New Apprentice Question

[NPGC]

I just scored a 101(got extra points for a class A) on the test to become an operator apprentice. Haven't got a call yet but they say above 95 has a good chance. I am currently a groundman for the IBEW power lineman union. Its really taking a toll on my body digging holes by hand and crap like that so I thought I would test and see what happens. Just wanted to get some opinions from you guys.
1. Is the workload good for operators/apprentices right now and in the foreseeable future?
2. Should I stay on my current path and become a lineman or switch to an operator? I know lineman work a lot and make a little more but I usually don't see many past 60 years old still working.
3. The union where I tested has a few options. Heavy Equip operator, Inspectors, and mechanics. Any opinions on the best choice?

Thanks

 

[Vetech63]

OK, this is just MY opinion from what Ive seen here for years...………

Heavy Equipment operator- Air conditioning and heated enclosed cabs, don't get real dirty, not extremely physical, 40 hour weeks with most weekends off.

Heavy Equipment Techs- The only a/c or heat you get is driving between jobs, a lot of lying in the snow or mud, sweat to near heat stroke, Bust your knuckles constantly, cuts are expected, long hours, sore as hell where you have a hard time getting a good nights sleep, dealing with superintendents or operators that think they know more than you do about fixing things, little appreciation, rarely weekends off.

Its a no brainer to me.
This was a light hearted view so don't any of you operators feel disrespected.

 

[92U 3406]

OK, this is just MY opinion from what Ive seen here for years...………

Heavy Equipment operator- Air conditioning and heated enclosed cabs, don't get real dirty, not extremely physical, 40 hour weeks with most weekends off.

Heavy Equipment Techs- The only a/c or heat you get is driving between jobs, a lot of lying in the snow or mud, sweat to near heat stroke, Bust your knuckles constantly, cuts are expected, long hours, sore as hell where you have a hard time getting a good nights sleep, dealing with superintendents or operators that think they know more than you do about fixing things, little appreciation, rarely weekends off.

Its a no brainer to me.
This was a light hearted view so don't any of you operators feel disrespected.

You forgot to mention that operators have some excellent skills. Like being able to break a machine in the absolute worst position or location for the mechanic to fix it lol.

 

[NPGC]

OK, this is just MY opinion from what Ive seen here for years...………

Heavy Equipment operator- Air conditioning and heated enclosed cabs, don't get real dirty, not extremely physical, 40 hour weeks with most weekends off.

Heavy Equipment Techs- The only a/c or heat you get is driving between jobs, a lot of lying in the snow or mud, sweat to near heat stroke, Bust your knuckles constantly, cuts are expected, long hours, sore as hell where you have a hard time getting a good nights sleep, dealing with superintendents or operators that think they know more than you do about fixing things, little appreciation, rarely weekends off.

Its a no brainer to me.
This was a light hearted view so don't any of you operators feel disrespected.

Thanks for the reply really eye-opening

 

[Welder Dave]

I'm curious how old you are? It sounds like you don't like doing grunt work but I think you're going to have to do some of it no matter what career path you choose. I don't know if any employer is just going to throw you on a machine without seeing what your work ethic is like. Cleaning mud out of tracks isn't too fun but still needs to be done. Knew a guy that had newbie learning how to dig pipeline. Newbie got in a hurry and drove across a frozen swamp without checking it and fell through. Only kept his job because he hooked up the cables to pull it out.

 

[NPGC]

I just turned 40. I know my body can take it right now but I want to be able to last in a career until 65+. Thanks for the info. Thats a crazy story about the swamp.