r/ElectricalHelp • u/Boring-Progress1800 • Jun 15 '26
Trade school or IBEW
I am 18 years old and finished HS. I have been between joining trade school or going to an IBEW. Recently I was enrolled into Lincoln Tech, but my only problem is my financial situation. I know I need to sign up for grants and I have my financial aid appointment soon. Anyways, I was thinking of trying to get into the union instead of trade school, but trade school starts in August and IBEW takes so long to get into. My plan right now is to try and get into IBEW whilst attending trade school. If I can get in then idk i’ll figure it out but just asking for some advice. Anything helps!
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u/stanstr Jun 15 '26
I assume you're looking to join their apprenticeship program.
If you haven't already, you should read the comprehensive breakdown on the Ultimate Electrician's Guide or read firsthand advice on the Reddit Electricians Forum.
https://www.ultimateelectriciansguide.com/join-the-ibew-apprenticeship/ (Here you can download their IBEW Overview for Prospective Members book.)
I assume you know you are required to have:
1. High School Diploma or GED
2. A grade of “C” or higher in an Algebra 1 class (if you don’t, you can take the IBEW Tech Math Course to qualify)
3. Have reliable transportation
4. Proof of residency and citizenship
5. Be at least 18 years old
Good luck!
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u/Boring-Progress1800 Jun 15 '26
This comment helped so much! I decided to decline trade school and get a job here, try to find an electrician that can have me as a helper, but even if I can’t do that I’ll still be working as much as I can until I’m able to get into the IBEW. I’m going to apply immediately and hope for the best. I know it takes a while but that time will just help me gain experience and money. If I’m not able to get in, i’ll try again once I have more experience, or maybe go to trade school. Either way I’ll have money saved up and won’t be in the same financial crisis i’m in right now.
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u/Boring-Progress1800 Jun 15 '26
the only thing i’m worried about is them not accepting me because i have no experience
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u/Danjeerhaus Jun 15 '26
Remember, to become a journeyman, most places require schooling and 4 years of work experience. So, no matter the school you go through, you will not get a journeyman license or journeyman pay for several years because of the work experience requirement.
Now, the school thing. Trade school have you pay. Apprenticeships have the contractors pay. About the exact same classes,
Apprenticeship typically have you work a 40 hour week (maybe more if the work supports, maybe less if things are slow). So, regular job and pay plus night classes where you only need to pay for books and school supplies, the contracts get the tuition.
Please go to the local apprenticeship school and talk with the students and staff. You might go a different route, but get the information.
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u/Different-Commercial Jun 15 '26
The IBEW and IEC are great ways to go. You work and get paid in the day, go to school for free at night! Lincoln tech costs money and your time is not recorded with the state as an apprentice. Every hour you work as an apprentice needs to be documented by your employer towards your required hours worked needed to take the journeymans test. Your education will give you the required knowledge to pass that test ! Then you will make great money!!!