Local 292 (Minneapolis) MUCH harder to join 2025?

Is it just me, or is getting into the union wayyy harder lately?

Back in 2023 my ranking was ~100 out of 500 applicants, and for 2025 I was ranked 200 out of 700. I'm assuming wayyy more people flocking to trades, and it doesn't help that I don't have experience/schooling. So as of right now I'll be doing a 28 week "electrician" program recommended by Local 292 to boost that ranking, but still... kind of a bummer to go to school when part of the attraction was not needing school/experience. It is what it is I'll suppose.

I'd like to hear what others have to say on this, I can't be the only one that's been fighting to get in - without experience/school.