I finished a small, 1-year certificate for Electrical training at my local University and am about to move back home, to N.Y.C.

I wanted to know how the job market is out there. I'm always searching online, and see quite a few jobs. But the thing is, they all want at least 2 years of experience.

What I wanted to really ask was, how do new Apprentices get hired if they all want experience. How did you all get started?

Well if they really are hiring then it sounds like there are going to be some shops that will be looking for replacement guys somewhere, eh? The trick is, finding out where they are and what they pay

Keep in mind too, that online headhunters say they want 2 yrs experience because it means fewer j*ck-offs applying and less resumes to sort through..and more quality "hits" for the employer who hired them to headhunt.
Employers just want smart, reliable employees with a good work ethic. convince an employer you are that, and I think the 2 years exp. might not matter so much

I can't speek for NY but one way to get your foot in the door is to cold call EC out of the phone book. Tell them about your school, what you know, you want to get started, learn more, and will do most any electrical work. Don't concern yourself with starting pay. Just get your first job.

I got lots of guys with a little trade school and no exp. apply. They would not be at the same leval as a person with a few years on the job. Remember also lots of job applicants are not truthfull with experiance. If they say they have 2 years many have more like 12 months on the job.

Tom

You could also investigate joining the IBEW and becoming an apprentice.

If you want to follow Amazingmg's advice, which is good, call 718-591-4000. That's the phone number for Local Union #3, IBEW. They cover all 5 Boros of NYC. Ask for the apprentice training dept. They're located in Flushing, Queens.

Indeed, I've known about Local 3 for quite some time now and have contacted them about 6 months ago. But, the bad thing is that they only open the doors every 4 years and the next opening is in 2008. I would love to join it, especially for the schooling, but I can't.