Pros

Extensive training program including full time work, college course 1/semester @ 1x/wk 430-630 and electrical theory which runs on a public school schedule 1x/wk from 430-830. Also have to do 1 wk of hands on training/year. (Each semester/class you can only have 3 absences, after which there will be a meeting on wether you can continue, depending on individual circumstances (reason for absences, overall progress in class up to that point, you can continue, 4th absence your dropped having to retake class, after 2/3 failed attempts, you can be dropped from program. Have to pass each semester to get a raise (small raise) and move through the program. Initiation/benefits begin after 6 mths. After 4th year, with successfully passing the MIJ test, you’re an “MIJ” for a year before taking your A test, where you’ll become a full A journeyman. So all together 5 1/2 yr apprenticeship. 3 pensions, benefits package is excellent, several clubs, and other “perks” like tuition reimbursement for you and your spouse after you finish apprenticeship, The program is strictly regimented and rigorous but not designed to make you fail. If you do what you have to do and keep up on your work (like any other schooling, it’s really not that difficult. It IS designed to weed out the individuals who are not willing to put the work in and actually learn the trade as one should. I know I don’t want to be working with, near, or by someone who doesn’t know what they’re doing! It is a true brotherhood that welcomes you and takes you under their wings, like everything in life, you get the same energy you put into it.

Cons

You get paid very little through your apprenticeship. Recommend getting in as young as you can. It’s a hard program to complete successfully having other responsibilities such as children and bills. But def worth it once you do. Other con, is the forced furlough and the dark cloud of possible lay offs which follow you. At which point you go to the bottom of the list at the union hall (usually mths long), collect unemployment, and have the option of taken up to a certain amount out of 401k (if you have it, and with penalties).