Walk onto a jobsite. Find the motherfucker with the biggest baddest looking truck. start a conversation about how you will be there everyday and on time to do whatever is necessary. Tell him you are young inexperienced but that is not your fault and something you will rectify as soon as humanly possible
I could put 25 people to work tomorrow but there just isn't anybody looking right now. Haven't seen it like this since the 90's..
I started out washing rental equipment and in 10 years have a standing offer to a huge zone as a company technician for one of the largest manufacturers in the world. I won't travel as much as the job requires so I don't take it but it can be done without union. And you are right unions are pretty tightly controlled and even when you get in there are ways to keep you just on the books but not working.
I've worked a few kids over into awesome mechanics. Lead by example. I'm onto a new project now though.