I'm 35. I owned a business for about 10 years that got killed by Covid. I've been thinking about what I want to do now, and I'm interested in becoming an electrician. I live in Austin, Texas, and would like to stay in the area. My prior work experience was unrelated to construction/trades/electrical work, and I'd be starting from scratch.
I've got a few questions I'm hoping you guys can help me with.
Thanks for your time!
I've got a few questions I'm hoping you guys can help me with.
- Is there a difference between the NECA and IBEW? I sometimes hear them listed together as if they're one union/group, but are there practical differences? Do you join one or the other or both?
- It seems like the local Austin ETA apprenticeship training program (run by both NECA and IBEW) started a class at the beginning of September. Does this mean I would be unable to get started on anything until next September? So I'd have to find another job for a year and then hope to start in fall 2021?
- How hard is it to get accepted to the apprenticeship program in Austin, or, if you don't know, in general? Are the number of spots very limited? I know Austin is doing a lot of building. Does that mean there are more spots available?
- At 35, will the union be less likely to want me because there are younger applicants? I'm in good shape, but obviously I'd have fewer years to work than an 18 year old.
Thanks for your time!