telecomm

Hello everyone, I am currently employed by a major telecom carrier and have been for almost 10 years now. I work mostly on data center wiring, network installations. I work a long side a lot of IBEW electricians, since my company uses them to run wire sometimes. I have been trying to get into the IBEW Local # 3 in NYC for a few years now. I applied for apprenticeship and made it through the application, test and interview processes. The only problem is that there has been a pay cut for apprentices and I am unable to support myself at that salary. I would be making 1/3 of my current salary. A few years ago at the original 1st year rate was doable, but now things in my life have changed and I have more responsibilities. I am taking care of my mom and paying a mortgage. This made it impossible to take that kind of a pay cut.

I have a lot of friends in IBEW and I really am impressed at the way they are trained and treated by the union. The salary is very good and job security as well, especially in NYC where most large jobs are bid on by IBEW contractors. Also I am ready for a change.

The reason why I am posting here is because I am hoping maybe someone can give me direction on how to join the IBEW other than the normal apprenticeship route? I would love to go through it from start to finish and gain the knowledge and respect, but just cant afford it. I know this is a long shot, but I am willing to go to school at night for a few years if it would increase my scale. Or possibly use my current experience of 10 years in telecom to start me higher. I am currently in CWA and would love to continue my career in telecommunications with IBEW. I have written to IBEW.org and they instructed me to contact the local. I wrote the local a letter with my resume and am waiting to hear back. I hope I dont sound like I am trying to beat the system, because I am not. Would just like to know if there are any other options for a 30 year old to get into the union who cant afford it at the apprenticeship rate.

Thank you for your time and attention and I greatly apologize for the long post.

Idaho Abe

I hope you find what you need.

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JohnJ0906

Welcome to the forum!

I hope you can work something out.

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John from Baltimore
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All responses based on the '08 NEC
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nap

I'm not familar with local 3 so I must ask you; do they have a video-data-voice (VDV) (or telecomm or some other term) division in their local? Are you looking to become a wireman or stay in the VDV field?

europamo

whats the starting pay for an A apprentice in NYC? Here is Local 26 pay scale, the pay raises are not in there is a $1 raise in Nov.

http://www.ibewlocal26.org/wage%20pa...ates6_08aj.pdf

by contrast here is Teledata

http://www.ibewlocal26.org/pdfs/rates11_07td.pdf

In class tonight my instructor was telling us of his trip to Tenn. for a national meeting and that alot of other locals said we had it good and that it was real hard to get in "3"

welcome and good luck.

headrec

Welcome to the site! I would recommend calling them up or going down there one day and explaining the situation. I'm sure if there is a way they will have some ideas or suggestions.

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-Jay

telecomm

They do not have a VDV division. Seems like most locals do, but this one does not. All the Telecom workers I worked with where in "A" construction. They pretty much do the exact same work I do. Install racks, run structured cabling, rack equipment. They even have similar certifications as me(cisco, nortel, etc). I would love to learn the trade from both angles, wireman and telecom. My strong point is definitely telecom, but I have done basic electrical work with no problem, including renovating my house.

I appreciate all the responses so far, and I guess the best thing would be to get in touch with someone at the hall and try to meet with them. Im just not sure who I should really speak too. Which department.

As far as Local 26 pay scale, you start much higher in 1st year. in NYC its $11 an hour and $2 raises per year for 4 years. Then you have MIJ and "A" J in your 6th. So you guys do have it pretty good. Although we top out a little higher after 6 years, your 1st year is much better and would def work for me.

It's pretty upsetting, because I REALLY want to join and am willing to do whatever I have to as far as schooling and putting my time in. I want to learn and I hate it that the starting salary is stopping me. It's all very upsetting to me

daddymack

I would thin NYC apprenticeship would pay pretty good. Whats percentage of JW scale is the first year? If you were accepted, I would not turn it down, you might not get another chance.

There are no shortcuts. many people come on this board looking for one. Not saying you are.

Sometimes it's just not in the cards but if you are really pasionate about doing it, I have two options.

1) Check neighboring locals like25, 363, they may pay more.

2) Find a part time job. I know several older apprentices who have done that.


Good luck

brian john

Our local is decent to apprentices, you sign up and can go to work that day (as a "R" worker). many locals send the aspiring apprentice home to sit on his tushie or continue delivering Pizzas, something I never understood. Especially after they have been accepted into the program.

telecomm

That is not the problem at this moment. There is work for apprentices.

Daddymack, thanks for the advice. I have begun to look into other locals. Looks like 25 has a higher starting salary and a VDV apprenticeship as well. I have to contact them and make sure I dont have to live in the Nassau Suffolk area to apply.

You have all been very helpful with your advice. I appreciate that. Definitely keep it coming. I am very determined to make this happen for me. Now or in the future.