Just took the aptitude test, looking for a career opportunity. I studied psychology for four years and all it got me was 40k in loans and jobs that treat degrees like a high school diploma. I know my worth, I know I can be challenged, and I know I can be taught. Now it’s a matter of proving my capabilities to my local. After extensive research, I know this is for me. Hoping for the best, life has humbled me and I feel I am ready for this.
Hey man I’m 19 and live in Nyc and want to get into the electricity trade and with this you are helping me taking the steps necessary, I can tell you are a very good person and very respectable man and thank you for making this video for us younger guys trying to get into the trade. 🤝
How’s it going in the electric field brother? I’m in NYC as well, looking to see if I should do trade school or go straight for apprenticeship programs
every year after you learn more! eric was my brother in school and now as JW. I Worked medium voltage 2k + and him controls for highways! the variance is great for us optimal
Thanks for the inspiration man. I'm a 26 year old single male and I've been doing my research on being an Electrician(all the requirements you need like math skills, code knowledge, tools etc) and along the way came across the IBEW. So far I've heard nothing but positive comments on how the IBEW changed their life. I never liked the idea of graduating with debt right out of college with no real job position awaiting you(some of my friends who decided to go to college graduated with a minimum of $40,000 in debt) so I never enrolled into it. Ever since high school I've been working dead end jobs where theres no true career advancement so I've taken time to really see what options I have out here. If I do end up going down the electrician path(which I'm probably will end up doing) I'll definitely sign up an application for an apprenticeship opportunity with my local IBEW!
I found myself in a similar situation 2 years out of highschool and the ibew changed everything for me. Whatever you do I wish you much success. I like your approach, its logical, and sound.
Welp, I just want to thank you for your words and this channel. Ive been a local 26 first year apprentice for 1 month now; and though the conditions are tuff on the job site, I am happy with this career. Keep it up brother!
Thank you brother, how are things going for you so far in apprenticeship? You're right the conditions are tough, we have to work to make them more tolerable than they are.
35yrs old. No exp whatsoever. Was always interested but as a personal trainer I couldn’t have the commitment. Now that C19 closed gyms and stopped my income , I’m willing to sacrifice now . All I know how to do is WAIT.... I have a daughter (4yrs) and I’ve been a nomad my entire adult life. I’m ready for a change . Ty for making this simple .. god bless bro
I'm goin' on 34 and have done it all. Tried managing bars, been a retail worked for many years and have endured bouts of homelessness all while feeling lost and out of control of my own life. This is something I wish I'd seen when I was graduating high school, or at least to've had someone say this to me, rather than "Keep your nose to the grindstone and just keep your head down". I know I'm not 19 anymore, but hopefully I can get in and get cookin'.
Just turned 23 few days ago getting my diploma next month starting my journey for my electrical career never to late to start hoping I can do this. Math is hard for me but I’m ready to learn my good friend Tim brown is in the ibew it has really inspired me
Good luck man. I’m 29 and going to give it a shot also. Been in the oil field industry since right out of high school so I have literally no experience which makes me a bit intimidated.
Going to apply, hopefully I could get in, I’ve done a lot of work in construction but wanted to be a electrician since i graduated highschool about 6 years ago I’m 25. Wish me luck
I've been wanting to do this but the pandemic kept me from wanting to risk sickness or bringing that home. Fully vaccinated now and trying to get all my documents to hopefully get into the IBEW 80 here. After the Army I hadn't had much success and my life kinda fell apart, so hoping IBEW will take me in so I can really start rebuilding it. Just not sure how hard it'd gonna be to get in, my high school transcript might be a challenge to get my hands on. I took Algebra and Algebra 2, but I went to a small school out in the country, which isn't near me. I do have some electrical experience, but nothing formal. Sorry for going on, just gotta find a free place to print from for my application, but really, I should just drive over and talk to them. Thanks for breaking stuff down for me, wish me luck!
I wanna give it a try at 24, but Im a resident and my high school scores are from another country. Im good at math and would have no problem passing the aptituted test, but Im worried I will be turned away because of this
You won't know until you try. We do have folks in the ibew from other countries who didn't take the traditional route. I would not let a fear of not getting in stop me from trying. Otherwise you're making your fear a reality.
Not sure where you applied. An 86 out of 100 is a good score. Keep in mind many apply for apprenticeship so it is not uncommon to have to wait to get in.
