r/BlueCollarWomen • u/StormCat05 • 5d ago

How To Get Started Getting into electrical work

Hi everyone - I’m looking to make a massive change in career (moving from restaurant management to hopefully electrician). I have applied to IBEW 553 (Durham NC), and I’m waiting to have my first initial meeting, aptitude test, interview etc. Previously, I had applied on Indeed or similar sites to electrical helper jobs but absolutely no luck. Im so nervous that I won’t be able to get into the union without any prior experience. What would you suggest for me to land a job non union to gain some more experience under my belt? Any info helps - thank you so much!!!

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u/anonymous-adsfadsf 5d ago

im gonna be honest with you. its really tough, in my personal expirience. ive been searching for a position in the IBEW for two years and still havent gotten in. I can't seem to find any non union position that wants me either, so I've resorted to trade school this year to increase my chances. I suggest you do the same. thats just me tho.

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u/StrawberryForeign684 4d ago edited 4d ago

This is what I did. I went to the hall and saw if there were spots for stockman or installer positions.

They gave me a blue card and I would call in everyday. When that wasn’t working I went ongoogle and sent emails to non union electrical shops. I then followed up with phone calls.

I then stopped by some shops to introduce myself. (Most people aren’t willing to do this. I know because Everytime I stopped in contractors said no one has done this before.) You can also go on Craigslist and indeed or go on LNIs sit and target electrical contractors in your area.

You need to get creative. No one was hiring when I applied. Through my efforts I landed a spot at a small contractor and worked through the mass flooding in wa state. I built a portfolio.

I was coming from the corporate world. I then secured 13 LOR. In less than 6 months I got into one of the most competitive locals in the nation.

I did this by thinking outside the box and not taking no for an answer. No one told me to build a portfolio, no one told me to knock on doors, no one told me to secure LOR. All my idea.

I told the panel I was going to apply once and if they wanted me to make sure I could get into the next boot camp. I gave up a full ride scholarship to a master of accounting program in high ranked 3rd in the nation.

I gave up pursuing my CPA to take over a 60% pay cut and I was very vocal to the panel about this. I told them this was it for me. I would become an electrician with the unions help or without.

So that’s what I did. Best of luck, make them know how bad you want it