Apprenticeship Questions

[newvendetta]

1. Who pays for the education?

2. On average how many people get accepted into a Union apprenticeship program specifically in Los Angeles? I was told by the application center that on average 400 apply at my specific center a year and 250-300 "make it". I assume she meant 250-300 pass the written test and oral interview to be placed on the waiting list. I find it hard to believe 250-300 become paid apprentices.

3. Apprenticeship vs Trade school in terms of preparation and what an employer would prefer.

4. Salary for starting apprentices in Los Angeles?


Im very much willing to learn and work my ass off. The program starts next year in April and I dont know if I should just go to a trade school or wait and hope I get chosen. I dont even know how many are accepted. I just hope its not 20 out of hundreds of applicants.

[Wester399]

This is in canada and assume similar where u are
1 Likely you pay for trade school or if your in a big company they may
2 sorry idk
3 Trade school and apprenticeship are a bit different the trade school is like a pre apprenticeship training program once you are taken on by a company you will have to attend trade school for the specific trade your in. All depends on the employer some like u to have a little exp or others want to mould you the way they want. Some wont even touch trade program graduates and for good reason its a big big liablilty ive been told some horror stories but anyways man do what you think is best for ya
good luck

[fv_tom]

This is in canada and assume similar where u are


It's not similar at all.

In the US, apprenticeship is strictly a union thing. There is no nationally recognized apprenticeship process like in Canada.

[fv_tom]

1. Who pays for the education?

2. On average how many people get accepted into a Union apprenticeship program specifically in Los Angeles? I was told by the application center that on average 400 apply at my specific center a year and 250-300 "make it". I assume she meant 250-300 pass the written test and oral interview to be placed on the waiting list. I find it hard to believe 250-300 become paid apprentices.

3. Apprenticeship vs Trade school in terms of preparation and what an employer would prefer.

4. Salary for starting apprentices in Los Angeles?


Im very much willing to learn and work my ass off. The program starts next year in April and I dont know if I should just go to a trade school or wait and hope I get chosen. I dont even know how many are accepted. I just hope its not 20 out of hundreds of applicants.

Have a look at all the "I just got out of trade school and can't find a job" threads.

I would say if you could get in as a union apprentice that would be WAY better than going to trade school.

[Paul Bee]

There are non union apprenticeship programs overseen by the state you live in. Associated Builders and Contractors has a program here in Oregon. www.abc.org check it out. Don't forget there are 7 million people in and around L.A.

[synergy]

I tried to get into the LA local for two years, went to LA trade tech in the meen time. Then got in. 63 fellow apprentices turned out that fifth year.

[newvendetta]

I tried to get into the LA local for two years, went to LA trade tech in the meen time. Then got in. 63 fellow apprentices turned out that fifth year.

Sorry, Im not understanding you 100%. So you spent 2 years on the apprenticeship waiting list while attending LATTC and finally got accepted to be an apprentice. And after the 5th year of the apprenticeship which is how long it lasts, 63 completed it?

If this is correct, do you know how many were accepted into the apprenticeship of which the 63 completed? And what year was this?

[synergy]

Sorry did not meen to be confussing. The year I came in to the apprenticship there was a total of 65 brought in. That was on the cold side, there may have been many more that came in on the hot side. I think they only do sign up's one month out of the year. So in the meen time I went to Trade tech. I beleive that is what bummped me up on the list. local 250 likes the graduates from LA Trade tech and it is free education. Once you get into the apprenticship it is classes two nights a week for five years. There is no cost for the apprenticship.

[newvendetta]

Sorry did not meen to be confussing. The year I came in to the apprenticship there was a total of 65 brought in. That was on the cold side, there may have been many more that came in on the hot side. I think they only do sign up's one month out of the year. So in the meen time I went to Trade tech. I beleive that is what bummped me up on the list. local 250 likes the graduates from LA Trade tech and it is free education. Once you get into the apprenticship it is classes two nights a week for five years. There is no cost for the apprenticship.

Oh ok. What do you mean by its free education? You mean the apprenticeship is free education right and not LATTC. Im thinking of applying there while waiting too.

[synergy]

This was back in 1985 but unless things have changed, LA trade tech is a community college and they are free to any one who has lived in the state for over a year. The cold side is for HVAC service, the hot side is for Pipefitters and construction. They also have what is called a tradesman. This is easier to get into and then you can switch over when your number is called. LA has one of the best apprenticship training programes in the country. So, get on the list and good luck.

[my63volks]

things HAVE changed here since 85, 1st tom newboroe retired don't know if he was here in 85 though. but noway does 250 bring in 300 new app's and trade tech is NOT free but well worth it. you're on the right track but look at all of the locals here in LA. elevater, electr, opr eng ... plenty of related work for those of US who are willing to put in the work. i completed the program in 07 after working non union for years (got smart) been doing chiller work for the blue oval since. really thinking of leaving CA, too expensive here with a large family:gah:

[GT Jets]

Gonna do this the easy way...Sorry if I offend, not my intention...
1. Who pays for the education?

You do....Ultimately your union dues pay for the education, not right away, over time. Think about it, if/when you get in, you will be paying dues the rest of your career...:putergreet:


2. On average how many people get accepted into a Union apprenticeship program specifically in Los Angeles? I was told by the application center that on average 400 apply at my specific center a year and 250-300 "make it". I assume she meant 250-300 pass the written test and oral interview to be placed on the waiting list. I find it hard to believe 250-300 become paid apprentices.

When the economy was good, probably 90% made it, when the economy blows, very and I mean very few....Employment determines whether or not you get an apprenticeship, not being able to pass a 9th grade math test...Someone has to sign your papers...


3. Apprenticeship vs Trade school in terms of preparation and what an employer would prefer.

This will cause some flaming, but...The non union shops would want a union trained tech, not the other way around...Trade schools offer the fundamentals and do have a lot of value, but with an apprenticeship you learn "on the job". Mo betta as far as I am concerned....


4. Salary for starting apprentices in Los Angeles?

Please forgive, but what difference does it make? Let me give you some advice that was told to me a very long time ago. "You cannot do this job for the money, if you do, you will hate every day of the rest of your career." You would be much better served by looking at the turn out journeyman scale, your wages typically go up at the end of each period (about 6 months) so even if you make 3 peanuts and a soda cracker when you start, your getting educated and employment, the raises will come like clockwork. The earlier you start, the sooner you will be making a decent wage....



Im very much willing to learn and work my ass off. The program starts next year in April and I dont know if I should just go to a trade school or wait and hope I get chosen. I dont even know how many are accepted. I just hope its not 20 out of hundreds of applicants.

Again, please forgive...What difference does it make what the acceptance ratio is? There are no guarantees either way. With the trade schooling, you will have a basic background of knowledge, but in no way more employable than the guy standing next to you. Not only that but will not have the cash you spent on the trade school....How about a junior college program?

Hit me with a PM if you are serious and I will see what I can do, I work for one of the largest companies in your area and are always looking for talent....If you have what it takes, opportunities will find you, not the other way around.

Again, please don't take any offense....

GT