charles

Here is a little personal info about myself. I'm currently in the military and I will be getting out with 8 years of service. I have an Associates Degree in Electromechanical Control Technology, a certificate in electrical wiring, ETA certified Fiber Optics Installer, ETA certified Fiber Optics Technician and my completed Electrical Apprenticship Certificate. I have a couple questions for the experienced civilian electrician.

1. I plan on living in Texas and I want to get my Journeymans License for Texas. I am stationed in Virginia is there any way I can take the test at a Virginia test site? or will I have to fly out to Texas?
2. What are the pro's and con's about being a Union Electrician? Being that I already have the training, is it a good decision to join a union? If so which one?
3. What do you think a realistic starting salary would be for me?
4. Are there any special skills or certificate employer's are looking for?

JohnJ0906

Charles, welcome to the forum!

You would have to check with Texas, as to there rules and requirements for taking the test. You may very well have to WORK in Texas for a period of time before being allowed to test.

There is a program, "Helmets to hardhats" I think it is called, which helps military veterans enter the construction industry.

You may do better, with your experience, doing control, alarm, or other "low voltage" type work.

__________________
John from Baltimore
"One day at a Time"
All responses based on the '08 NEC
It's not my fault, it's not my problem, I'm not your solution.

John

For Texas license info go here: http://www.license.state.tx.us/electricians/elecfaq.htm

As to the pro and con’s for being a union electrician….well it’s real close to like being in the military.

With your training, there are some real good job opportunities for you out here in the real world. You just need to decide as to what type of work YOU really want to do.

If I would of known what I know now, I would of stayed in for the 20 years. Oh-Well.

Carry On!