What if your high school didn’t offer algebra ? I’m 36 years old and just got fired from my good paying job , now there’s no place that pays good in my area , and I’m looking to join a union because I don’t want to be wrongfully fired ever again I may lose my house over the b.s I just went through.
You have to reach out to the jatc in your area and ask if there is an equivalence exam or something for you to take, or to find out what the procedure specific to you would be.
I’m looking to apply to my local union for the apprenticeship! Do you know when the apprenticeship typically starts? Im eager to learn more, but intimidated because this is all new to me. Does it look better to have some electrical experience? I did a couple of side jobs installing solar panels on houses to get my feet wet in the electrical career. I was also told that I can apply to be a CW at the same time as an electrician? Is a CW basically a “helper”, and will being a CW look better on me when the union goes down the list for selecting apprenticeship candidates?
You do not need an ounce of experience to apply for apprenticeship. I would apply for the apprenticeship. CW is not a helper it's a classification that is meant to man small residential jobs. Classes begin in september and the initial application must be in before the end of march. Each local is different but this is the time frame for local 26 and it is similar to other locals. Be thorough on your application. Be honest in your interview and study up on algebra. Good luck!
Thanks Eric, great video. I just went and took my aptitude test at the NEAT building in Reading, Pa. now just waiting on results in the mail hopefully I’ll have a passing score, then on to the interview. Any advice on the interview part?
Congratulations on taking your exam! I hope you score well also. I made a video regarding the interview process. It's on the channel. Check it out and maybe you'll find the information there useful. Hit me back if there's anything you think I may not have covered. Good luck!
My guy you just motivated me even more to get into it. Im from northern california if you have any information on how to apply for the union out here please reach out
Just did a quick google search and found many IBEW locals in NoCal. I would suggest going to a local and walking through the front door and applying. Worst that can happen is you will find out their requirements and be able to move forward towards apprenticeship. Good luck.
@@unionminded7918 man after i left you that comment i was looking into ibew unions that you were talking about in your video and found two that are pretty close to me . And best thing is i think i got everything to qualify. You dont know how much i appreciate this simple comment back. Im going first thing tomorrow morning. God bless
@@hercuies7973 im actually went in to try and apply in person. But was short on so.e paper work they wanted to see. Im going back in tomorrow to show them all my paper work. Its just been little hard to find some time. I work full time grave yard and full time during the day. Only days off is tuesday and wed. I appreciate you keeping in touch. Ill get back to you with good news. I have a good feeling about this. Thanks again dawg
@@kennycarrasco1674 it went well, dress up, have good answer about times when you were in a situations and how you solved them. Other than that just show up on time and have confidence. All the best
Great video. Been trying to get into the IBEW but with the whole COVID it’s been a hassle. I’ve also been looking into Northwest Lineman college and do IBEW help you pay for the school? I’m 30 years old been lost as far as career choices and had a 2 year set back with a rare heart disease that’s cleared now.
The ibew has it's own training facilities so paying for tuition to some other training isn't likely. Keep at it. Apply and call the hall. Become a nagging nuisance. Persistence will win the day for you. You have to decide how bad you want it!
Hey Eric, do you know if you can transfer local unions during your apprenticeship? I want to apply to my local union ASAP but there’s a chance I could be moving this summer
That's a tricky one. The simple answer is yes you can. The more complex answer is it depends. It depends on variables. Including which local you are leaving and where you're headed. In most cases it can be done no problem. There are steps to be taken in order to do it properly. Your home local can lay out the procedure and help you along in the process.
Union Minded awesome, thanks a lot! Also, one more question! I’m remembering back to high school days and I did not officially pass algebra 1. BUT I took a class called Algebra Plus, and then I jumped straight to Geometry the next year and finished with a B. Geometry is a higher class than algebra 1, so should I be fine?
@@logandumont geometry is a different class from algebra and we use it also, alot. We use it to coin conduit, or bend pipe. It does not replace the algebra we need to know to perform calculations. Algebra 1 is a must have. There may be ways to get you up to speed like a bootcamp math class but getting passed the passing grade requirement may prove to be difficult. Go down to the hall and find out for sure. With the shortage of electricians in this country I have to imagine there may be a work around. I hope.
