Newbie looking to get his foot in the door... - Page 2 - Electrician Talk - Professional Electrical Contractors Forum

Elmhust E · 11-14-2008, 03:41 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mjd56

I had 313 hope its a good enough rank

You should be fine. I know that everything is relative and timing is everything (wow, 2 cliches in one sentence.) but that 313 isn't a bad score at all. A buddy of mine got in last year with a rank of 460. Take a look at my previous post regarding total apprentices admitted and the # of applicants that needed to be pulled in order to reach that number. The drug test alone typically thins the applicant pool by 25-30%. When you consider that and the fact that many people are not going to be able to meet their financial obligations due to 11 weeks of unpaid training, your number looks pretty strong.

FWIW, I'd guess you'll get called 'round April.

E

ccdwiu · 11-14-2008, 04:08 PM

Thanks and congrats to you too. I was hoping to get into the January class. I assume the next class to start after that would be April? Who did you hear from that they are only taking in about 50 in January?

Elmhust E · 11-14-2008, 04:53 PM

HAHA! I don't have the luxury of revealing my sources. However, I can tell the they are reliable.

That said, classes start up every 3 months, with the first class starting in January. The #'s can change rather quickly. If I had to guess, I's say you have an excellent shot at the January class.

I wouldn't worry; with your score, you'll be gettin' a call soon.

E

ccdwiu · 12-22-2008, 07:12 PM

I havn't recieved a phone call yet. Just wondering if anybody has heard anything yet in Chicago. I was hoping to get the January class but it doesn't look good. Do you know if the are still only taking 50?

Elmhust E · 12-24-2008, 11:09 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ccdwiu

I havn't recieved a phone call yet. Just wondering if anybody has heard anything yet in Chicago. I was hoping to get the January class but it doesn't look good. Do you know if the are still only taking 50?

First off, Merry Christmas to all the non-Jews and Jews alike.

Ccdwiu, you won't be receiving a phone call. The people that ranked in the top 100 received letters the same day they received their ranking telling them to bring $300 to an orientation that was held a few weeks ago. At the orientation 45 of the 100 pulled showed up; after PT, 40 of the 45 accepted invitation to local 134. The good news (for you and many others) is that the "standard" 35% figure (the % the local figures to decline apprenticeship for various reasons) was much higher: 60%. The bad news is there isn't going to be a January class.

The individuals that were given orientation in early December won't be starting school until April. So, in all likelihood, you won't be receiving a letter until sometime around March at the earliest (I am not sure if they are taking anymore apprentices for the first class that starts in April). Needless to say, although I'll do it anyway, local 134 looks like it will run only 3 classes this year, instead of the "ideal" 4 that many of us on the outside looking in, hope for. If things start to pick up, perhaps the classes (I.E.- the #'s pulled) will need to be much larger than what has been deemed typical in previous years.

Right now, I wouldn't expect anything to happen right away. Just live life and do what you can. I'll keep you posted as I hear things. As you know, the economy is in the toilet and not picking up as quickly as anyone would like. These are rough times for many people. Take solace in the fact that you did the best you could and that your ranking is solid. I'd bet dollars to donuts that you'll be getting in sometime this year, just not sure as to exactly when.

Take care,

-E-

ccdwiu · 12-25-2008, 06:19 PM

Thank you very much for responding with such a detailed post. I tried calling but nobody would give me any answers. And if you could keep me posted was the days go on I would really appreciate it. Thanks a lot and hope you have a great Christmas

Elmhust E · 12-25-2008, 07:14 PM

No problem. Are you currently working?

ccdwiu · 12-26-2008, 10:14 PM

Yeah that is part of the problem. I drive a truck around the north side of Chicago. It really isn't for me. I graduated from college in May '07 with a Bachelor's Degree in Law Enforcement. Problem is it is an extremely compeitive field. When I was 18 I worked one summer as a helper for an electrical union contractor called Jamerson and Bauwens. I thought about going into the trade out of high school but I never did. Good news is that I make plenty of money now and was able to buy a car and pay off all of my student loans.

sotoremodelers · 12-31-2008, 10:48 AM

welcome to the forum....

____________________
David
www.sotoremodelers.com
www.soto-electric.com
www.sotoexteriors.homestead.com

Elmhust E · 01-01-2009, 05:13 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ccdwiu

Yeah that is part of the problem. I drive a truck around the north side of Chicago. It really isn't for me. I graduated from college in May '07 with a Bachelor's Degree in Law Enforcement. Problem is it is an extremely compeitive field. When I was 18 I worked one summer as a helper for an electrical union contractor called Jamerson and Bauwens. I thought about going into the trade out of high school but I never did. Good news is that I make plenty of money now and was able to buy a car and pay off all of my student loans.

Your story is not that different from mine. I have a BA in Education; found out after some time in the classroom that teaching isn't for me. I like being out and about doing things that are more 'hands on', if you will. Right now, I am driving (car, not a truck) for a medical company based out of the western 'burbs. The pay is alright, but not exactly a career move, imo.

I don't have any construction or military experience, which is why I believe my rank wasn't 100>. I've also placed my name in the few of the other local's hats as well: Heating and Frost, Pipefitters and Plumbers to name a few.

Everything is going to work out, just be patient!

Good luck and hope to see you on a job site,

E

sotoremodelers · 01-02-2009, 01:49 AM

welcome to the club

__________________________
David
Chicago Remodeling - Chicago Electrician - Chicago Roofing

ccdwiu · 01-14-2009, 06:50 PM

Thought you guys might want to know, I just got a letter telling me that I have orientation Monday Feb 16. I thinkI'll be in the April class!

mjd56 · 02-03-2009, 07:36 AM

Good luck, let me know how it goes, I'm on list too

sotoremodelers · 02-04-2009, 07:35 PM

welcome to the forum... you seem to have a good positive attitude and with that alone you should do just fine,,, keep up the good work

__________________
David
Chicago Remodeling
Chicago Electrician
Chicago Windows

Elmhust E · 02-10-2009, 10:08 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ccdwiu

Thought you guys might want to know, I just got a letter telling me that I have orientation Monday Feb 16. I thinkI'll be in the April class!

Lookin' good, ccdwiu!

If you haven't been exercising regularly, now is a pretty good time to start. They are gonna put you through some PT before they offer you the apprenticeship. Think cardio and push-ups.

Let us know how many people show up and what you hear at the orientation. There are quite a few people on this board with inquiring minds.

Congrats again,

-E-

mjd56 · 04-10-2009, 07:46 AM

Do you know if there will be another class starting at 134

phz380 · 04-10-2009, 10:08 AM

qare you

william1978 · 04-10-2009, 12:39 PM

Welcome to the forum.

ccdwiu · 06-25-2009, 07:00 AM

Well I went to the "orientation" about 3 months ago. They took my $300 and said they had no idea when our class would be starting up because of the economy is in the ****ter

mjd56 · 08-27-2009, 04:17 PM

About how many were at PT & how many stuck it out. Give a shout when you start your class