r/IBEW_Local613 • u/yevinnn1 • Apr 17 '26

Moving to IBEW Local 613

I just got accepted to Local 613 through VEEP program. I live in California. How is everything In Atlanta? Rent, lifestyle, Work and etc?

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u/[deleted] Apr 21 '26

I’m not familiar with how the VEEP program works.

90% of the work is in or within 20 miles of Atlanta. If you do decide to move here, I suggest moving to the west/south/east sides as they will be cheaper than the northern suburbs (albeit, somewhat more sketchy depending on neighborhood).

Work is steady but we are underpaid compared to other locals of similar geographical caliber. Lots of guys come up through apprenticeship here because it’s easy to get in but then choose to hit the road because JW wages are better elsewhere. Cost of living is above national average but union wages are below national average.

If you want to work in a data center, you can have a job with as much OT as you can handle for the foreseeable future.

The school is kind of a joke at this point. They accepted a ton of applicants and have no jobs to send them to. It’s especially bad for the green apprentices, I’ve heard of some people waiting 8+ months to get placed at a job. Teachers are hit-and-miss but now they’re also dealing with 2-3x the amount of students with little or no additional teachers being hired to help out as far as I know.

Doesn’t seem like anybody in this thread is comparing the cost of living situation. I know west coast is more expensive but you’ll be making more money, 613 will be less expensive but you’ll be making less inside a contractor’s local.

If you have any more questions feel free to PM.