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How easy is it to find work as an electrician?

Is it better to just stick with the company you did your apprenticeship with or find a union?

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James Constantine’s Answer

Hello Matthew,

How easy is it to find work as an electrician?

The ease of finding work as an electrician depends on various factors such as location, experience, qualifications, and the current demand for electricians in the job market. In general, the electrical industry offers numerous job opportunities, and the demand for skilled electricians is consistently high.

To increase your chances of finding work as an electrician, consider the following steps:

Obtain proper education and training: Complete a formal apprenticeship program or attend a vocational school to gain the necessary knowledge and skills required for the job.

Gain experience: Start as an apprentice or helper and work your way up to journeyman and master electrician status. Experience is crucial in the electrical field, as it demonstrates your competence and ability to handle various tasks.

Network: Connect with other professionals in the industry, attend trade shows, and join professional organizations to expand your network and increase your visibility to potential employers.

Keep your skills up-to-date: Continuously learn about new technologies, codes, and safety practices to stay competitive in the job market.

Be open to relocation: If the job market in your area is saturated, consider moving to a different location where the demand for electricians is higher.

Is it better to just stick with the company you did your apprenticeship with or find a union?

Whether to stay with the company you did your apprenticeship with or join a union depends on your personal preferences, career goals, and the benefits each option provides.

Staying with the company you did your apprenticeship with:

Familiarity: You may feel more comfortable staying with the company you know, as you are already acquainted with their work culture, processes, and colleagues.
Job security: If the company values your skills and work ethic, they may offer you stable employment and opportunities for growth.
Customized training: The company might provide tailored training and development programs to help you advance your career.

Joining a union:

Better working conditions: Unions often negotiate better wages, benefits, and working conditions for their members.
Job security: Union members typically have more protection against layoffs and job loss.
Collective bargaining: Unions represent their members in negotiations with employers, ensuring fair treatment and addressing work-related concerns.
Networking opportunities: Unions often provide access to a larger network of professionals, which can lead to more job opportunities and support throughout your career.

Ultimately, the decision to stay with your apprenticeship company or join a union should be based on your individual needs, preferences, and the specific benefits each option offers.

GOD BLESS!
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Jason’s Answer

it depends on what kind of electrician you want to be. there are many different kinds of electricians but basically are 4 general types.

1 commercial, (large businesses and offices)
2 residential, (houses)
3 industrial, (inside factories)
4 linemen
if you want to jump right into being an electrician, then industrial is the easiest to find work because a license and a ton of experience usually is not required. i know it's not really what your asking, because your asking about unions and apprenticeship, but for others that read this question.
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Michelle’s Answer

Hello, Matthew !

I like seeing how enthusiastic you are about becoming an Electrician and your questions are very important. Based on what you have asked, I would like to give some advice that may help point you in a hopefully helpful direction.

Unfortunately, no one right now can tell you what to do about electrician work or jobs. The good news is that during your training and apprenticeship, you will be very much aware of how the profession is. But it is good to keep asking questions because even if no one can actually advise about the details and actions you should do, I think getting some basic information will lead you to making a decision about unions. Although it will take some phone calls and lots of reading at websites to find the union that is for electricians in your county in Portland, it will give you some answers about which union is the correct one and what unions are all about.

As for unions in Oregon, there is the IBEW 280 (with surrounding Locals) and NECA-IBEW Local 48. I have left the URL for their websites below and it would be very worthwhile to obtain direct information from them about the union. Keep in mind that no one can advise you about what to join or how to run the details of your career before you start your career. It is a process and you will gain knowledge and be aware of what you want to choose to do by making an informed choice. Decisions about "where" to work will happen for you once you start working. When you learn more about the union, you can make a choice about what to do. Give yourself time and experience and that will show you what you should do.

Make the most of your training and apprenticeship . Do electrical work because that is what you love to do. For right now, base it on your drive and passion for the work, not for projected possible salaries or to know exactly how your work will be. Someone can tell you it can be a certain way, but in five years from now that would be just a guess. So it's best to take small steps towards your ultimate goal. Keep exploring but maybe it would be best to focus on the various skills that an electrician needs to have. We all want to know our future, sure, but that is what life is for - to live it for ourselves and create the best future for ourselves. You can do it !

I wish you all the best in all you do !

Michelle recommends the following next steps:

ELECTRICIANS UNION https://www.ibew280.org/
ELECTRICIAN UNIONS https://necaibew48.com/about/
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