I'm 36, been in insurance claims for 11 years and I'm done with it. I want to get into electrical. I've read a lot and I keep going in circles on the three options:
1. Apply to the IBEW apprenticeship (I'm in Irvington, so I think that's 102?)
2. Do a night program somewhere first
3. Just call shops and try to get hired as a helper
I have some savings but not a ton. Which of these actually gets me working and learning soonest? I'd appreciate honest answers, including "you're too late for X" if that's the case.
Foreman, Inside Wireman (IBEW) · 19 years · Morris County, NJ
Mentor✓ Accepted answer
Not too late for any of them. We've had first-years in their late 30s and they tend to be the ones who show up.
On the union side: I can't give you dates, the application window and the aptitude test schedule are posted by the apprenticeship itself, so go to their site or call and ask. When I applied it was an aptitude test (math and reading), then an interview, then a ranked list. Could be different now. Irvington, I'd check whether you fall under 102 or another local before you apply; jurisdiction lines are not always where you'd guess.
While you wait, get hired by a shop. Hours on a job never hurt an application. Stay safe.
Master Plumber, second-generation shop owner · 23 years · Hudson County, NJ
Mentor
Different trade but same question I get from every kid who walks in my shop. I was in the union a few years before I came back to my father's business. The school and the benefits were the best part and I won't pretend otherwise. My father used to say the union teaches you the trade and a good shop teaches you the customer. You want both eventually.
Electrical Contractor · 22 years · Monmouth County, NJ
Mentor
Honestly I'd do 2 and 3 at the same time. Night school while you work as a helper. The list can take a while and you're 36, you want to be earning something now.
I went the trade school route and got hired faster than any of my buddies on the list. That was me though, and it was a long time ago. Your mileage may vary.
New to electrical (career switch) · Essex County, NJ
This is really helpful, thank you. Sounds like the answer is "apply, and get a helper job now regardless."
edit: thanks everyone. Called two shops today, one wants me to come in Monday.
4th-year apprentice, IBEW · 4 years · Bergen County, NJ
4th year in 164. applied at 24, got in the second time I took the test. worth it for me... but go work somewhere while you wait, the guys who come in with some hours are way ahead day one