How long did it take you to find a job?

[diesel79]

Hello all, FNG to the forum.:D

I just got done with Line School 3 weeks ago. Ive been applying for alot apprentice positions over the last few months, and always follow up after applying with a phone call or 3, but Im not getting called back for an interview. Ive been looking all over the country and I am willing to relocate pretty much anywhere.

Ive got a 3.8 GPA in Line School(I know its just a number and doesnt really mean a whole lot, but it says I at least have a brain between my ears and can learn something), I also have a Bachelors in Business with 2 minors(I know this doesnt pertain to Linework, just stating my education is all). I have been doing concrete construction for the past 4.5 years(finisher), along with a few other jobs along the way. I also have my Class A and CPR/First Aid Certified.

Im 30 years old, not sure if some of the places are looking for younger guys?
My dad has over 30 years in the trade and is the Foreman at the Coop in my home town. He cant figure out why Im not getting called back, he say's Ive got a good foundation for what they should be looking for. Im thinking a majority of the jobs are being filled with guys that have some experience, but I dont know that for sure? Its pretty **** hard to get some experience when you cant get hired because you dont have any.

Ive also applied for a couple Groundman jobs. Im hoping to hear back from them and land an interview as well. I just need some experience and get the ball rolling, and definitely realize I have to start out on the **** end of the stick.

Anyway just wondering how long it took most of you to get hired after you were done with school?

[diesel79]

I posted this in the wrong forum. I thought I was in the apprentice/wanna be forum. If a moderator could move my post that would be awesome.

[bones]

You must realize it is an investment for the company, a big one. Those who live local will get priority and often the only people even considered. Too many guys want to get their foot in the door then are homeward bound come the end of their apprenticeship. You can't really blame the company for being cautious about hiring outsiders, as in those who live far far away. They invest in you and take a hit in the pocket teaching you, then come lineman time, the time when you start earning your worth, you're gone. They'd rather spend an extra two years molding a local piece of sh*t into something somewhat worthy than risk a ship jumper.

That being said, I got in with the BS line "Looking to move closer to family from (insert close town here):D" Truth is, I didn't have anyone related within hundreds of miles. I even browsed through the area's phone book for some good last names to drop that I "could" be related to. That didn't come up but I was ready nonetheless.

Life's about learning to play the game:cool:

[rcdallas]

When I went to SLTC a couple of years ago, I had a job 3 weeks before I graduated. I packed my happy ass up and was on the road just a couple of hours later after I was done with it... then got a phone call while I was on my way to start at Kissimee Utility Authority, turned it down. Few weeks later Indianapolis Power called. **** came pretty much all at once then.

I've heard the utility sector sees the effects of recessions about 2 years afterwords...I don't know if that's true or not. Maybe there is.

I think system wide we have no more then 22 contract crews running around, I believe they be hurtin for work...

Where I'm at now, it took over 6 months from the time I applied, to the time I started, if you ask me, from what I've seen that was pretty quick around here.

There's been a position that posted up, maybe back in January, STILL not filled, let alone done any interviewing for it, if I heard right there was over 300 people that applied for that slot. I had a buddy that took over 6 months as well from the time he started applying.

Takes time... by the time you forget about it, then they'll call. You'll be like who's this? I did? Whats your name again? Your where?

[diesel79]

Thanks for the info fellas. The hiring local makes sense. I called alot of the Coops. after they hired someone, just to get an answer as to why I wasn't chosen for an interview. Quite a few of them were because they hired a local kid. They stick around due to family I was told.

If I take a job away from home it would have to be somewhere where I wanted to live. Id feel guilty getting a job and leaving as soon as I got my Journeymans, but then again, a guys gotta do whats best for him and his family too. Right now thats taking what I can get to get some experience.

In the meantime at least Im fortunate enough to have a friend who owns a deorative concrete company that pays me a good wage and has work until the cold comes. Hopefully I have something come winter time!

The search goes on:)

[Stinger]

Things are slow all over the country. Utlties are down sizing, they are not spending money on projects. I would keep my job as a concrete man and keep applying. Call the local IBEW in your area and get into their apprentice program. Do not get hurt feelings when they do not give you very much credit or hours with being a line school graduate. Good luck, go union. Compare wages and benifiets of union hands to non union hands- you will see why I say go union- it has nothing to do with work ethics.