I really do appreciate your content! I just graduated high school and really want to get into the trades. I haven't been the best at math and got a C grade in algebra. Do you think that's sufficient enough to be an electrician, or do you think being an electrician is too math intensive? It would be amazing if you could describe how in-demand electrician apprentices are at your local union and if they are recruiting high school graduates. Also, is the school training and on-site work done at the local union, or do they tell you to meet at different places? I see that the local 26 looks like its more focused on installation VS the local 70 which is more focused on line work. Which one do you think is better in your opinion? Thanks for your time!
Applications are due no later than March 31st so you still have time to apply. The math can be intense in school but it's not impossible. A passing grade is all that is required so a C works. As for which l9cal is better, they're two different types of work and so it's difficult for me to contrast the 2 as I've never been a lineman. That being said local 26 will provide a vast field of options for work. I've been outside at an airport, in the subways, building hospitals, on the highway, and data centers. The way apprenticeship works in 26 is you go to school for a full day once every 2 weeks. School is always at the same location but the job may send you from location to location depending on the type of job you land on. Apprentices transfer from one company to another every year, this gives our apprentices a wider variety of experience making them more complete wiremen. I personally have no regrets and live a comfortable life where I can sustain myself and my family off of one income. Thank you for the kind words, I hope this helps you make an informed decision. Good luck!
I was in residential for about 5 years and left because the money was garbage and I learned nothing now I’m 26 and feel like it’s to late to join as an apprentice.
I started the apprenticeship at 30, finished at 35. Still doing it 18 years later. It's not too late. Starting at a later age had me taking it more serious than I would've at 20
Thanks for the info man this is really helpful, I just created my local 26 account ( I actually live near the area ) and just waiting for confirmation that my account is good to go. I don't know a whole lot about the jobs and job titles although I'm really aiming towards a electrical lineman and wondering if I should stress this or how I can get more info about it from the website because I didn't see any job titles that resembled that. Hope to hear from ya!
Local 26 has a good amount of training courses for a wide range of certifications. We produce inside wiremen. If you are looking to become a lineman, I might suggest IBEW Local 70. If you were accepted into 26 I would say you're in good shape for a prosperous career though. Good luck to you and let me know if there's anything i can do to help you along your way, if I'm able to i will always help a brother/sister in need.
I’m moving to a new state and plan on joining IBEW when I get there. Is it very competitive generally? Will I have difficulty joining even if I meet these requirements?
Yes its competitive depending on the local and the amount of work they have. Right now work is booming in many places but the apprenticeship is still a program with limited seats. So yes its competitive. It's also very worth it. Still you may be denied for any number of reasons that do not have to do with the minimum requirements being met.
What's up, man? I have my aptitude test coming up on June 8. Any advice on preparing for that? & Also what should I expect/do once I have completed the test?
Study algebra to refresh your memory on equations. The second part is reading comprehension and the only thing I can advise to study for that is to read. Depending on your test score you then have to interview before reps from NECA and the IBEW.
@@unionminded7918 thanks for the reply! I will do that when it gets closer to my test date, thanks alot. Will a DUI hold me back from moving forward in the process?
@@bossxcino8187 no, a DUI will not hold you back from the process. Your biggest hurdles are the aptitude test and the interview. Those 2 things hold the most weight in consideration for acceptance into the apprenticeship program.
I have a HS diploma from Mexico and now currently getting my ged in motion, They told me I the IBEW i require experience to join , and that they don’t have apprenticeship programs without experience. I’m 42 ur old living a sober life , late start but motivated to learn from scratch . Can you suggest any ideas?
Don't believe that bull. I applied as a know nothing person with zero construction experience. Our apprenticeship is designed to teach from the very basics and is a very well designed program. Do not take no for an answer.
Does anyone know if you have to drug test immediately after applying or if that happens after your accepted into the program? I want to apply to the IBEW now but I smoked weed about a week ago before realizing the unions don't allow that (I live in WA)...
Oh God no, you can apply to get into the apprenticeship. The residential program is fine for starting to work while you wait to get accepted into apprenticeship. But it isn't a rwquirement.
Hey brother , loved this video . I’m 21 been working at many jobs but none leading to a real career . I am going in Monday morning to apply , I have no experience but am serious about building a future . I have a fiancé and baby boy on the way . Any tips you can give me ?
Yes, stay on top of your application process and once your in the door do not let up. Ask questions, pay attention, show up everyday, and get involved in the local union!
