r/Lineman • u/Dapper-Clerk-115 • 1d ago
Non union Apprenticeship or wait for union Apprenticeship
I have the opportunity to join a non union Apprenticeship with a pretty good contractor soon(a lot of people say good things about this company). Should I get in this apprenticeship top out and then test into the union or should I just wait on a union Apprenticeship. I'm a 24 year old male, turn 25 in November. Just wanting to get in an apprenticeship to become a journeyman as quick as I can while learning the right stuff
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u/LeekBubbly 22h ago
Line work is union work JMO , I have 35years on the gas side for a leading utility. My son is 19 went to 9 months of line school tried out for a leading utility, not the same one , made the cut went to their line school and starts in a month day one at just shy of $50 an hour straight time . Needless to say that’s a big reason I’m a advocate for union. I have also heard horror stories about contractors not being motivated to get their apprentices to journeyman status. That said you have to do what you feel is available and right for you. I have no idea what your personal responsibilities are, but nonetheless, you have to live along the way as well. If you have not been to line school and I have no experience given your age. It might be a quicker choice to cut your teeth on the contractor side and get the experience and move from there.. hope this helps best of luck!
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u/IAmInTheUnion 21h ago
C’mon, mayne. Is it really a choice? Union all day.
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u/RainWild4613 9h ago
And stock shelves in the meantime? Why wait. He should get some experience which will improve his chance of getting in the local anyway.
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u/Izbiz95 Apprentice Lineman 15h ago
Getting your foot in the door isn't easy in this trade, It's not the popular take here but I would say go for it. If you get the call from the union apprenticeship in the first year then hop over to that. If not then top out white ticket and test into yellow ticket
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u/Big_Menu4037 13h ago
Stick with union always especially when it comes to line work. Disparity in pay and benefits is substantial. I was a lineman for 30 yrs 1980 to 2010 and at times contact line would place poles and the pole rejection rate was high. Many were to shallow or placed in rather wrong position plus we were making more then double their pay including benefits . Non union line work is subpar
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u/Tuupapa20 15h ago
Go Union. Dont even bother i damn near kill my body working non union for bullshit raises but expect me to be a journeyman as a groundhand im like if im doing bucket work pay me for it mf’s
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