carpentry certificate

[UptonSinclair]

I'm sure this isn't a problem in New Jersey where the OP lives, but what if someone lives in a state that barely has any unions in the private sector and the ones that exist lack any real power?

If there are few union opportunities in the electrical field, there are typically independent electrical contractor associations that provide classes for the theory side of the craft. They provide many of the same training benefits, just not the advocate services. Electrical supply houses are a good source of information since they will deal with most electrical contractors in a given area. They typically know which contractors have the large jobs which is a good sign they might be hiring helpers and apprentices.

It is very hard to beat the training one can gain from a union apprenticeship though. The union has a strong source of funding because Journeymen pay into the training fund. There is also a pride issue that goes into making sure apprentices know their craft when awarded Journeyman status. I came into the union late in the game after recieving my training through the Air Force. A union man who has come up through the union apprenticeship would make me look like an amature after my 20 years in the craft. Thankfully, I am on the maintenance side of the house which requires a different skill set. If I had it to do over, I would try to get into the union as young as possible. I also make twice as much money in the union as I did non-union which is a nice benefit.