Union Career Journal

Real-time trade career journal

Starting Over in the Union Trades

I’m documenting my career change into Bay Area union apprenticeships, including applications, pay scales, interviews, and what I learn along the way.

Apprenticeship updates, pay scale research, interview notes, and what I’m learning as I start over and apply to IBEW 234, IBEW 332, UA Local 393, and IUEC Local 8.

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Apprenticeship Updates

Real-time progress and lessons.

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Pay Scale Research

Breaking down the numbers.

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Interview Experiences

My experience, prep, and what to expect.

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Tool Recommendations

In the near future I hope.

Start here

Where I Am Today

My apprenticeship journey as of June 2026.

UA Local 393
Steamfitter

Very High

  • Applied
  • Aptitude test
  • Ranked
  • Waiting for call
  • Accepted

Confidence levelVery high confidence

Based on my high rank, this feels like the strongest path right now.

IBEW 234
Inside Wireman

Neutral

  • Applied
  • Aptitude test
  • Interview
  • Waiting for results
  • Accepted

Confidence levelNeutral

Waiting for interview results/rank.

IBEW 332
Inside Wireman

Low

  • Applied
  • Aptitude test
  • Interview
  • Ranked
  • Waiting for call

Confidence levelLow confidence

The rank was not competitive enough to count on it.

IUEC Local 8

Low

  • Applied
  • Aptitude test
  • Interview
  • Ranked
  • Waiting for call

Confidence levelLow confidence

The rank was not competitive enough to count on it.

Recent Updates

Recent post.

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Starting over is not easy.
But it is worth tracking.

I am figuring it out as I go. Maybe it will help you too.

About me