Good luck getting in with a trade union. The boomers working trades want sky high wages, so they don't train apprentices that aren't family or friends. What's the alternative? College and massive student loan debt? I will say that the comment above yours is inaccurate. There are living wage jobs with no experience required, but they're factory or warehouse work. Not bad work depending on the company, but you need to live near a facility. If you don't like the company or the work there aren't many other options. And both factory and warehouse work will be automated if the lights don't go out in the next few years.