A Path to Skilled Trades: From Waitlisted to Union Membership

Every journey in the skilled trades begins with a step of faith, and mine started with an intense waitlist experience. Like countless others, I answered an ad for 'learn the plumbing trade, no experience necessary' only to find a line snaking out of the establishment. The wait was almost daunting, but fate had a plan for me.

The Unforgettable Experience

The line was nearly an hour long, with several applications already in the queue. Just as everyone else was leaving, a small voice inside me insisted I return and ask for a piece of scrap paper. So, I went back, made my own basic application, and left the counter with only my name, address, and phone number. To my surprise, the application was dismissed without a meaningful conversation.

But another voice, more insistent, brought me back. This time, I asked for the application back. The application was said to have been lost, but I returned to ask if they could spare me a piece of paper again. Frustrated, the man behind the counter handed me another piece of paper. This time, I wrote a note emphasizing my hardworking nature, stating that I wasn't afraid of the dark, small spaces, or even bugs and rodents. I shared my name and phone number as well.

The Exasperated Wait

Bright and early the next day, I received an unexpected message on my answering machine: ‘I thought you wanted to work! We pay six bucks an hour six days a week and NO DAYS OFF! If you get back here in an hour you’ve got the job…HURRY UP!!’

The promise of a job was too good to pass up. I rushed back, and within the hour, the deal was sealed. This job served as both a gateway and a baptism by fire into the world of skilled trades.

A Year and a Half Later: Union Membership

About a year and a half later, I was already seasoned and looking for my next stepping stone in the trades. Armed with a recommendation letter stating I had 'missed no work,' I applied to the plumbers union in a community that had been hit hard by an earthquake.

The opportunity to clear poison oak from gullies, so drain pipes could be laid, was a testament to the hard work and dedication required in the trade. It was a powerful reminder of why I had chosen this path. And as the years rolled on, the rest of my journey was marked by continued growth, new skills, and a profound sense of accomplishment.

Conclusion and Call to Action

Every skilled trade journey is filled with its share of hurdles, but the rewards are fulfilling. If you're considering entering the skilled trades, remember that persistence and a strong 'can-do' attitude can lead to unexpected opportunities. Whether you're interested in plumbing, electrical work, framing, or HVAC, there's a path for you.

Are you ready to embark on your journey? Contact local unions or establishments to inquire about apprenticeships and potential positions. Who knows, you might be the next to experience a life-changing opportunity.