Quote:
Originally posted by lendaddy
What does learning from a more experienced co-worker have to do with the union? Companies set this up all the time, how is the union involved?
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This is one area that I will stick up for the union. There training is excellent. An apprentice is sent to a contractor to work, however, he/she will attend union classes for 5 years to learn their trade. The classes are very comprehensive and as regards the IBEW, they are to be commended. Yes-the non-union segment does have a program called ABC. It's about as complicated as "ABC". Despite what every non-union tradesperson will tell you, it is NOT the same as the union designed program. I would say it operates at about 50% as compared to union coursework. Here in Wisconsin, even the Journeyman's exam is different between non-union and union. My test was four hours. The non-union test is half as long and times out at 2 hours. Anyone with "about" a years experience qualifies to take the state journeyman's test. You MUST have the 5 year apprenticeship to take the Union journeyman's exam with supercedes the state exam.
The theory goes that OTJ one would learn from an older, like trained individual who teaches the apprentice not only how to do the trade, but think like a union tradesman. No-not in a bad way. It used to be (and still is for some) a matter of pride. Eight for 8 and high quality was what I was taught. Cutting corners was not an option. If I didn't do it right, I did it over.
Therin lies the rub and my problem with the union. Unions aren't comprised only of "union" people. Among many others, I worked along side a sign painter who faked "paper" from Louisiana (no checking) to get on as a journeyman. He proved himself a horrible electrician but he was quite adept at unzipping pants while sticking in knives in one swift, silent motion. Presto! He's a forman. Sadly, this was the first in a lot of exposure to the "non-union" element that infected the union. There's much more, but I've rambled enough.