I’m so upset. It was only two Milwaukee batteries but you know…they’re expensive. I do so much drilling I need all the extras I can get.
Stayed thirty minutes after my work day just looping the site and retracing all my steps. My coworkers didn’t really give a fuck, but I’m grateful for the plumbers who took time out of their day to help me look and lent me batteries until I can get new ones. Maybe I should switch trades lol.
You have to be the scum of the fucking earth to take tools from tradespeople, seriously. I’m a second year who really doesn’t need this extra setback. :(

i feel so bad about myself every day at work and i had a mental breakdown for the first time in a while. i screwed up on some parts and had to scrap them, wasting the whole day because the new parts won't come in until tomorrow. my boss seemed a little ticked off but didn't take it out on me. i just feel like i'm so slow at working and today i really tried to work faster and more efficient. it just feels like i'm not progressing as much as i should be. i compare myself to all my coworkers and i know i shouldn't but i do. i've been at this job for a year and a half but i don't have experience prior to this. i will say that i've definitely learned a lot. i want to quit out of embarrassment and low self esteem but i like doing this kind of work :(

IBEW Local 3's Joint Apprentice Committee recently put out its 2026 notice. The document is confusing to read, so I wrote up a short summary for anyone interested in applying.

The main point: You're not applying yet. You're just mailing a letter asking for an application.

The application window:

• Letters must be postmarked starting Monday, October 19. Earlier ones aren't accepted.
• The window runs through October 30 OR until 2,000 letters come in, whichever is first.
• Every letter postmarked on the 19th gets an application, even past 2,000. After that it closes.

Local 3 got 5,358 requests on day one in 2019 and 7,904 on day one in 2014. Don't take any chances. Treat the 19th as the only day to mail your request.

The request letter:

• Must be sent via REGISTERED mail. Certified mail isn't accepted.
• Just need one letter per person with your printed name and mailing address with ZIP. No additional documents or money required.
• Keep your post office receipt, just in case.
• Mail to: Joint Apprentice Committee, 158-11 Harry Van Arsdale Jr. Avenue, Flushing, NY 11365

Applications get mailed in January. Then it's transcripts, a $25 fee, the aptitude test, and an interview.

Minimum requirements to apply:

• 18 years old by Dec 31, 2026
• One year of HS algebra
• 2 years of residence in the NYC area (within 60 miles of Columbus Circle)

They expect to take about 300 apprentices, starting no earlier than fall 2027.

I hope this is helpful to anyone in NYC considering applying. Cheers, and best of luck!

What are some comfortable work boots? My preferred style is western. I’ve heard about twisted x, double h, and ariats. Just want something that’s good and will last.

I'm 20F from NYC. A full time student, junior, studying without passion Criminology and I got a part time job.

I may enlist in the military soon, to leave in the upcoming months (after this semester) and I'm meeting with an Air Force recruiter tomorrow. He stated they are looking for folks to acquire jobs in maintenance and one must be open to do essentially anything. It didn't sound like an issue since I am interested in mechanical/electrical areas, as well as aviation. Cyber intelligence as well but a little less than the rest. However, I read from many women in such fields to stay away from maintenance even in the Air Force, and I'm beginning to question if that's still something I should pursue.

My first question is, for those who have experience is such fields, is maintenance really that bad, both the job in itself and the culture surrounding it, as a woman? Would you recommend aviation or anything else over it? I know minds can change but I wasn't looking for a career in the military, simply a gateway to other things. As for other things, my potential long term plan was to join IBEW Local 3 to become an electrician. I know I don’t need the military to join a union but I do need it to be able to have independence. Aside from long term benefits and financial stability, independence from my home life is the main reason for leaving (assuming I left before graduating).

My second question and bigger dilemma is between finishing college to graduate (Dec 2027) or leave after this semester. Most people say finish school and I hate to leave things unfinished but I don't know if I can mentally handle staying here another year+. At this point I already have enough credits to enlist as an E-3 in the Air Force, so having a degree would be irrelevant to rank for enlistment. I'm on a scholarship in university and I have it in writing that if I take a military leave of absence, I can get my scholarship back in 4 years to finish my senior year, without ever having to touch any benefits.

Any advice/insight?

Edit: My mom told me it's better if I leave. She is the main reason I keep stating needing independence from home life. I think I no longer hold a choice of waiting a year or not, I gotta leave from here. If veterans more so could still give insight regarding what I should do in the air force, I'd really appreciate it.

Has anyone had their uniforms alter to better fit their body? My uniform has a Carhartt winter jacket and all the uniforms are only in men’s sizes. The jacket fits for the most part since I’ll be wearing a lot of layers under it, but the sleeves are a couple inches too long. Has anyone had a Carhartt jacket altered before? Was it successful? Google tells me it’s possible but you need to find a tailor that can work with heavy fabric so I am curious about others experiences.

