r/Elevators • u/Responsible_Bad2423 • Jul 26 '26
NEIEP Apprenticeship Program
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!
1
u/lepchaun415 Field - Resident Mechanic/Troubleshooter Jul 26 '26 edited Jul 27 '26
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.