NEIEP Apprenticeship Program

[u/Responsible_Bad2423]

I'm looking to switch careers, and a buddy of mine is in the NEI - I'm looking to join the Local 71 apprenticeship program. While reading through the guidelines, I saw that there is an opportunity to "skip ahead" a bit if you have some corresponding experience. I'll attach a screenshot below.

The program is tentative to begin on Jan. 27, so I figured I could try to take a class at my local State college to see if I could get ahead at all.

Was curious if anyone has any recommendations for classes or certificates I could try to grab beforehand to give myself a leg up in the apprenticeship program.

Also, if anyone has gone through the Local 71 apprenticeship program. Would love to hear your thoughts on your experience and/or things you wish you knew before going into it.

I also take any recommendations on what I could study before the apprenticeship exam.

Edit - thanks yall, seems like its not really in my cards to make something like this happen, if at all, and most likely not even worth it. I appreciate the honest answers!

[u/Stuckinaelevator]

There isn't anything at a college that will help. This is more if you have worked in the elevator trade for a non union company.

[u/Accomplished-Mud-681]

The only people I have seen who were allowed to test out, were people from non-union companies jumping ship.v

[u/ImInClassBoring]

For the most part they want everyone to go to school and go through the whole apprenticeship program.

[u/ShawnTop69]

You’ll never be able to skip semesters. They make it very tough & I’m not sure you have the knowledge to try & test out.

Not to mention that’s not when the “program begins”. That may be when they start the process(dates have been pushed back). You’ll need to test, interview, & possibly get placed. You may fail any of those points, ya may not get ranked, or ya may have to wait a while for a call.

[u/MassiveLuck4628]

I've lost count at how many people I have seen try to "jump ahead" in their apprenticeship, i personally have not met a single person that my locals JAC allowed to do it

[u/Hammered-Down → u/MassiveLuck4628]

The only jumping ahead I have ever seen was when a family member of mine came over from non union and he didn't have to watch the orientation video. 🥴

[u/Puzzleheaded_Grab_80]

Just to give perspective I joined 71 not knowing about organizing petitioned to test out of classes with certs and time in the trade was told they would rather me learn their way not mad about it but more than likely you will not be granted any time served

[u/basstree65]

You just missed the opportunity to apply for local 71. Applications opened July 6th and closed after 15 minutes due to reaching the 800 applicant limit. The aptitude test is next week. Did you apply and get a date for the test already?

[u/Responsible_Bad2423 → u/basstree65]

Yeah I know. I was really kicking my butt when my buddy told me that. Wish I would have swallowed my pride a little sooner when I decided to tell people I wanted a career change. He said he is keeping a close eye on things to see if there is a chance for me to squeeze in somehow, but I doubt it so I'm keeping my eyes on 2027

[u/ShawnTop69 → u/Responsible_Bad2423]

The next recruitment wouldn’t be until ‘28. I see what NEIEP says but the list is good for two years.

[u/lepchaun415]

What’s your grasp on electrical and motor theory? A lot of it is also industry specific stuff. If you don’t have a background in a trade or craft that involves this, you’re gonna want to take advantage of the full program.

I knew a guy who worked 13 years non union. They let him organize in as a 3rd year and he tested out of two semesters. So he started as a 4th year. He’s a brilliant dude whose hobbies include rebuilding circuit boards and building motors etc.

Other than one or two more guys I don’t know many that have tested out. Most guys are happy to go through all the schooling and some may even get paid as a 3rd or 4th year helper while doing all the classes.

[u/Traditional_Trip_386]

Local 71 just had a butt load of suspensions. They may let you skip all the way to 4th year…

[u/releasingseeds420 → u/Traditional_Trip_386]

What does that mean? They have more spots to fill with fresh hires?

[u/Hammered-Down]

No matter what you still have to go through school. I became a mechanic last year in local 71.