Don't be late!!!
Question...do apprentices usually start the day at a job site, or at a central office location? I own a home/live about 60 miles north of Austin and I don't think the commute will be very friendly. I'm trying to figure out if the commute would be worth it, or just put my house up for rent and find a place to rent close to/in Austin.
You will likely need to be at your job site around 7am, where ever that may be. Each local has its own jurisdiction and I couldn't tell you what local 133's is until I myself get accepted.
I suppose it's possible that if there is sufficient work in your area and you got in good with your contractor, they might cater a little to where you live. I wouldn't expect this as a probationary apprentice coming in though.
My electrical contractor basically keeps the guys who live south working south, and north working north (for the most part, I know people who are traveling all the way to San Antonio for work!). I may just be lucky to be working for a considerate contractor though.
If it were me, I would at least start considering the idea of relocating if it becomes necessary, because it very may well become a major issue for you. Getting through Austin in either direction can be a major pain, especially when we need to be at work so early already.
Seriously though man, good luck and I hope you get your call soon. I'm sure some of us in this thread may even end up working together soon, so please keep us updated.
I began looking at moving back in July. I've been waiting to see who I'll be working for, and when/where I'll have to be someplace in the AM before going any further than looking at places online though.
I'd hate to rent a place and then realize that I'm on the completely other end of Austin from where I need to be every AM.
The only way I see commuting even possibly working out is to have to be at a central office in WAY north Austin, then departing for a job location.
I'm very familiar with Austin traffic...and it plain blows! I'm not sweating it, I just like to be ahead of the game when possible.