punter

Hey all. I was wondering if anyone on here would mind enlightening me as to the application process for union locals in Ontario? I'm registered for a pre-employment electrical program at a community college but it won't begin until February, and since I have a friend living out in Hamilton, I thought I'd drop off my resume at a few places when I visit him in November. Do the unions in Ontario ever accept new apprentices with no previous experience in the field? Or should I try getting on with a private contractor for a bit, get some hours and experience, and then apply? And does anyone know how long the application process takes from application to employment? And how much work is there in Ontario right now? I know Alberta and Sask are the places to be, but is there any construction going on in ON right now? Thanks very much in advance.

Acadian9

http://www.electricalapprenticeship.ca/

Things are getting pretty busy here in Toronto Local 353. My supervisors were saying that they are having trouble getting enough guys for all the new jobs we're getting in high-rise.

Stan B.

Wow, I was just about to post that link (your reply wasn't there when I clicked the thread). I see that the JAC is taking applications in May. Punter, you have to show up in person. If you don't get there then, you'll probably have to wait another year.

The HVAC guys are taking applications too (you can do this online for the first step):

http://www.hvacrcareer.ca/welcome/?page_id=69

Why not hedge your bets?

Punter, I got into Local 353 through the JAC and I don't have any relatives in the union (or the trade). I didn't have any formal experience doing electrical work. It took almost a year from when I applied to when I started work. Usually it's less.

Of course having experience and training isn't ever going to hurt, so if you can learn some skills elsewhere, even non-union, go for it. You won't get 100% credit for your hours worked, if you aren't a registered apprentice it will probably be 0. Also, don't be surprised if you still have to take out the garbage and fetch coffee as a pre-apprentice.

Elmer17.01

Well in Montreal things are not helpful unfortunately I am apprentice who work since may 2011 but still didn't land job longer than 3 months. It is hard and unions do not help. I am looking to go west but I don't know how to make the contact. I have my 2000 school hours and 900 working hours. Working with 3 contractors on small projects here and there. I have desire ambition and profesionality but not connection. It is time. Does anyone has some info...

Thank y in adwance