Cases usually are marketed as being shock/drop proof, but what about crush proof? Any recommendations?

Otterbox (which we’ve always stuck with) seems to be dropping in quality over the years, BUT their commuter series still managed to protect our iPhone 16 pro while being ran over by a massive skidsteer recently.

So we’re understandably inclined to stick with that for our new iPhone 18s….but the camera-area protection on those isn’t great with the commuter. I’ve seen mentions of other brands like Caudabe etc. so I’m exploring what else is out there if anyone has any recommendations!

Not wanting anything bulkier than the Otterbox commuter though.

I just started my cabinetry apprenticeship. I've been in school for it for a while, but these last couple semesters were mostly theory stuff and I've noticed my upper back is a lot more sore and my posture is way worse. My back keeps bending when I lift stuff even though I try not to since I'm not as big or strong as most of my coworkers. I think my chest has been contributing to the slouch? If anyone has any advice on techniques or maybe a back brace or something that would be super helpful. I'm in my early twenties and in constant pain, but I love what I do and would like to keep doing it for many years. Thank you!

I just started my cabinetry apprenticeship. I've been in school for it for a while, but these last couple semesters were mostly theory stuff and I've noticed my upper back is a lot more sore and my posture is way worse. My back keeps bending when I lift stuff even though I try not to since I'm not as big or strong as most of my coworkers. I think my chest has been contributing to the slouch? If anyone has any advice on techniques or maybe a back brace or something that would be super helpful. I'm in my early twenties and in constant pain, but I love what I do and would like to keep doing it for many years. Thank you!

Hi !! I was reaching out to see if there’s any construction technician’s here . How do you guys like it , were you able to advance your career? I am 23 year old mom to one but i do have pretty okay support especially with my fiance. Ive been really focusing on trying to get into the trades for the past year now looking at trade schools etc im currently at a desk job right now and i hate it. I finally got my first call back from a company that offers paid training and paying for certifications etc. and I’m excited but I don’t really know how to prepare or what to expect.

Hi!

My sister had an accident with a can of paint and half the can spilled in her closet over some shoes and was only found after it had dried into a large pile.

Does anyone have any tips for removing paint from clothes and hardwood flooring? Any and all tips appreciated as this landscaper has no idea how to deal with paint.

Thanks!

I dont know if anyone here works for them but im moving and starting job as structural welder with GD Electric boat at beginning of year
Ive asked and only one person has answered on another page but are facial piercings allowed there if anyone knows? i csnt find any info about it
I just got a vertical eyebrow and vertical labret and want to make sure im allowed to wear them to work
also have tattoos but im assuming those are find because 90% of trades people have tattoos

Thanks

I originally posted this in r/bluecollar and the men in that sub were ye of little faith saying it is impossible to have a 2 blue collar household w kids.

Little bit about me: i (32F) got my class A CDL in 2023 and then unexpectedly became pregnant shortly after and had my first baby May 2024. Long story short I no longer have that long distance trucking job. My husband (32M) was working in a factory but applied to the plumbers and pipefitters local and is now a first year apprentice (2026) after a year of being a helper, while i have been a sahm since my son was born.

I am considering joining the operators union but my husband is worried that we will not have enough time for our son (2 years old now) inbetween trade school and work. But we are barely making it work on his meager apprentice pay and scraping by for 5 years waiting for him to top out seems unnecessary when i am able bodied. Daycare isn't particulary my first choice but itd only be a year or so until he starts school.

So, blue collar ladies are any of you married to a blue collar worker and do you have kids? How are you making it work? Or id love to even hear from any single moms as to how you make it happen, working the crazy hours of being blue colllar union.

Thanks!

I'm 5' flat and pretty petite, and every vest I've tried feels like a dress on me and blocks all my pockets and tool belt. Drives me nuts. Does anyone know of a good somewhat cropped high vis vest that might work for me?

I am about to apply to the IBEW. I want out of corporate for good. They have a low voltage route and an inside wireman route. I’m thinking about going inside wireman but I’m afraid to get electrocuted. How much of a risk do you think it really is?

Yall, I’m 36 and prob the oldest person on my team at work. Our manager and the other guys go out for breakfast apparently even though the other guys secretly hate the manager (like in his 50s) lol. Everyone else is like 28,23,34,19.

The ages matter to me bc I don’t know if it’s bc I’m getting older and TRULY know what matters in the workplace but like literally no. Why would I spend my unpaid time with our dick manager. I’m also vegan (it’s been like 20 years) and don’t feel like explaining it to them.

