I was talking to a first year apprentice about his time in college and aside from him being a writer he studied that kinda stuff. I think he said it was “conservation” was the course he took in college. I asked him why he didn’t get into that field. He told me it was very competitive and there weren’t many jobs.

I know for other locals they pay your licensing because, allegedly they see the return on investment from their contractors. I guess it could also help if your local union has its own training facility.

All this to say, I think the barrier for entry is gate kept by the wealthy when there’s no union involved.