Trades apprenticeship applications open in Atlanta - any advice?

The training centre near Atlanta opened applications for apprenticeships in electrical and welding trades. I am in Atlanta, in case local advice matters. Classes are in the evening and work is during the day. What do you wish you had known?

You earn while you learn, but the first year is tight. Plan your budget carefully.

Visit the training centre in person if you can. Seeing the classrooms helped me decide.