How to Join 183
Joining 183 can be done various ways, joining an apprenticeship is usually a good way. Local 183 has various courses to help get you started, but which one? There are a lot of ways to join. I will focus mainly on two.
Method 1:
Union Courses
You can take some courses at the Union itself, its a great way to learn what you want, and get involved. While you are taking the course, you get near real life experience hands on training from the instructors. They will tell you the do’s and don’ts, and how to stay safe.
Dont just expect to get hired once you finish.
Its a tough world with a lot of experienced workers out there. You must show your boss that you can handle this type of job and make no mistake, they will test you.
While in the course, drive to job sites, bring a hardhat and safety boots and go socialize. Why not? Ask if they’re looking for Bricklayers, or labors, or whatever you’re going for, for that matter. Most importantly, ask if they’re Unionized.
Method 2:
Find a union job
A lot of companies don’t want to deal with you since you’re not unionized, but with a little bit of confidence and motivation someone will be willing to try you out. You will be working hard, make no mistake. If your boss likes you he will unionize you eventually. If not, you take the experience and apply it elsewhere. If you see no progress after 1 year, leave. Go somewhere else.
Where to go
Some good sources are newspapers, the union itself, and websites like indeed.