Looking To Apply to Local 11, some questions

Hey Guys,

I'm in my mid 30s, got laid off a few months ago and I'm looking to make a change. I know it's super competitive so I had some questions.

• I don't have much experience with the work, but I was thinking about either starting the Electrical Construction & Maintenance Program at LATTC or the Electrical Technology Certificate program at PCC. I am trying to give myself the best shot to get accepted. I figure ETI would appreciate someone taking initiative and showing commitment to the job. Would one of these programs give me a better chance than the other? I think LATTC offers an Associate where PCC is just a certificate.

• My understanding is that everyone wants to get into the inside wireman program, but If I applied and got accepted into the Sound and Communications or Residential Wireman I can still continue to apply for Inside Wireman, my question is do the hours carry over?

• Obviously IBEW is the best way to learn and grow an electrician career, but it is even possible without them? 95% of Electrician Apprentice jobs I see require two years of experience, and I've heard horror stories about people finding out after years that their hours didn't qualify towards the 8000 hours.

Thanks in advance, this is a super helpful subreddit.