Hey everyone!

I'm 21 years old, based in Manitoba, Canada, and recently completed my Industrial Mechanic (Millwright) pre-employment program. I'm about to start my apprenticeship and want to make the most of the next 4–5 years.

My goal is to become a highly skilled, well-rounded millwright who is capable of handling mechanical, electrical, and automated systems.

My employer is also interested in sending me for additional training in electrical systems, PLCs, sensors, and robotics alongside my apprenticeship.

I'd like to hear from experienced millwrights about which additional courses, certifications, or specialized training are actually worth pursuing.

A few questions:

1. What additional training would you prioritize if you were starting your apprenticeship again?

2. Are PLC programming, industrial electrical, robotics, hydraulics, and pneumatics worth studying early?

3. Are there any specialized certifications that significantly improved your career opportunities or earning potential?

4. Would you recommend pursuing additional education in automation, mechatronics, or engineering after getting a Red Seal?

5. Are there any courses or certifications you took that turned out to be a waste of time or money?

Thanks in advance!

hi yall I'm a first year sheet metal apprentice and I've been in the trade for like 6 months and recently started in commercial with a reputable company 2 months ago.

I've been mostly on this one site and for the first month I was learning quite a bit due to a specific jman and also the fact that we had stuff to do. but now we're just finishing up the site there's like 3 of us left and we're doing fuck all.

anyways

one of the jman I worked with quit to go back to another company and put a word in for me. it's a dollar more, more weekend work available but they're a bit smaller than this company.

his reasoning was that I'll learn more over at that company than just doing small things where I'm at right now.

I don't know what to do? would it look bad that I'm just jumping around all over the place?

I honestly don't care about the dollar raise, but I would like to learn more and get more weekend work.

what do you guys think?

I’m 20 years old and I’m working as a commercial construction glazier for a company in Columbus, Ohio. It’s a non union company and I’ve come to realize that I feel as though I need to get into a union if I want to make a decent living in the trades. I have been working since I graduated high school I worked at a Honda manufacturing plant on the production line and I have a summers worth of experience as an assistant to diesel repair techs in a shop. At this point it’s hard to have hope for my future goals because I wanted to get out of Honda because of the not so high pay ceiling and I was real excited to get into this glazing position but because it is non union, they don’t offer very great raises. I feel I need to get into a union as i have always wanted to do a trade, I just need advice on how I can help myself get a better chance of getting into a union in my area. I will do any sort of work and am very dedicated when it comes to work and a hard worker. I appreciate anyone who has spent the time to read this and offer any insight.

Hi, I just signed up for my local GAN aptitude test. Should I buy the GAN study guides or go for iPrep? Or are there any free alternatives?

I just need some support and I couldn't get it from my brothers at my day job.

My granny died and I can't handle it on my own.... I can't go to work because someone might get hurt.

What’s up everyone,

I’m a second year apprentice in the IBEW. Before I joined, I applied for the IUEC. Well, after the list barely moving I moved on to the IBEW and currently in my second year. The IUEC called me last week and said my rank was up next on the list. They said Otis or Kone will be hiring for construction work. First of all, i’m extremely sick over if I leave the IBEW, it’s a great career and it’s been good to me, the company I work for believes in me and I have come so far since day one. But the benefits and money is incredibly better in the IUEC. So basically, if I leave the IBEW for the IUEC, I would have to leave all together and drop out of the apprenticeship. This is by far, one of the toughest decisions I have ever had to make. But it’s a difference in making $46 as a JW in the IBEW and $60 as a JW in the IUEC. Truly struggling, but I want to hear everyone’s opinions.

So well be moving multi ton, generators transformers, if its heavy we gotchu. Its heavy lifting, 60 hours a week, learning about rigging and cranes etc. Kind nervous ik my social life is gonna tank but i need money. should i be nervous how fucked am i?

Hey guys, looking for some advice on choosing between two plumbing companies.

Right now I’m at a smaller shop. It’s way less stressful, but work can be pretty slow sometimes. We do a mix of service and renovations, but honestly I really hate reno work and much prefer pure service. The owner has actually been paying me for some days when we slow down, which is super nice of him, but I know that’s not a realistic long-term business model to keep paying guys when there's no work.

The other option is a bigger union company doing pure service. It comes with higher pay, union benefits, scheduled raises, and all that stuff. But I'm guessing it comes with more stress and just being another number.

Anyone been in a similar spot? Would you stick with the easygoing small shop despite the renos and slow times, or make the jump to the union side for the pay and pure service work?

I'm wondering if anyone has any advice on how to go about trying to become a journeyman. I got out of prison and am currently in in-home detention. I spent my time occupied learning, setting, and meeting goals. I attended re entry classes and became interested in becoming a millwright. Whether that be through a union or not I definitely have my mind made up to take all the steps within my clearance to do whatever I can. So I looked up the application process through a union to enter a 4 year apprenticeship program and they want you to take a test that grades you on basic on the job knowledge before they hand select you to participate in their program. So I actually enrolled in Industrial Mechanical Technology for a 3 semester technical certification. I think that would prepare me to present myself to this union to get the help from them to become a journeyman and probably actually work for them. Mind you I am 31 years old and I don't know if that looks bad but I spent several years incarcerated and also screwing my life up but hey I am here now and I can't change what happened in the past I'm just hoping for some undeserved opportunities that I would cherish and be greatly appreciated for. Does anyone have any thoughts, opinions, or advice on this idea of mine??? BTW, located in central Indiana

To anyone that missed out on the discontinued ACG, there is a new grant for $5000 for gaining a red seal in Canada!

