Apprenticeship

I was once in Associated Builders And Contractors of AMERICA ELECTRICAL APPRENTICE PROGRAM,FROM 98-01.I was in a little bit of a jam in 01.I didn't get a chance to complete my apprenticeship.The union will not except me unless I have A C average in High school algebra.The only reason because of this is the high school I attented some semesters I didn't have a math course.I have a certificate in electrical trade math,but the union wants me to take an electrical tech class on-line.I know electrical theory.There has got to be a way around this.I am planning to take this course on-line.In the meantime I work as an electrical technician for Net Electric.I've been there a year now.Is there any company willing to give me a chance.I can re-enroll in the training center.I have my drivers license,but no transportation.I fell in love with this trade 13 years ago,not because of the good money,even the that's a plus.It's the application,just everything about it.Laying out lighting,bending pipe, running circuits,everything.I just need more opportunities.My boss is great,but I know I'm worth more than 13.00 dollars/hour.When I left ABC I was making 32.60/hour prevailing wage.Please input I need Input.Whoever takes the time to read this I thank you,and please keep me in miond when needing a new yet old apprentice electrician.

I'm in aobut the same boat I got through the first year apprenticeship in another state and now I'm having a hard time getting started here, well I'm not getting anywhere!!!!!

Look into a non union shop and for a first year apprentice 13-15 is about the norm, here in mass you do not even need a high school diploma however you need alot of schooling 600 hours to be exact and 8000 hours in the trade to go for your ticket. Best of luck

I haven't applied at any nonunion shops, I have been considering attending Vatterott College, They offer an Electrician Occupation Degree that takes 18 months to complete however the cost is roughly $24000. I already make $12 an hour with students loans and a growing family I would need to make at least $15 also due to the TERRIBLE GAS PRICE!!

went to vatterott just last year. I would definitely advise against it, very poor teaching and strict attendance make it difficult.

J Phills, did you graduate from the program at Vatterott in KCMO and if so did you find work through them? I'm pretty iffy about going to the school because of the cost and I'm married with two children and things happen that you can't always make it to class or be there the whole 4 1/2 hours!!
I'm just very interested in being an electrician but afraid to get started becuase I don;t know where to go. A.B.May Company is the one that told me to go to Vatterott then get back with them once I completed.
I thank you for letting me know about Vatterott! I'm wondering what do you think that they could do better or have you heard of any college that would be better to attend?

Kenneth Harding in Kansas City, Missouri said: J Phills, did you graduate from the program at Vatterott in KCMO and if so did you find work through them? I'm pretty iffy about going to the school because of the cost and I'm married with two children and things happen that you can't always make it to class or be there the whole 4 1/2 hours!!
I'm just very interested in being an electrician but afraid to get started becuase I don;t know where to go. A.B.May Company is the one that told me to go to Vatterott then get back with them once I completed.
I thank you for letting me know about Vatterott! I'm wondering what do you think that they could do better or have you heard of any college that would be better to attend?

I graduated from Vatterott a year ago. From what I have heard the school has gone downhill. I already had a master electrician's license and took the coursed mainly for the PLC stuff. I would definitely advise against it. There are other oppurtunities. You may look into Johnson County Community College.

I went through the 2 yr program at Johnson County Community College but I don't work in the electrical field yet. Are there any companies who will hire someone new? If so how much $ can I expect?

It all depends on what part of the country your working in. I know in Houston, a green apprentice starts of around $12 an hour (approximatly half of Journeyman rate)in a Union Shop. Im not sure about non-union shops. Your best bet would be to get in touch with your local IBEW/JATC and see if they will work with you. When working for an electrical contractor, your pay usually goes by your field experience. As a Journeyman Electrician myself, you learn just as much in the field, as you learn in the classroom. Most programs require a certain amount of field time and classroom time before you can get your J-License.

well i jus enrolled 4 the electrical program 4, 9 month and iam debating wheather going with the union or with out ,..i was wondering anybody got sum good advive on how 2 decide ?????????