California Idiots

I looked into getting work as an elevator repairman. It's a Union job, and it pays well.

The apprenticeship process requires one to submit an application and take a competency test. However, no application is accepted unless a sealed copy of one's high school transcripts are provided.

I dropped out of high school in 1975. However, later in life, I requalified myself, went on to university undergarduate studies, graduated, and did well enough to be given a full-ride scholarship to a Masters program from which I also graduated, with honors in 1987.

For the last 22 years I've made a living in the entertainment industry as a prop-maker, carpenter, set-dresser, actor, and photographer.

Yet when I point out that I've two college degrees, I'm again recited the rule:

"... a high school diploma or GED is required." Period!

I ask if that's a minimum requirement. I'm quoted the rule again.

I ask for the reasoning behind the requirement, and each of three people I talked too, including a higher up in the union could not explain this restriction.

Each responded with the exact same logic; '... That's the rule.'

"Yes I understand that's the rule, but can you tell me why the rule was made?"

'Because California decided it should be the rule.'

One of the administrators actually said; "... anyone can get a college degree, you need a high school diploma or you're not going to be allowed to apply."

Later, after a brief exchange with the Union big shot, he told me I could go to the internet/website for an explanation of the policy, but the address he gave me was wrong.

This is the level of intelligence/competence of the people I must provide with evidence that I'm capable of graduating from high school.