My Journey into a Non-Union Electrician Apprenticeship: Patience, Persistence, and Success
In 2018, I set my sights on becoming an electrician, determined to join an apprenticeship program. At first, I leaned toward the union route, knowing it was often regarded as the gold standard in the industry. But there was a catch: the limited sign-up windows for union apprenticeships made it difficult to even get my foot in the door. After several attempts to time it just right, I started looking at alternatives.
That’s when I discovered the non-union path, and to my surprise, it was much more accessible. Unlike the union, non-union programs offered year-round sign-ups. While I knew the union had its advantages, I decided to take the plunge into the non-union route, reasoning that sometimes the best way forward is the one right in front of you.
Taking the First Step: Enrolling in the ABC NorCal Program
In 2021, I officially embarked on my journey by enrolling in the ABC NorCal program in Northern California. The process was surprisingly straightforward: I filled out an online application and emailed a copy of my high school diploma. That was it. A few weeks later, I was invited to take an aptitude test, which focused on algebra and English comprehension.
I hadn’t touched a math book in over a decade, so I had to knock the rust off my algebra skills by doing some online practice tests. I won’t lie—it wasn’t easy, but I was determined. And when the results came in, I had passed! With that hurdle behind me, I attended a virtual orientation via Zoom and completed a drug test to be placed on the “ready to dispatch” list. The excitement was real, but so was the uncertainty of waiting for my chance.
The Long Wait: Staying Focused on the Goal
Because I didn’t have a sponsor when I joined, I knew I’d have to wait my turn to get dispatched. Still, I was eager to know where I stood. On August 20, 2021, I called to check my position on the list and was told I was in the top 60. “Not bad,” I thought. But as I learned, the average wait time was about a year and a half before getting placed in a job.
Months passed. By February 2022, I was disappointed to discover that I hadn’t moved up at all. It felt like time was standing still, and I questioned if I had made the right choice. But deep down, I knew that this was just part of the process. It was a test of patience, one I had to pass if I wanted to succeed.
Finally, in September 2022, there was some good news: I had cracked the top 30! The wait wasn’t over yet, but it was a sign that things were moving in the right direction. By December, I had made it to the top 20. The finish line was in sight, and I could almost taste the success. I estimated that within six months, I’d get the call I had been waiting for.
The Call That Changed Everything
And then it happened. In April 2023, the phone rang, and I finally heard the words I had been waiting for: “You’re up. It’s time.” I can’t describe the feeling of relief and excitement that washed over me. After years of anticipation, my journey as an apprentice electrician was about to begin.
I gave my two-week notice at my current job, took another drug test, and attended a refresher orientation. Everything was falling into place. Then, on May 24, 2023, I received the details of the company I would be dispatched to. My first official day as an apprentice electrician was here.
Looking Back: Was It Worth the Wait?
Looking back, the journey was anything but easy. The waiting tested my patience, and there were moments of doubt along the way. But if there’s one thing I’ve learned, it’s that perseverance pays off. The non-union route may not have been my first choice, but it turned out to be the right one for me. I got the training, the job placement, and, most importantly, the chance to pursue my dream.
If you’re reading this and considering a similar path, my advice is simple: don’t give up. Whether you choose the union or non-union route, the key to success is patience and persistence. It may take longer than you expect, and there will be challenges along the way, but if you stay focused on your goal, the reward is worth every minute of waiting.
Your dreams are within reach—just don’t be afraid to take the first step.