I spent the last ten years in the manufacturing industry as an electrical engineer. In my region, manufacturing has been declining, making it difficult to find stable employment. I thought that if I got my PE license, it would be easier to find work, but that hasn't been true, mostly because the license is irrelevant in industry. I wanted to switch fields and work in the construction industries, but lacked experience. Last year, I became an apprentice with the IBEW, the electrical workers union. What I found is that the work is very rewarding, although, of course, somewhat difficult. The people are hardworking, and very knowledgable about their trade, both with the hard skills, and the issues that surround the building industry.
The union dues aren't that significant, considering the exorbitant fees I had been paying my national society, my state board, and my technical society. What I gain is an organization that actually understands its members. The IBEW knows that its future is tied to the financial stability of the various electrical contractors. They don't go on strike, they have a pension plan, and they are able to offer me a future without worrying about offshoring. The state licensing of electricians in my area is enforced much more stringently than it is with engineers, which certainly helps their future.
My pay rate isn't yet what I had been making as an engineer; I am still an apprentice. However, I know that I have a much better future now thanks to the union. I certainly wish all engineers the best, but for me the future was bleak: outsourcing, company closings, age discrimination, an irrelevant licensing system, and obsolete engineering organizations all added up to a profession that never failed to let me down.