There are minimum requirements. H.S. diploma or equivalent, a passing grade in Algebra, an application fee. I'm not certain on the age requirement but you can look up the IBEW local nearest to you and find out their requirements on their web page I'm sure.
Once you send in the application you are notified of your test date. That process takes a little time. Several weeks at least. No everyone who meets the basic requirements gets accepted. They are ranked according to their total score. That's their interview score, their aptitude score, their experience level. The ranking determine when they are accepted. We have a limited number of slots and a lot of applicants. Though with the shortage in electricians across the country I would think the smart directors are going to begin accepting more apprentices going forward.
Yeah go through the proper channels. If you were in 363 talk to them about transferring schools and tge process. Other than that I would advise persistence!
He said algebra 1 but let's say you took another course in high school considered to be more difficult than alebgra be it geometry, trig, pre calculus, even algebra 2, and you got a passing grade, you're still meeting their requirements. That's what I took away from how the rule was worded on my local ibew website. Cheers man just study hard!
Would having an electrical techniques background help you get into ibew faster? I took a year in electrical and learned how to wire and the theory behind electricity dc and ac as well as single phase and three phase power.
@@denvercharlebois699 different locals have different work projections. It could be a lack of work due to this pandemic. I would maintain contact until they are hiring or accepting apprentices.
If you do an apprenticeship program in one state and then become a journeyman, can you work in any other state in the United States? Also this video is so helpful, and thank you so much for sharing, I really needed this!
Once your apprenticeship is complete and you are a licensed journeyman then yes, you can travel and work out of any local that has work. It's a beautiful thing! I'm glad you found the video useful!
Here in dc the deadline for applicants is in march but the entire process is lengthy. i cant see how it would hurt to apply and bring in your diploma once you graduate but you would have to ask the local you want to apply to if that would work. each local may not be the exact same with process.
I need info in my area I live in chino and honestly I’m struggling with school , I can finish but I don’t think I’m liking the major I chose . Thanks for this video
Great video! I’m currently 20 years old. I had a rough past couple years and didn’t finish high school , also I do not have a ged. Due to my financial situation I do not have time to go to school as of right now to get my ged. I was wondering if there is any way to get in without a hs diploma or ged.
Excuse homie I love the video I saw something online about a test I was thinking of purchasing the books and studing up on my math do you think I should or I don't need to study. Just looking for some feedback did you have take a test to get in?? If so how did you prepare
Yes there is a test once you apply. It's an aptitude test. I would definitely brush up on your algebra, especially if it's been a while. I went in and took the test cold and didn't do as well as i could have if i studied first.
@@edwardcheeseborough6711 it's pretty standard. If you have taken one then this one will not surprise you. A couple short stories and questions about what you read. The math is what will trip most folks up.
@@unionminded7918 oh ok thanks again bro.... Once your in the union how is it the comrodery... Benefits money doing the class work what can you tell me about that
@@edwardcheeseborough6711 I can tell you that the brotherhood is very real! It's like anything else you'll have all types of personalities and such. There is a lot of ball busting among us. However if an outsider steps up the brothers stand up for each other. Apprenticeship is hard. It's meant to weed out those who otherwise can't cut it. This thing of ours isn't for everyone but if you do your best and work hard it is a very rewarding career!
Do u know if it’s hard to get re instated I got termites 3 times and the jatc told me I have to wait 6 months to re instate my question is will I have any trouble getting back in can I just re instate and I’m accepted back in ... I payed all my dues etc !
I don't know how much lineman work, and inside wireman work overlap. A CDL is not a requirement for apprenticeship but the more licenses the better suited you will be for a variety of jobs. If you never try the results will always be none. So my advice would be to fill out an application and give it a run, see what happens.
Hey y’all I’m in a trade school for electrician I’d like to get the information on how to get the electrician apprenticeship program in Florida thank you!
That all depends on the interview board and the local jatc as far as what they'll accept. A quick phone call to the office should be able to clear things up for you.
Called my local union got information regarding applying towards the lineman apprenticeship overall I was told they are not currently accepting applications and the last time it opened up was a few summers ago, it opens up every 2-5 years. I'm not willing to wait that long just to be held on a waiting list. Is there an alternative to getting this going. I'm 23 and super intrigued into getting into this business. - Local 3 NYC. P.S. I sent an email and they got back to me listing and sending me all possible ways to apply. But unfortunately my Local isn't accepting any applications, and that just doesn't sit right with me. If anyone has any other information that I can look into, get back to me. I reply very quickly.
