck.

"If common sense was common, everyone would have it"-not sure, someone here