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It is difficult for me to even imagine what it would be like to go into this field.... basically "knowing nothing."

I can't imagine what it would be like to get hired, and not already know:

electronics
electricity
pipe fitting
aerodynamics
troubleshooting
mechanics

...all because of an overriding curiosity about how things work.

I suppose the best idea is to ensure that an individual has provided THEMSELVES with a basic understanding of applied physics before undertaking a trade such as ours.

Originally Posted by timebuilder

Here in the US, the UA apprentices attend required training classes. Is it different up there???

We are required to attend 3 training terms over our 9000hr apprenticeship however you don't need any schooling before you start working. That was my case.

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Originally Posted by RyanHVACR

Forgot about this post. Was very new to the game back then.

Here's how it went for me:
1. Got approved for hire in March
2. Got a job in May doing industrial refrigeration construction
3. Construction job was terrible. Refueling generators, sweeping floors, organizing parts trailer, etc.
4. Didn't learn a thing about refrigeration and was subsequently laid off after 6 months.
5. Started from scratch in non-union after couldn't find work for 2 months.
6. Been servicing resi/comm HVAC ever since and I've learned a ton and feel I've become a competent technician.

I don't hold anything against 787. I was as green as it gets and wasn't suited for the type of work I was hired for. We'll see what the future holds.

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Here in the US, the UA apprentices attend required training classes. Is it different up there???

Originally Posted by RyanHVACR

Forgot about this post. Was very new to the game back then.

Here's how it went for me:
3. Construction job was terrible. Refueling generators, sweeping floors, organizing parts trailer, etc.
4. Didn't learn a thing about refrigeration and was subsequently laid off after 6 months.
5. Started from scratch in non-union after couldn't find work for 2 months.
6. Been servicing resi/comm HVAC ever since and I've learned a ton and feel I've become a competent technician.

I don't hold anything against 787. I was as green as it gets and wasn't suited for the type of work I was hired for. We'll see what the future holds.

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I find that working union as an apprentice kinda sucks especially some of the companies don't wanna spend the time.non union seems to be a sink or swim which is much better to learn.

Originally Posted by Guard

Hi I am curious if you yourself have found work with a union company seeing as a year has past since your post. I was approved for hire as a first year apprentice in March and just curious how long I should plan on waiting for a call?

Forgot about this post. Was very new to the game back then.

Here's how it went for me:
1. Got approved for hire in March
2. Got a job in May doing industrial refrigeration construction
3. Construction job was terrible. Refueling generators, sweeping floors, organizing parts trailer, etc.
4. Didn't learn a thing about refrigeration and was subsequently laid off after 6 months.
5. Started from scratch in non-union after couldn't find work for 2 months.
6. Been servicing resi/comm HVAC ever since and I've learned a ton and feel I've become a competent technician.

I don't hold anything against 787. I was as green as it gets and wasn't suited for the type of work I was hired for. We'll see what the future holds.

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Also new to the UA 787 to hire list.

Originally Posted by TrevorM

Hello ! I am curious if you have obtained a job? I have recently become a member myself but after calling a majority of contractors I have been told that they are not hiring right now. Also I have heard they are continuously accepting new members anyway.

Hi I am curious if you yourself have found work with a union company seeing as a year has past since your post. I was approved for hire as a first year apprentice in March and just curious how long I should plan on waiting for a call?

yes bro u can do self study but experience is must..you should collect experience in this field..

Originally Posted by Apprenticanic

I am about to join the 787 now after already being in the trade for 8 years. I got my 313A and G1. I did it how jrmech had mentioned, found a union company and did an interview, they wanted me and were willing to go through the process mentioned to hire me. They told the union that they can't find the skill sets i have within the unemployed members of 787 and that is why they are looking externally.

Unionized UA contractors are allowed to hire outside the hall if the union has no suitable candidate to offer, now you must be careful dealing with the contractor directly cause they can place you on a lower pay&benefits scale and you will end doing the same work as your fellow union brothers for a lot less money and when you are classified as ..?? getting out and moving up is extremely difficult. I mean what they are offering you now may seem like a good deal compared with what you are making working non-union but in the long term is not such good thing, if they really want you make them pay nothing less than BTJ scale.

