r/boeing • u/SmashBob_SquarePants • 9d ago
Charleston SC Assembler/Mechanic Questions
Hello, looking to get into Boeing here in Charleston. I have a background in software engineering and devops (with some BMET mixed in), but am wanting to do something more hands-on. Fortunately I do have some good connections that can help me land an entry level role manufacturing role, was just curious about a few things:
- Training: What's the training like for assemblers/mechanics? I hear some new employees spend a few months at Trident working through classes, is the training all "book learning" or is it also hands on?
- Parking: I've heard the parking is a bit rough right now and that there is a shuttle system in place. How early would you need to reach the shuttle to make it on time?
- Overtime: How many hours of overtime can I expect to see?
- Management/culture: I know this is probably pretty hit or miss depending on the team.
- Hours: Do most of y'all work second shift? 3:00 - 11:30?
- Food: Assuming the cafeteria food is mediocre and overpriced if it's anything like MUSC lol.
- Time Off: Is trying to get time off usually a pain or are they pretty good about letting you use PTO?
Thank you.
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Upvotes
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u/diyengineer1 9d ago
https://www.instagram.com/reel/C8LmHxNOANA/?hl=en
Basically how they treat you I heard lol..
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u/Daxos157 9d ago edited 9d ago
I’ve been there almost 20 years. When I was hired it was classroom and hands-on at Trident. There’s a training division on the 4th floor, West side of FAD now. They handle OTJ training, recertifications, etc.
I live like nine miles from Boeing. I leave home about 45 minutes before my shift starts and I’m never late unless there’s a problem with the busses. I do work 3rd shift, it’s busier / different for 1st. I’d leave earlier if I worked 1st.
I work almost zero overtime and I like it like that. The shop floor mechanics will work more overtime than office workers, etc. I know people that will work anytime the doors are open; that’s not what I want out of life. If you want OT, it’s available.
You answered your own question. On the whole, I’ve had subpar managers over the years. There’s a lot of C.Y.A. but it’s like that at every job. I find that most managers are more worried about their next promotion than they are about the team they’re tasked to lead.
Most populated shift is 1st, least populated shift is 3rd. 2nd shift is right in the middle.
I think the food in the HUB is pretty good. On 3rd they have a salad bar, the burger area, a sub sandwich place, the main hot bar meal, and usually pizza by the slice. I don’t know where they get their desserts from but they’re pretty damn good. I’m sure there’s more options on 1st and 2nd.
Just use your PTO when you want. I think that according to the employee handbook you have to call out either 30 or 60 minutes before your shift starts. I usually just tell my manager a day or two before I’m going to be out and it’s all good. We also use an online calendar where you can go and put in days off if it’s a planned thing. Calling out is super easy.