As a civil servant you have a lot of benefits; decent pay, health, very good job security, and a retirement plan to name a few.
http://www.usajobs.gov/infocenter/One downside that I have observed is that you tend to take a long time to work up to a good pay grade. I think apprentices start out at WG3. After your apprenticeship I think you're eligible for WG5. I have seen guys go through school during their apprenticeship (outside of the required apprenticeship courses) and advance more quickly. Most of the guys I know are WG8 by the time they hit the shop floor, and WG10 in a few years after that. There is a hiring structure within the service which ranks you according to several different factors; prior service, willingness to relocate, cross-training for other jobs, and continuing education are a few. If you manage yourself well and get an education (not necessarily college) then you may even be eligible for a WS or GS position, eventually (these are managers or supervisors, usually). It all takes time. Either way, good luck.