I am about to join the 787 now after already being in the trade for 8 years. I got my 313A and G1. I did it how jrmech had mentioned, found a union company and did an interview, they wanted me and were willing to go through the process mentioned to hire me. They told the union that they can't find the skill sets i have within the unemployed members of 787 and that is why they are looking externally.

Hello ! I am curious if you have obtained a job? I have recently become a member myself but after calling a majority of contractors I have been told that they are not hiring right now. Also I have heard they are continuously accepting new members anyway.

a registered apprentice is allowed to solicit work, for local 787 anyway.

OP

Originally Posted by 71CHOPS

you better read the rules for apprenticeship before you go too much further.....

apprentices are generally not allowed to solicit work......all work is coordinated by the head of training and the BA.

it's nice to be gung-ho about getting a job, but you are now part of a larger entity that has rules and regs. to help ALL members........educate yourself on what the process is, then find ways to work within it to accomplish your goals.

Who are you directing your statement too?

you better read the rules for apprenticeship before you go too much further.....

apprentices are generally not allowed to solicit work......all work is coordinated by the head of training and the BA.

it's nice to be gung-ho about getting a job, but you are now part of a larger entity that has rules and regs. to help ALL members........educate yourself on what the process is, then find ways to work within it to accomplish your goals.

Originally Posted by RACMT

Hi there,

What are the actual steps you took to get into the Local 787?
I have my Red Seal in Refrigeration and Air Conditioning, I have a two year HVACR diploma and six years of actual trade experience. I would like to get into this union but their website is not very clear on how, they have a place for applying to be an apprentice but no spot for qualified technicians. Can anyone here point me in the right direction.

Thank you.

To get into 787 as a journeyman it's the same as getting in as an already 'registered apprentice', you have to find a potential job with a union contractor first, then the employer has to prove to the union that they can't find the skill sets you have within the unemployed members of 787 and that is why they are looking externally, this is a daunting task that most employers just dont bother with, not impossible to get in but not easy either. If you don't have your G1 then get it, your chances will increase.

Acexpresss:

Thank you for your reply, thats what I am curious about. It feels to me that you have to have a connection to get in. I just want to be informed before I make any phone calls, I don't want to sound ignorant when I do decide to call. I will start Networking but if there is anyone else that is a member of 787 I would appreciate your time and thanks again to anyone that can help me out.

As a member of UA Local 211 I am unaware of any qualified service techs not working. Here when you get accepted you go through the 5 year apprenticeship. After that you "Breakout". Then you are a Tradesman and work your way to Journeyman. While you are an apprentice you cannot change your employer. Once you Breakout you can work for whomever you like. You might try making some connections with whichever Union Contractor you are familiar with. If that goes well, they can call up the Hall and request you. Good Luck Brother.

Originally Posted by RyanHVACR

Hello all.

I just got accepted into the HVACR union in Ontario and I would like to know how long it took you guys to find a job?

I have contacted some companies asking if they are hiring and it hasn't gotten me far (yet) and my other option is to sit back and wait for someone to hire me off the "available to work" list I am on.

My info:
I am a 23 year old G3 (perusing my G2) with no direct HVAC experience but I AM a part of the UA Local 787 as of a few days ago

So.. Has anyone played the waiting game and if so, how did that work for you?

Hi there,

What are the actual steps you took to get into the Local 787?
I have my Red Seal in Refrigeration and Air Conditioning, I have a two year HVACR diploma and six years of actual trade experience. I would like to get into this union but their website is not very clear on how, they have a place for applying to be an apprentice but no spot for qualified technicians. Can anyone here point me in the right direction.

Thank you.

Anyone know if I can do a self study for this trade?
Thanks

Hello, I have G3 and about 18 months of experience in this trade. I got the opportunity to get on UA local 787 apprentice waiting list in January of this year (2013). I have tried to get in some small companies but nothing yet. I will wait until they call me from the union I guess because there doesn't seem to be much in jobs out there in the GTA.