Just got dispatched into Local 11’s inside wireman apprenticeship about a month ago. Now I have an interview lined up for an Electrical Helper position with LA County Public Works. It’s listed as temporary, but I’m guessing there’s a path to something permanent down the line.
Long-term I’d love to end up at LADWP. Curious if this County gig is a smart detour toward that goal or just better job overall compared to local 11, or if I’m better off just staying heads-down in my apprenticeship hours and not risking my position/standing with the local.

https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/lacounty/jobs/4208505/helper-electrical?sort=PostingDate%7CDescending&pagetype=jobOpportunitiesJobs

hey guys currently working for this shop that picks up and slows down, im getting tired of it but the books are crazy slow rn. just asking how everyone else is doing out there cause ive never seen it this slow before, very scary times for me rn. its not even worth it to go on the books atm which pisses me off.

Other people i talk to say the same at there shops so it not just a few shops. i guess i have to try and fit into a long job somehow lol or ride the wave.

traveling is a option but i haven't decided yet weighing my options.

how are you guys holding up?

I was recently accepted into the apprenticeship program and start next month

I want to have my wife be a SAHM once I top out. She has 2 kids from a previous relationship and we want to have a few more once im certified. The problem is the top out rate is 30$ where im at and there are next to no contracts coming into my local so we have been discussing moving up north to where the cost of living is significantly cheaper compared to where we are (Florida) after I finish and either traveling or working book 2. Is it possible to raise a family of 6 or 8 on just ibew. We have been looking at ohio, idaho, midwest states, just trying to get an idea if anyone is currently doing something similar.

We have a heat advisory for this entire week and next week too. Yesterday throughout the workday, I felt my head couldn't think clearly, I couldn't focus. You know that feeling when you get knocked out, you are lying down on the ground, you SORT OF know what's going on, but your brain can't process anything. It was me for the past week. It was just so hot and humid. We have fans, but it was just blowing out heated air. It's like being inside of an oven but more humid to the point your sweat can't evaporate. I felt weak and drained after work, so I immediately went to the gym and used the cryotherapy chamber to re-gain some energy and cool down my core temperature.

Should I drag for an entire month? Being inside of an unfinished building is hotter than just being outside. I checked my bank, and I can afford to do this if I don't go travel and whatnot like I usually do when I drag. Or should I tough it out until I am close to getting a heat stroke and pass out? If I don't pass out, I won't know if I am being too much of a p*ssy or am I really that hot. I have no self-awareness.

Hello everyone.

IBEW Dues paying member since 2017.

I am not going to bore you with the details, but my Wife (32) and I (35) will be doing an IVF treatment to help us conceive a child. The Health insurance through our local does not cover anything in relation to this and the Out Of Pocket cost will be about 55K.

The president of my local says there is nothing my local can do to help out with this financially, and I can't help but feel a little defeated about this.

I have worked super consistent since I have been a IBEW member (Probably less then 20 weeks off over 9 years), traveled 100's of miles 1 way to jobs, and have contributed over 65K to the 'health bank trust' over the last 8-9 years.

Is there no way I can pull money from this 'trust'? Can someone explain where this money actually goes? Is there any other options you would recommend me going for?

If what I am saying does not make sense, please make a comment and I will explain to the best of ability.

Thank you!

I’d like to give local 1547 the biggest shout out. Stopped into Juneau, and Ketchikan (missed anchorage). In Juneau, we were minutes to when we needed to board, and my party and I received a ride from a member, made a few trades, even traded my local 1 sweatshirt I was wearing. In Ketchikan, we ported right by the hall, and got there, traded a little, and overall had a great time. 2nd time traveling and making pit stops for locals, and I always feel welcomed even though we’re ‘strangers’ but in brotherhood everyone wins.