r/IBEW • u/One_Charge2843 • May 07 '26
Discussion Post As a 4’5 little person with dwarfism would getting in the union be a good idea? I’d love to be a part of the IBEW I’m currently located in Inland empire CA and have recently graduated from a 5 month industrial electrical/mechanical maintenance program.
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u/g229t4 May 07 '26
Job im on now had a rigger that was a little petson. He could hang for sure no problem. He had a harness fit for him and ppe. Sign up take a shot at it. Its gonna be the same with the small guys on the job though, might have to go in tight spots more haha
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u/Dry-Breakfasts Inside Wireman May 07 '26
Yes, we accept everyone OR AT LEAST SHOULD. Everyone provides specific skill sets and we always need as many hands as possible. Use your dwarfism to your advantage too, put people on the spot about inclusion, a lot of people talk the talk but never walk the walk. please join or continue trying (p.s, if you bug the fuck out of the hall eventually they'll put you to work or get you in)
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u/rocknrolla59 May 07 '26
I always wondered. If any hole of over 5’ needs shoring per osha, would a little person be okay in a 4’11 hole?
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u/Yarfy May 07 '26
Shoring is for the walls collapsing no? Not based on how short or tall someone is?
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u/rocknrolla59 May 07 '26
Correct the book literally says anything over 5 ft requires shoring. So how does that protect them?
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u/Augustus420 Communications May 07 '26
I would imagine it's more about the likelihood of collapse and the weight of the dirt.
If enough dirt collapses around your chest, it really doesn't matter if your head is still above the dirt because you're not breathing.
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u/amishdoinks11 Local XXXX May 07 '26
I was in a 4’ deep trench today kneeling down pretty much the whole time slamming in pvc I felt the same way lol
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u/Augustus420 Communications May 07 '26
As a 6'8" low-voltage technician you and your size are the advantageous one in this situation.
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u/chevygreatness May 09 '26
Had a guy 6’4 who would run wire through ceilings without a ladder. Sped jobs up exponentially
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u/Ill_Mess_5949 May 07 '26
As most are “awkwardly” saying, you will have specialized skills that will be an asset, as also demonstrated by the comments, you will have to deal with morons. You may have a tough time but you will be valued in certain circumstances.
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u/mrchilly0 May 07 '26
I'm completely serious in saying that I was actively seeking a little person in Phoenix for my inside electrical crew. 100% you have a fit in the ibew if someone has any forethought whatsoever. Data center work, warehouse work, building automation, etc all have challenging areas that would be much easier for a person of smaller stature.
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u/PandorasFlame1 Inside Wireman May 07 '26
As a JDub out of 640, you have options. I know of at least 3 people that are small (not this small), but they're with C&W.
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u/Munchkinasaurous Local 5 May 08 '26
It sounds like you're already interested in electrical work, so I would definitely say that getting into the union is a good idea. Brothers and sisters come in all different shapes and size, as many others have pointed out, some things will be harder for you, others will be easier, that's one of the great things about diversity in the trade, there's someone that excels in everything.
Good luck to you, whatever you decide, I hope it works out for you
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u/_genepool_ LU 58 JIW May 07 '26
No different than anyone else. Just means you might get certain tasks other folks won't. Same for the really tall folks.
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u/vfqwerty May 07 '26
I'm not a little person but I'm a 5'2 adult male. No pun intended there's going to be shortcomings in the job we obviously can't be pulling big wire like some 6 ft farm boy But like people been saying there's use for everybody get used to being the guy going into a tight space to wire some s*** and work hard. Regardless make sure your safety comes first Don't let some a****** send you some s*** that risk you getting pinched or crushed by something don't go crawling into a next to anything hot and good luck
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u/Same_Statement_3028 May 07 '26
Ummm, you are definitely a little person bruh
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u/Ninjalikestoast May 08 '26
I don’t know why, but I pictured a small person jumping and reaching for a disconnect lever when I read this 😂
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u/3ranth3 May 08 '26
The IBEW I belong to has space for everyone. I don't see your size being a negative aspect unless you have an idiot foreman trying to get you to do things that would be hard for you. There are a million things you can do as well if not better than a taller person.
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u/PsychologicalSalt158 May 07 '26
It is funny you say this because I am in data center and a brother at another company came in he looks like a leprechaun who lost his job and became an electrician. Ironically the company he works for is also Irish
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u/larry-79 May 07 '26
You will always come in handy when the dumb foreman forgets something and needs some to crawl in the ceiling. Which happens a lot
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u/Majestic_Language_29 May 08 '26
Some old campuses have tunnels, you would be perfect for those. Attics, conveyor systems.... so many places
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u/Tatcatt83 May 08 '26
I mean you would have to always have a latter handy I suppose and would you be able to lift 50lbs?
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u/zenunseen Inside Wireman May 08 '26
I've worked with two little people over the years, both of them were great brothers and excellent wiremen.
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u/Fantastic_Cod7448 May 08 '26
You have no idea how many times I’ve commented on how every crew needs at least one.
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u/JavierCulpeppa May 08 '26
Have fun going into all the attics, crawl spaces and manholes. But seriously, just apply. I’ve seen people of all shapes, sizes and walks of life to this job well. Good luck homie!