Have my marine mechanical technician ticket in BC. Just been doing side jobs the last few years after some burnout. Time to get back into it, but I don't think I want to keep working on pleasurecraft boats & I don't see the industry staying strong in the long term with gas prices/general cost of living doing what they're doing. Boating is a luxury expense that's quick to be cut in economic downturns.

How do you all generally go about cross training to a new/different field? Start a full new apprenticeship? I just logged hours and challenged the certification my first time around. I've been considering machinist or millwright. Servicing the industrial robots in manufacturing plants seems like it might be cool too. Would prefer to work at a single shop ideally, or in the general local vicinity rather than FI/FO or constantly moving between job sites that aren't a normal days commute from home.

I'm sure there's more I'm forgetting to ask so any general info would be appreciated.

How’s it going, I’m currently 26 and am a fuel hauler the money is good but the work life balance isn’t all the way there specially with a rotating schedule I’ve been thinking about hvac or plumbing for a little while I know I’d start at the bottom with which ever career change I make but I was looking to gain some insight on how some of you guys have progressed in your careers and what your work/ life balance looks like. Any advice would help, thank you guys!

Going to use the rest of my GI bill on welding. I already have a very good career going, just looking to learn a trade. Maybe one day make it a side job.

I’m about to finish my bachelor’s degree in Construction Management, but lately I’ve been considering going into the trades instead.
I interned with a large GC this summer and realized I’m not really a fan of the office and paperwork side of construction. I enjoyed being on-site and found myself more interested in the actual hands-on work.
My biggest concern is that I’d basically be starting from zero as an apprentice after spending four years getting my degree.
Has anyone been in a similar situation? Would going into the trades at this point be a waste of my degree, or is it worth considering?

Hey everyone,
I’m looking to get into plumbing in Southern California, starting from zero. My long-term goal is to eventually own a plumbing business.
I’d really appreciate some honest advice from experienced plumbers and business owners.
Would you start in residential service, commercial service, or new construction?
Which specialty would you focus on to make the most money as a business owner?
What skills would you prioritize learning in your first 1–2 years?
Would you focus on service and repair, drain cleaning, sewer work, repiping, or something else?
If you could start your career all over again, what would you do differently?
I’m willing to put in the work and learn the trade properly. I just want to make sure I’m choosing the right path from the beginning.
Not looking for shortcuts — just the smartest long-term path.
Thanks in advance!

I’m a commercial plumbing apprentice and I came from a career change. I think I’m in my head about everything since it was such an adjustment and I’m committed to this career path, but I’m hoping I made the right decision.

I want to get into the union. I’m hoping the demand will be there by the time I journey out in the next 4 years.

I see so much discourse about becoming an electrician and how that is such a highly coveted trade.

Any vets here that can give a young person some advice or guidance?

hey guys just got a mechanical plumbing apprenticeship (domestic) just wanted to know the ins and outs of the trades plus some tips
i’m also highly interested in commercial roles as they have a way higher hourly
anyone with experience wanna point me in the right direction with where i should go and focus on

So I had my “trial” day today with a local hvac company. And for someone who doesn’t know a damn thing I apparently impressed my boss. He showed me how to read plans and to mark where supply and return vents are. Then I was showed how to connect those vents to the flex ducts and main ones. My boss was very impressed that I only had to be shown something 1 time and I retain information. Now the journey begins. It’s a long road but my life literally just changed for the better

Hey everyone,

For those of you working in the skilled trades (electricians, plumbers, welders, HVAC tech, heavy equipment mechanic, etc.)—based on your hands-on experience, which trade do you think will be the first to get heavily impacted or replaced by AI and robotics? And which ones do you think are safest for longer?

So im pretty new to working in northern Alberta and last years winter was absolutely terrible for me so I'm trying to do everything I can to beat the cold. So far I've got merino wool base layers, insulated work pants, and I'll either wear insulated coveralls or regular ones with a nice heavy jacket to wear over top (wearing both restricts movement too much). I'm still looking for a mid layer but haven't really decided on anything yet.

My main struggle though is the damn wind, where I work is VERY open and no matter what it always cuts right through me no matter what. Anyone got some tips or advice?

On older commercial package units and blowers, the belt numbers are usually worn off and the data plate is unreadable. What system are you using on site so you do not have to climb up and remeasure every single visit?

Do you guys stretch, or have a routine?

Basically my company/union will train, employ, and cover all my costs for the following apprenticeships and want some opinions.

Industrial Electrician

Heavy Duty Mechanic (mining equipment)

Millwright

Power Engineer

(Maybe) Instrumentation

I have no strong feelings or preference to make me default to any of them. Took light electrical classes in highschool and have been working as a HD shop helper for the last year.

Anecdotes, stories, opinions welcome. Thanks

Hi, I have been looking around for months on how to get started in the trades. I live in PA, about an hour from Philly. I have done welding with one guy just to see if it was for me, and I am trying to get a taste of other areas of trades. I am currently a college student, and don't think that school is the right path for me. I am a very hands on person and willing to learn. If anyone has any tips or stories about how they started out, whether you went to trade school or not, Id be open to hearing it. Apprenticeships? Trade School? Email people? Shadowing?