More New People.. (Knoxville: homes, construction, schools)

[The Quiet Guy]

Hi All.

I am new to the board and after MUCH reading still have some questions.

My family and I are fairly conservative, have spent the last 4 years traveling the US. We have 3 children. I am a electrician, and my wife homeschools our youngest.

My question is about the electrical field. I have 25 years experience, and for the most part jobs haven't been to hard to find. Even in this economy. I currently am in Virginia Beach and have promised my family we will be out of here just as soon as I get a good lead down in your area. The problem though is I can't get a real good feel for the market. I have spoke with probably 20 contractors all say when you get here give us a call. Is there any electricians out there that can give me some ideas?

My son is 20, and wants to join the apprenticship this fall. Is there a electrical apprenticship in Knoxville?

Thanks in advance for your help.

[INTN]

You could try IBEW Local 760. Non union journey wiremen are paid about $15 by local contractors. Perhaps, consider becoming self-employed. Union pay rates are higher and you can work on nukes and TVA. I believe there are several on the books though.

[The Quiet Guy]

Thank you for replying.

If there are alot on the books, do you know of any big jobs coming up to clear them?

$15/ hr..wow that seems pretty low. Even at that rate do you have alot of work going on?

[INTN]

Well, I'm not with them, I just know several electricians :-) As with all construction related trades everyone is hoping for spring to bring new work. And, $15 is private non union wages. Union is low $20s/hr around here for journeyman wire man.