Hey Guys,

I would like to ask if there are a lot of local unions in your area that provide free training and on the job learning opportunities for young people looking to get into Electrical work, Plumbing and other trades. We often talk about this as an option for the younger guys visiting this sub but not really in-depth, so I decided to do some preliminary research in my area on it.

I've been looking around the NY Tri-State area and on on site the Journeyman pay is actually $34/hr not including other benefits which is comparable to many White collar jobs here in NYC.

The academic requirements are not stringent at all. I think awareness is key and if more young guys were aware of this we'd have a lower youth unemployment rate particularly in big cities with a large trade union presence. There is a big demand for skilled workers in these traditional trades as the average trade worker is aging quickly. There is also disability compensation if you get hurt on the job and it's pretty generous. I am not as mechanically inclined as my cousin but if I were 18 again and not already on a good career track I would definitely do a double take.

Imagine earning $34 an hour at the age of 22 with no college debt and probably have a good sized nest egg of $25k or more? Basically all you need is discipline and be mechanically inclined to a certain extent. Seems like a lot of opportunities are available in the NY, NJ, PA tri-state area. What about your region?

http://labor.ny.gov/pressreleases/apprenticeshiparchive.shtm http://www.ibew43.org/training.html http://www.cnyjatc.org/faqs/#24 http://www.ibewlu363.org/site_v1/apprentice/Apprentice.html

Compared to other professions yes you will have your politics to deal with but it is a lot harder to get laid off/fired and your packages will be much more family friendly many times. In addition, you will have a skill to do side work to support yourself and your family even in times when you can't find a work placement.

Oh and the best part about your day-to-day will be - You guessed it - NO WOMEN and false allegations of harassment to deal with...

Young guys you really have nothing to lose even just checking it out. They should make interviews with apprenticeship providers mandatory along with college campus visits for High School Juniors and Seniors.

Oh and before I forget. Many guys could have objections or negative things to say about these jobs but hey, it's better than being homeless or living with 5 roommates or in your mother's basement. Don't waste your Youth being unemployed or underemployed working at Starbucks if there's something you can do about it. Even older guys (21+) have been signing up lately. There is no shame in making a living, and did I forget to mention you get paid to learn and work? Not the DeVry U. bullshit model either.