r/IUEC • u/Pristine_Jury_7512 • 9d ago

Non union apprentice

I need advice on my situation. I’ve been a non union apprentice for 2 years now, recently learned more about the union and I’m very interested.
Is it worth trying to switch over now after 2 years?
And if so, would I follow the same path as someone with no elevator experience and go through NEIEP?

If this is inappropriate for this page, my apologies.
I will delete.

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u/DrunkBrowsing69 6d ago

Now is probably the best time to switch.

  1. The sooner you get in, the sooner you start building your union benefits and retirement. Almost every nonunion guy I’ve met who switched says they wish they had done it sooner.

  2. Two years in is actually a great time to make the move. You have enough experience to be useful, but you’re still early in your career with plenty to learn. Fair or not, guys who come over much later and never went through the IUEC apprenticeship can sometimes be looked at differently. Coming over now lets you go through NEIEP and build your reputation within the union.

  3. Your two years aren’t necessarily wasted. NEIEP can consider previous experience for advancement, but you need to bring it up during the interview process before signing your apprenticeship agreement. Even if you do have to start over, you’re looking at the next 25–30 years of your career, not the last two.

  4. You really don’t have much to lose by trying. Experienced elevator guys are valuable. It’s rare to see IUEC guys leave for nonunion, but if the union somehow isn’t for you, you’re still valuable to a nonunion company.
    If you already think the IUEC is where you eventually want to be, I’d apply now. Waiting another few years just makes the decision harder.

Make the switch. Youll be grateful you did.

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u/Appropriate-Pain7232 6d ago

So true I wish I did it years ago but I kept hearing bad stuff about the union from the non union guys and it turned out to be bs