Help with becoming an electrician

Hey all, hope it's ok that I post this here but I am about to start my journey in becoming an electrician. I have done the research about the local IBEW out here and am preparing my materials to apply and hopefully secure an apprenticeship. I guess what I am asking for is if anyone knows of people, or places that will take me in potentially and give me a head start. I would like to have at least some amount of hours under my belt as a material handler/helper for an electrician, and gain some valuable knowledge and hands on experience in the field. If there is anyone out here looking for someone like this, and would like to talk about it I am all ears. I am so tired of working dead end jobs that really don't have any opportunities, and have decided that this career path will be rewarding, transferrable, and life-long.
Just a bit of background: I have extensive experience as a micro/soldering technician with around 17 years of varying types of electronic repair including consumer electronics and even working on construction equipment ECM's. I am a bit late into the game (should have went this route a long time ago) at 36 years old, but am motivated and ready to pursue this. Am located in the Cypress area. Without making this sound like a resume, just wanted to give minor details just in case there is some benefit to my goals.
Outside of this request, if anyone has currently or previously held an electrician title and are willing to give advice or direction, I would greatly appreciate it. I have already gotten on the IBEW apprentice subreddit and reaching out there as well. Just was hoping to maybe find a mentor locally, or some way that I can get my foot in the door and get things moving.
Hope everyone is having a good day, and for any responses I am extremely grateful.