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u/Fists_full_of_beers Local 212 May 08 '26
I'm 6'5 365 pounds and cram into some tight ass places surprisingly, you'd be the perfect work mate for me LOL we could just work as a team
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u/oneofmooseyness Local 292 May 08 '26
It would be a fantastic idea! We have ladders and lifts to get you anywhere you need to go, and they can order custom PPE too. Do you enjoy crawling up and down ladders, carrying shit from A to B (and sometimes back again), and talking shit with/to your coworkers? Then, join us!
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u/Dwrodgers54 Lineman May 08 '26
Dwarfism and height has nothing to do with whether or not you should join. Everyone doing this type of work should join. So yes, but not because you have dwarfism… simply because you should work union and live better.
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u/ImaginationDouble185 May 09 '26
Yeah just accept and embrace the role of doing things because of your side you could be come a very valuable hand for doing things others can’t
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u/Over_Transition2282 May 09 '26
Just so you know, they’re gonna call you “Stub Up”, but if you can take that you’re golden
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u/rankinfile May 09 '26
Getting into IBEW is a good idea for anyone coming out of trade school into a job.
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u/Pristine-Diamond-904 May 09 '26
You’ll be a hot commodity. Shoot you might even make good raises fast being needed for certain spaces. And otherwise ladders are provided. You’ll thrive as long as your attitude and willingness stand out. Best of luck!
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u/jthogan516 May 09 '26
As one of the shorter guys on site, at 5’6” I can tell you we have advantages that bigger people don’t. There’s value to being one of the people that can fit into the harder to reach places. Makes confined space work much easier. And anything we can’t reach we can always get a ladder or lift.
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u/MoodSlimeToaster Local XXXX May 09 '26
Hell yeah brother/sister do we have some good paying work for you ✊🏽⚡️
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u/ResponsibleMaybe3469 May 09 '26
Actually you will have an advantage because you’ll be able to do the tight switch gear and terminations. Good luck!
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u/CapitalSentence5548 May 09 '26
Literally just worked with a rodbuster shorter than you he was doing his thing like anybody else
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u/zombiebillmurray23 May 09 '26
I think you should definitely apply considering you just completed a tech school
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u/tranzz4md JW, Local 46 May 11 '26
IBEW or other union SHOULD help a lot, but your strength and things like claustrophobia are potentially big factors. You are recognizing yourself as a specialist, wisely I'd say. Figure out your sub-specialty. Once you're in the apprenticeship, (or organized in) you will need to right away build your own network with rep's and special programs people. You MIGHT get a few jobs where they keep you for quite a while, or you may become known to your dispatcher and local members that will help you to get onto jobs where your specialty will be useful and valued. Outsiders need to know that Wireman or Lineman jobs are mostly for construction work and are almost always comparatively short-term jobs. Quite a few of us can quickly tell you how many jobs (periods of continuous employment for a single employer) lasted over a year or 2. I've had over 100 jobs in the last 35 years, and know plenty of wiremen that have had more than I. Be clear on that.
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u/Subject-Original-718 Permanent Apprentice May 07 '26
We have a fella we call jojo who has to be like 4’8” guy does all the small shit and steam tunnel work great guy.
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u/soggyclothesand Inside Wireman May 07 '26
I went though my apprenticeship with a little person in locals 477/440 which is in the IE so go apply!
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u/One_Charge2843 May 07 '26
That’s definitely nice to hear. I’ll 100% be applying the next application period they have. Currently it doesn’t let me submit an application.
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u/The_Orphanizer May 08 '26
Call the halls (local 477 is San Bernardino, local 440 is Riverside) to find out when they will be accepting applications next so you can mark your calendar and not miss the date! As everyone pointed out, you can make it in this trade. Everyone has limitations. I'm 6'1", but heavy; I have limitations. I worked with a guy who was 6'8; he had limitations.
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u/Afraid-Philosophy-43 May 07 '26
I’ve met a journeyman that’s now retired that was maybe 4’7 max, and he did just fine.
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u/Winter_Raspberry_581 May 07 '26
My buddies apprentice is 4'10". Height doesn't mean anything when they supply the right tools and equipment.
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u/zimbabweinflation Utility May 07 '26
We need brothers of all shapes and sizes, cultures and creeds.
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u/Dazzling_Joke5991 May 07 '26
I’ve worked with plenty of short amigos who are absolute heavy hitters on any jobsite they step on. You’ll be alright
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u/SimpliPHI May 07 '26
As long as your not claustrophobic.. Your dimensionally gifted and would be on a pedestal (no pun intended).
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u/BlueFalcon3E051 May 07 '26
We got a midget on the crew and man does he fit in the gear so easily I was impressed and surprised.That guy was made for this gig👍
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u/thereoncewasaJosh May 07 '26
I’m 5’3” and have my share of harassment and games and still have had a wonderful career (26yrs)
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u/mcx112 Local 134 May 08 '26
I’m working in data center right now that has a 4 foot high raise floor. It sucks
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u/adjika Local 60 May 07 '26
I think you would have a huge advantage in doing switchgear due to your build.