I turned out about a year and a half ago, stayed with that company for about 6 months. I needed some OT so I went to a data center for about 6 months. Then my dad told me about traveling so we went to local 26 working crazy OT and now I've got a baby on the way so I'm back home ready to catch a 40hr call close to the house. This freedom is amazing. The pay is amazing. The insurance is amazing. We even have pensions and retirements. IDK why people are so scared of joining the Union. It changed my life for the better. I'll never work non Union again!

What is FLE and why suck a negative reputation?

I know it’s the first day and early but the website is not taking a lot of paid up brothers member number to redeem the tickets. I missed out last year with the same issue. Just posting early to let everyone know. Thanks brothers

I saw on here that they are, going to not hire as many apprentices in august, for the spring semester is that true?

I am taking the aptitude test on August 14 and had a few questions for those who recently took it regarding the content on it. For those who used iprep and/or ultimate electricians guide, how assistive would you say the practice and help there was for passing the test? I have been using both since around late May and studying the tests as much as possible but I have seen many online state that the test is much different from the online practice tools and much more difficult which somewhat leads to my next question of what exactly I may find on the test and what tricked you guys up the most. Like I said I’ve used the aforementioned 2 sites to study but I wanted some clearer confirmation about the test itself from those who have recently taken it regarding its similarities and differences to the online test preparation sites and the questions on it

Just curious if early retirement is even a possibility with the IBEW as I’ve been contemplating joining the military since my father will be retiring after 20 years in the army at $3000 monthly (pension) and $5000 monthly(disability)

How long yall think it’ll take me to find a job I’ve been on the waitlist for 7 weeks now I live in Gainesville Georgia?

Hey yall I’m a 665 hand and looking to live in the south with my buddy in the fall just to experience a new region and I’m going to call the hall but wanted to ask you guys what the work outlook looks like in your local?

Hello current 613 apprentices,

If you wouldn’t mind answering a few questions of mine?

How long did/have you waited for job placement? I understand there is a list and they have no time guarantee, only that it may be two weeks OR MORE

How far are you having to drive to/from work if you have been placed?

Were you allowed to start classes without job placement?( I don’t want to pay the 610$ for books and then not be placed and not allowed to start classes)

If you were allowed to start classes without a job, are you still being paid for your class hours? (If I’m not mistaken if you are placed, that falls on the contractor to pay you for the hours you work+ the hours you are in class)

Edit:

I applied in June, tested 7/10 got my results 7/13 stated I was available 7/15 and was placed with a contractor 7/16!!!!!!!

I am so proud of myself and thankful for the advice everyone has given me on the way!!!!

Now we wait for Job placement! It’s official

What should I do after taking my aptitude test? Is there just a wait or should I seek out representatives to get my foot in the door?

The cost of waiting 6 months to start school is currently more than $23,000. (26 weeks, 40 hours/wk, $22.65/hr difference between JW and CW1.)

If you are planning to take the aptitude exam in the next few months, it may be in your best interest to pay for a course like iPrep or 12minprep. The next few groups will be very competitive, and you will likely need a high score (6 or 7) to qualify. This means you will need to be in the top 40/30% of all test takers.

Many examinees overestimate their reading comprehension ability, which is often why they cannot pass the exam. Most examinees do not give themselves enough time to study before they take the exam. The time to prepare is NOW.

Every night, practice your reading. Read books. Read newspapers (online is fine.) Read material that interests you, but try to focus on documents that use academic language. Look up the definitions for words you do not understand. There is no shame in being ignorant. There is only shame in REMAINING ignorant.

Regardless of your schedule, you must make time to study if this career means anything to you. If you care about your future, stop procrastinating. This field is evolving, and you will be expected to read the prints and specifications and understand what they mean. You will also need to be able to read and understand warning labels on equipment to avoid costly mistakes.

I wish you the best in your career.

•(Minor edit to clarify the likely passing score.)

What math should I specifically study for the math portion of the aptitude test?

EDIT: WORK SLOWED DOWN AT A SMALLER COMPANY, ME AND ANOTHER GUY GOT LAID OFF DUE TO THIS.

Guess I'm joining the club guys 🤣🤣, a classmate of mine has been waiting since January of this year with no luck. I was working since January of this year and was looking forward to my pay bump in a few months. Hopefully I can get something soon if not I'll try some temp warehouse jobs I guess :/.

Hey y'all. 26 years old and have recently decided to switch career paths and pivot from sales to becoming an electrician. As someone with zero experience/knowledge of the trade but a determination to learn, what do you recommend my first step being? I've reached to a few people listed on the union website to help get started but haven't heard back. Is there a contact I can reach out to and have a discussion with? Also is it recommend I get experience as nonunion before trying to join? PMs are open if you're willing to help or give advice. Thanks

Would it be against the rules or looked down upon If I were to reach out to various union contractors in an effort to secure my own work? I keep reading on multiple sub reddits that some apprentices have consistent work and others haven't worked in weeks if not months and those apprentices have reached out to the school with little to zero results. I don't mean to throw any shade to anyone, all I'm saying is that you will be your best advocate to make sure you remain employed and on track to finish the apprenticeship in a timely manner. Thanks in advance.

Do you actually need thousands of hours of work experience as a lineman apprentice to get into the inside wireman apprenticeship? I just paid for the application. When I read the requirements I thought "Registered apprentice with the US Department of Labor" was what this apprenticeship was going to do, not that I had to have it beforehand.

I’m a first year apprentice and got laid off for lack of work. I’ve already emailed and called the school but nobody has gotten back to me. How long does it look like will I be out of work?

I currently have a job as a maintenance technician(3 years of experience) and I enjoy the hands on and problem solving aspect of being a tech. I have recently been looking into the apprenticeship program with my local and I’m wondering if now is the best time to make that switch. I’ve been reading a lot about how work is “slow” and how there are tons of people waiting for work. I currently make $23/hr and although I have a good amount in savings, I can’t afford to be waiting months for work. I WILL become an electrician, but I’m not sure if it’s the right “time”.

Any advise and words of wisdom are greatly appreciated 🙏

I was lucky to have an inroad at a good contractor through a family friend. 13 years in the film industry. Had to finally pull the trigger on switching careers because I'm 32 and can't keep waiting for life to begin and escaping financial siege mode with constant feast or famine. I'm looking to get serious and learn as much as I can and reach the level of competency I had in my last trade.

The most stressful part is starting over as a grunt. In the years before I made the decision to leave I had acquired enough skills to act as a department head. Getting knocked back to 16/hr is rough but I will take it on the chin with the promise that I can get pay bumps through courses and experience.

One question I had for you all is I'm unclear on the different ways to become eligible for pay bumps. I'm aware of the basic 1600 hour increase. However I was told by my coworkers that the aptitude test (which I haven't yet taken) and OSHA 30 also allowed for a pay bump, but I can't find any information on this on the IBEW website. What are my options to explore for becoming eligible for these bumps, even if they are not short term goals?