Union Minded yes pretty sure it’s in my high school transcript if I remember well. But overall really great video really gives me a good idea of how to apply for the apprenticeship especially since I just came out of high school Im only 18 and I’m really excited.
You'll receive notification in the mail as to whether or not you passed the test. If I remember correctly a date for the interview is sent in the mail as well. However if you feel like it's been a few weeks and you haven't heard anything, go ahead and give them a call and see what's up with your progress. Nothing wrong with asking questions.
@@jasonboii11 to be honest I would call the lanham hall because that's where the apprenticeship director works and so they would probably be best able to answer your questions.
Here in local 26 yes that's exactly what it would mean. The cut off for this years class was the end of March. I would still advise you to apply anyway.
Union Minded ok that’s what I thought.. would it be better to apply now or wait till around November/December? Also, I’m in an apprenticeship program now, not sure how that would transfer into the the union..I would be applying for local 26
@@danielbigelow2193 when you apply bring all of your documentation, whatever apprenticeship program you're in now couldn't hurt you that's for sure so I would bring all available documentation as far as credits completed.
You would have to acquire a passing grade in algebra somewhere. Take a course that is from an accredited school. You may also want to talk to the local you're applying to specifically to see what they would require of you.
I would say you're probably misinformed if you don't want to join a union but you want to be an electrician. The nonunion electrician makes way less money, has way less benefits, and an overall poorer experience than the union electrician.
Depends if you're trying to test in because of previous experience or having a journeyman license. Otherwise it's an aptitude test and the application process.
They are way too picky. I had a year experience already in commercial electric, can read blueprints, and understands single phase, 3 phase panels at 19 and they called me without me applying trying to hire me and I submit an application and they just ignored it.
All I can say is that you have to want it. You learned about the opportunity and applied, but neglected to follow up? There's an old saying "the squeaky wheel gets the grease." You know what I mean.
@@unionminded7918 I never applied, they reached out to me. The director called me offering me the job and an application and I did fill it out and everything but they never got back to me.
As long as you meet the criteria then your application will be considered as all others are. The IBEW is an inclusive organization that doesn't believe in discrimination. Apply and I wish you the best of luck.
A percentage of what the journeyman scale is for the local in which you're an apprentice. The percentage increases as you progress through apprenticeship. Typically a first year makes around 45 percent of what a journeyman makes.
If I were you I would reach out to your nearest local union and find out what their policy is. Many times it's just a matter of obtaining the proper work permits. Don't be discouraged by immigration status. Just make the call!
Commenting from my girlfriends account, due to me not having my own. I recently applied, interviewed and was placed on the waiting list to start my apprenticeship through LU 58, Detroit MI. That being said, can anyone give any advice on how long i might be waiting? I understand everyone has a different experience but what was yours? Any advice i can do to give me the upper hand or is it truly just a waiting game now? Thanks!
Typically school begins in September. Here in DC there is the option to work in the field at a lower classification until school starts. I don't know off hand if local 58 has that same option but it's worth calling the hall and asking about it. With regards to apprenticeship however, it's a waiting game until school begins. Were you accepted as an apprentice? And are just waiting for classes to begin?
@@unionminded7918 Awesome, i will check out exactly that and get some more information. Also, too my knowledge i am placed on list to start my apprenticeship once i get the call that is when i will be able to start working through the apprenticeship , as well as start schooling. I spoke with someone at the training center earlier this afternoon and after talking to her, she expressed the waiting list as "huge" so that being said while i wait to start the apprenticeship would it be beneficial too seek work in the electrical field just a lower class or just hope for the best and wait it out... PS while on list i have the option to an addition interview to score me higher on the list after 450 hours related work or taking 2 secondary school classes. With that being said, i left the interview feeling very confident and got the confirmation that i am on the list... its just that, they don't give you a exact number so its always a mystery as too where exactly i am on the list and how long it is. This is something, i really want to pursue in life and am willing to do whatever necessary to succeed. Thanks for the response!
@@kaylastiltner5728 you're more than welcome. I hope you're able to get into the field even as a helper to gain some valuable experience. We always try and help when and where we can. That's what unionism and the IBEW is all about. On a side note it really is worth the wait I guarantee.
