Things I Can Do Know To Get An Union Apprenticeship In 2011?

BrentofSC

Background, I’m in the military and scheduled to separate in the fall of 2010. I will have completed a bach in business and will be 32 years old. I really want to get into the construction trade and have heard from multiple people plumbing is one of the best based on demands. I understand the economy is awful right now. Still hoping unions are hiring and it all goes to planned, 2011 plus the five year apprenticeship would put me at 2016, hope the economy would pick up by then.
As the military pays for a separation move, was hoping I could move to a coastal Florida city. Going through the UA, I found a half dozen local unions in coastal FL. I called two of them and neither offered any value. They both said to basically call back when I separate.
Some of my questions which they couldn’t answer…
What is the approx selection rate? Do 500 people typically apply and only 10 are selected? (was told it’s always different)
Do have an advantage or a disadvantage being older at 32, a military vet and by having a four year degree vs someone fresh out of high school?
I guess I wanted to know if this is just a pipe dream (pun intended) due to a very high selection rate or because I’m at a disadvantage because of my age and/or education.
Any advice? What other trade I should have as a backup plan?

Celtic

Have you seen:
Helmets to Hardhats


Here is a 10 minute video spot:

+ YouTube Video

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BrentofSC

Yes, thank you...I was debating if I should include that in the OP and left it out...A couple of reasons it won't work for me...

#1 What the program APPEARS to be designed for is for a person who joins to army gets an electrician job...Then they get out and want to become a licensed electrician. The employer/union greatly benefits the member is somewhat trained...In my opinion, I don't see why an employer/union would consider a former military member over a kid who just graduated high school as both would have zero experience...I currently hold an office job...lol

#2 the DIRECT program is only in available in 22 states and FL is not in one of them. For the other states, it APPEARS it's just like an directory to local unions...

Again, I wasn't sure if I could take any training problems or what in the mean time...

Double-A

Then you are vastly mistaken about what employers look for. An office job as prior work makes little sense, unless you couple it with the fact the applicant has military experience. That moves a candidate to the top of my list every time. I would prefer to hire ex-military over experience in most cases simply because the ex-military has more self-discipline, can take orders, understands what a clock is and how it is used, has usually kept up with their physical appearance and is in reasonable shape.

Kids out of high school have nearly zero life experience and unrealistic expectations in many cases.

Your service will serve you well, have no fears.

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New York Times, July 20, 2006

SLSTech

I can't speak on the Union aspect - But Double A has nailed it - many business owners out there, including me will bump you straight to the top of the hiring lists for many of the reasons stated. There are also numerous City, State, County & Fed jobs out there where you will also automatically get a preference bump based simply on your service.

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BrentofSC

This is great news, thanks for replying! Any further advice?

JTMcC

The UA is actively recruiting people exiting the military, and they either have or are about to start a program seperate from Helmets to Hardhat. I saw something about it in the last issue of the UA Journal, but have thrown the magazine away.

I can't comment on any particular locals selection process, but's it's a good bet that prior service will help you. My opinion is that at your age, and with your experience you have a significant advantage rather than a disadvantage.

What is your MOS?

JTMcC.

on edit: I'll try to get some info on the new program, and get it to you.

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BrentofSC

Thanks! When I navigate through the UA, I can only seem to find a directory of local unions...I'm Air Force and the job is personnel, sit in front a computer in a cubical all day...

BrentofSC

Spoke to someone about helmets to hardhats...In those 22 states, they'll take an army electrician upon graduation and turn them into a civilian electrician. It's up the state/town/county/union to waiver years off their electrician four year apprenticeship. In some case, tests can be taken to waive the entire apprenticeship. This doesn't help me at all, but I give them kudos for the outstanding program.

Celtic

Sorry I wasn't of more assistance Brent.

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JTMcC

If you're still watching this, the program is new and just getting going so there isn't a lot of info I've been able to get ahold of except this:

It's started in the Seattle area, an accelerated pipe welding course, that knocks one year off the normal 5 year apprenticeship for Pipefitters.

They might be up and running nationwide (and hopefully covering all of the sub trades) by the time you get out.

JTMcC.


I'll add that you are asking the local hall for information they don't have, nobody can see into the future in this business, nobody knows if in the fall of '10 plumbing work will be booming full speed, or dead in the water.
What would the local Air Force recruiter say if I told him I was thinking of enlisting in a couple of years? He'd say "come back and see me when your ready". Plus, he wouldn't have any idea what MOS will be in demand in the future.

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