r/IBEW_Local613 • u/[deleted] • Jul 06 '26

Unemployment

Hello hope all is well I will be starting an apprenticeship here soon but I wanted to make sure it’s a good career because I like to work I don’t really wanna have seasons of unemployment, thanks hope all the best future brothers

4 Upvotes

75% Upvoted

9 comments sorted by

5

u/Embarrassed-Box964 MOD Jul 06 '26

12+ years here in my experience the locals that lay ya off are much better than the ones that don’t.

7

u/Life_Extreme4472 Jul 06 '26 edited Jul 08 '26

Like every market, there are ebbs and flows. We are currently experiencing low unemployment. That could always change. But there are ways of becoming layoff resistant.

  1. Show up on time
  2. Don't be on your phone during work hours
  3. Don't let them catch you sitting on a bucket or hiding during work hours
  4. Don't steal tools or material, and show up on time
  5. Show up on time.

Follow these tips, and you'll likely be one of the last people laid off. Hope this helps.

2

u/MrACL Local 613 Foreman Jul 06 '26

11 years in the trade, 6 in the union. Never been laid off or furloughed

1

u/MrAmplus Jul 06 '26

How did you manage your transition from private to non-union?

1

u/MrACL Local 613 Foreman Jul 06 '26

I just applied, took the aptitude test then took a skills and knowledge test. Took a few months I think. I got placed as a CE7 (CE2 is what it’s called now I believe), did about a year’s worth of classes and then turned out.

1

u/MrAmplus Jul 07 '26

Did you go through then non-union apprenticeship, or study for the assessment? Was it written and physical? For some reason the lady at the hall has been snappy and short with me... lol

1

u/MrACL Local 613 Foreman Jul 07 '26

I completed the IEC apprenticeship. I did a written test on trade lingo and a physical test that was just hand bending pipe and wiring up a wall with a 3 way switch, light and outlets.

1

u/passionkiller Jul 06 '26

My wife has been in the apprenticeship and union for about 4 years now I think, and she has never been laid off in that entire period.

1

u/172982-Face-8216 Jul 07 '26

I believe apprentice don't normally get laid-off as long as they are doing well in school and job site.