Reply to Thread

"Can anyone give me some insight into how the apprenticeship works with the Atlanta union local 72?"

You go to the job four days out of the week, and to the school for the fifth. I'm pretty sure you are paid for 8 when you are in class.

JCI/York, Carrier, Siemens, and Honeywell are most likely still union shops, considering they all have national labor agreements with the UA. There are also several fairly large mechanical outfits, like Mckenney's, that are union. I think GA Trane is non union, however I think they operate an in house apprenticeship.

If you can get in and get on some work, it's probably a better route than a trade school HVAC program.

I finished a five year apprenticeship program with local #91 back in 08. There were things I didn't like about the program, and things I would have done differently while coming through it, but, overall, I don't think I would be where I am now had I not stuck with it.

Thanks for the replies.

That's right jtrammel, the majority of the south is a right to work state. The union has very little presence here.
Dog1, you should ask UA local 72 to provide you with a list of local mechanical contractors in your area and apply with them directly. However you may have to talk to the local business agent who handles new member's.

In the south I think you'll have better luck in non union shops. I could be wrong but most shops I know of are non union.

Atlanta Union Local #72

Can anyone give me some insight into how the apprenticeship works with the Atlanta union local 72? It appears they do their training through the Mechanical Trades Institute. Its a 5 year program where you get paid to go to school but you have to be picked by one of their contractors if you want steady work.

I called and asked a few questions and they said they can't promise steady work, saying journeymen were waiting on the bench for jobs. They say they will do everything possible to help you find a job but nothing is guaranteed. I know nothing is guaranteed in life, I just wondered if its the right move. Any comments are appreciated.