[semprus]

I am going through my local union's apprenticeship selection process. I passed the initial screening and just got my letter saying I passed the test and will be scheduled for an interview.

My local union apprenticeship program is a 5 year program to become an Inside Wireman. Over that period of time, we will complete 8000 hours and 800 hours of classroom instruction.

-Is it fairly safe to say that I will be employed at least 1600 hours a year+ classroom time or will this fluctuate depending on work availability and thus make the 5 year time frame be more of an estimate? In other words, is it possible to be out of work for long enough that it could take 6 or 7 years to complete the apprenticeship?

-Will we ever work more than the the 8000 hours (ie overtime etc) before completion of the apprenticeship?

 

[sae]

It is set up so that you earn raises at 2000 hours worked after one year, and 1500 hours per year for the remaining four years. That's where 8000 comes from. It's entirely dependent upon work in your area and you as a worker, though. Some come close to 10,000 by the end, others are in the 6000s.