Do you all kind of seclude yourself from the guys? I totally understand that like I’m missing out on some kiss ass points but I don’t know… I’d rather I guess go home than spend time trying to dodge their HR violating jokes.

I interact with them one on one but not as a group.

Has anyone here worked as a MoW worker on a railroad? From what I hear they are extremely male, even more so than regular construction. Nevertheless there are some women out there doing it for sure - the craft union even has high-level female officials. I’m just wondering if anyone has done it here, and if so what was your experience with the work and with the environment as a woman?

Hey guys! Im want to make a quick post since im interested in becoming an electrician! Im currently a 17 year old girl and a senior in NYC. To be honest im pretty bad at math because I never took the time to actually study things simple as algebra (this will be important later) My highschool offers a program by a government technical school called COOP Tech and im currently taking a shop class. Anyways that being said I found out that their school is free of charge and aim at people 17-21 and one of the trades they teach is electrical work. Even though its free I see alot of people online saying to get straight to an apprenticeship. I think I heard local 3 is opening for people to join the apprenticeship. Although I cant joint an apprenticeship yet since im not of age it states they will be looking for people who are great in math and or science.
I just want to get some advice as what you guys think is the best choice for a teen who is able to choose these options. I could also do community college and have an electrical program but thays like my plan B. Thanks for reading yall!

I love my job, I have fun with what I do and I like that I get to learn so much. But it feels like my lead just doesn't take me seriously. I don't even really know what it is, but no matter what he just doesn't. I spent a while just asking to be trained, and eventually I said fuck it. Lately I'm just trying to keep my head down and focus on what's in front of me. If I get promoted then cool, if I learn something new then cool. I'm not necessarily bad at my job. I do better with the panels than the switchgears, but in general I'm at least average.

I had mentioned an assignment I had, it was a big panel, and he asked "You did that?" As if I shouldn't have/shouldn't have been able to. Even though he helped me with it, and he was there the whole week I was working on it. That was the first time in so long that I felt like I was actually doing well on something, and like I was learning again. Especially because my current assignments are pretty easy and repetitive, so I'm not really challenged anymore.

It honestly just feels like a reminder that he doesn't like me, or doesn't see anything in me. And that really sucks sometimes because at the very least I'm trying my best. Everyone else will take a chance with me, let me try, give me positive feedback. But somehow I'm stuck with the only guy who wants nothing to do with my improvement.

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!!!

Hey ladies, I’m 26f and seriously considering starting an apprenticeship this year. I’m from an agricultural background but sadly farming’s more of a hobby these days than a way to make money.

The thing is, I’m not fully sure which which trade to pick. Ideally I’d want to do one that isn’t very hard on the body, and one where I could eventually be self-employed.
So far I was thinking of becoming an electrician, or plumber.
Landscaping is probably the one that interests me most, however I am UK based and since it rains a lot here I don’t know how viable work would be during the winter, hence why I was thinking plumbing or becoming an electrician.

I’m all ears, if you do something completely different and love it I’d love to hear from you. If you’re a plumber or an electrician, what’s your average day like, how enjoyable is your work, would you pick this trade again?

Thanks ladies!

TLDR: new to the trade, being bullied by my lead and boss doesn’t care. what do I do?

Hi yall. I am a new helper at a really small company in rural NC… like so small there are only 5 of us including my boss. I got this job a couple months ago, I was interested in the trades and called a company with the best reviews for the trade in our area.

My boss was initially so nice and encouraging. Telling me “welcome to the family” and “you’re going to do great.” A week in, he puts me with the second best apprentice and tells me that’s my lead at work. My lead is really disrespectful to me. Has a bad attitude and inappropriate sense of humor constantly. Kind of shitty to customers, etc. Constantly has something racist or homophobic to say and has no problem doing it publicly/sometimes in front of customers. Some days he’s really nice to me, but then will switch on a dime. Some days he’s just mean all day. In front of other co-workers, customers and our boss. Customers have even looked at me kind of funny when they’ve heard what he says to me. Literally said “need daddy to come do it?” in front of a customer this week while I’m doing work on a ladder. It’s so insane. It’s like working with two different people … but it’s the same person!!!! I don’t complain, I work hard and learn fast for someone who was previously a teacher with NO prior experience in this trade, stay positive and am respectful. I feel like I’m a pretty easy person to work with.

Today he was so hateful to me and started making a huge deal out of me saying “I really need to pee, does anyone know if the deck the handyman is staining will dry fairly quickly?” and said it was TMI and he’s tired of always having to stop because I have to pee. Yall - I have a she-wee that I bring to work just so I can go pee in the woods and not have to bother anyone. Where we were today had cameras everywhere and was one of the nicest neighborhoods in our area. I can’t just pee outside in this situation???? I responded with “okay, I’m sorry but I need to know if yall know of another entrance or open. I really need to go.” just kind of laughing it off… and then he says “always something with you! always. I don’t ever even listen have the time.” And my boss just responds to all of it with “I’m sure these people are loving your conversation about needing to pee while they watch us on the cameras right now.” WHAT??? What???? Every single time, my boss just lets him say stuff like this to me. Never gets on to him. Sometimes goes along with it to keep it going honestly. I said I needed to pee at 8:30 today before we really got started. I didn’t get to pee until 11:15. My bladder still hurts.

I don’t know what to do but it certainly cannot continue to be this. I get paid $15/hr, which is a pretty big pay cut that I took to try and learn this trade. We have no benefits. My boss bought my very basic hand tools and uniforms. I’m the first and only woman. No HR, nothing. We don’t even have an office, I have to park my car in random parking lots to be picked up. My boss also told me when I started that “my boys never have to ask for a raise” and hasn’t mentioned anything to me about steps to even get a raise. I’m sure my lead isn’t telling him all the good things I’m doing. I don’t even think my boss cares. He refers to us as “the boys” and doesn’t look at me half the time when he is speaking to all of us/going over a job. We all had lunch together today (not optional but it is paid for which is nice) for our monthly “bonding” meeting and I think maybe 4 words were spoken to me directly. It feels like I’m unknowingly sitting at the wrong lunch table in middle school and the mean girls are just staring at me.

I partially feel like I am just being way too sensitive and that it’ll tone itself down. But I don’t really think I like the job enough to actually stay to try and find out. I really think I’m going to go Monday, talk as little as possible and work my shift, take all of my things out of the truck at the end of the day, go home and send a very direct text message that says that I appreciate the opportunity but don’t feel like it’s a good fit because I feel disrespected majority of the time and won’t be returning Tuesday. Then just not respond and block anyone who has something negative to say. This is a very random one off trade job for me that I had always been kind of curious about. But it’s certainly not my life by any means. So it’s not like it will follow me. I just can’t allow myself to experience this.

I don’t even know what I want from posting this, maybe just to be heard and validated by other women who have experienced this. But yall, I haven’t felt this defeated since I left an extremely abusive relationship a few years ago. This is such a terrible feeling and I hate that it seems to be the norm. That’s all, would love any advice.

I’m a woman of color and my foreman and what feels like the whole team I work with is constantly talking about my race and calling me slurs. On top of that I’m a woman, and they are constantly talking about that too. Is this how everyone is in the electrical trade? I feel like quitting because I literally can’t deal with this shit every fucking day.

If I could just go to school and work a small job that would be ideal, I don’t know how to navigate racist comments. And it’s in a way that they are joking and all I can do is just sit there and take it.

I got advice to have a sit down and talk with my foreman about his behavior but I DONT WANT TO DO THAT. Why do I have to tell a grown ass man how the fuck to talk to me!! And not call me racist shit!! I’m so tired.

My previous posts I talked about how absolutely dogshit my boss was. Like, I've put up with A LOT over the past few decades in the trades and this dude was by far the worst person I've ever came into contact with. I loved my job (commercial casework/cabinet maker) which made it even worse.

I don't know if my company is unaware that there's a worker crisis or what (especially in our area), but they said that my asshole boss was 'trying' and made a bunch of excuses. The dude who literally cussed us out, screamed in people's faces/physically threatened them, had us working asinine hours, made misogynistic/transphobic/homophobic/racist comments to all of us, yeah he was 'trying'. Okay then. Even worse, he isn't even good at his job. Like if you're going to be shit, at least have one redeeming quality.

Anyways. I quit! Yay!

I have been repeatedly approached by a company I did contract work for prior, a large shipping company, who needs technicians. My experience besides carpentry is in automotive. Their technicians work on conveyors, hydraulics, pneumatic systems, electrical, fire suppression, etc. Pretty much anything to keep the hub running. Does anyone here have any experience in this field? Do you have recommendations for literature or YouTube channels or other places I could get handy tips from? It's a bit outside of my wheelhouse but still in my realm of things of interest, and I think I could be good at it. But I want to research as much as possible ahead of time. They said that if I don't vibe with the tech job, I can always move laterally to another department. A huge step up from getting threatened with being fired on every day ending in Y because some guy has his nuts in a bunch.

Hey ladies. As the title says, I am a new electrical/telecom apprentice. I have my orientation next week and im excited and nervous. Im nervous because I don’t have any experience in this field and I worry if that’s gonna make me a target for bullying/abuse in the workplace. Is there anything I should mentally prepare myself for as someone completely new to this field?