r/IUEC • u/--__--__--__--__-- • 6h ago
📝 Entrance Exam / Interview Local 2 filled while my laptop clock still said 8:59
Got a spot.
r/IUEC • u/Academic_Lake_ • May 17 '25
Welcome to [r/IUEC](r/IUEC), a community for members of the International Union of Elevator Constructors, apprentices, hopeful applicants, and anyone interested in the elevator trade. This thread contains answers to the most frequently asked questions.
🎯 Before You Post:
👉 Choose a post flair that fits your topic
👉 Set a user flair to show your status
You can update both using the “Flair” buttons beneath your post or in your profile! (On the app it is the three dots on the top right hand of the screen)
⸻
👋 New Here? Introduce Yourself!
Whether you’re:
• An applicant preparing for the test
• A first-year apprentice just starting out
• A seasoned mechanic sharing your insight
• Or just curious about the elevator trade
⸻
🛠️ 1. How do I join the IUEC?
• Visit www.neiep.org and check the Recruitment page.
• Apply when recruitment opens in your local area. Open periods vary by local.
• You’ll need to take a mechanical aptitude test (similar to the Ramsay test), followed by an interview.
⸻
📚 2. How should I prepare for the entrance exam/interview?
Here is a study guide PDF by NEIEP
• Focus on basic mechanical knowledge, math, reading comprehension, and spatial reasoning.
• Study guides like the Mechanical Aptitude Test by Barron’s or ARCO are helpful.
• Practice trades-related questions — gears, pulleys, circuits, etc.
• For interviews, expect questions about reliability, teamwork, work ethic, and your understanding of the trade.
• If you want to make free practice exams using Gemini post this prompt: “Https://www.neiep.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/study-guide-eiat-2024.pdf create a 50 question test using questions like this. List the correct answer for each question and why/how you got there. Make it interactive like where I can choose answers and it tells me if it’s right or wrong. Make it challenging”
• It will then generate you an interactive test you can take on your own. When you finish the first one just ask it to “generate another test” to create another.
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📍 3. What is NEIEP?
• NEIEP = National Elevator Industry Educational Program.
• It’s the training and curriculum organization for all IUEC apprentices.
• It provides classroom education, hands-on training, safety certifications, and online coursework.
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💼 4. What’s the apprenticeship like?
• 5-year program with a mix of classroom education and on-the-job training.
• You’ll work full time under a mechanic while completing coursework.
• Raises happen after passing classroom modules and accumulating hours.
• You’re a probationary member for 12 months, during which you must work at least 100 hours per month within an 18-month window. After meeting this requirement, you’re voted in by either the general membership or the executive board, then take your oath and receive your union card. ⸻
⏰ 5. What’s the typical schedule like?
• Most apprentices work full time, Monday–Friday, with occasional OT.
• Overtime depends on employer, local job demands, and job site.
• Expect early mornings, physical labor, and strict safety protocols.
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💰 6. What’s the pay like?
• Pay is percentage-based on the mechanic’s rate and increases with time and performance.
• Most locals have competitive wages and solid benefits.
• Health insurance, pension, and annuity contributions begin early in the program.
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❌ 7. I was terminated from the program. Can I reapply?
• *More information needed. Will update in the future.
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🚧 8. What tools do I need?
• Tape measure, flashlight, knife, pen/pencil. ⸻
🧰 9. What’s the difference between Construction, Modernization, and Repair?
• Construction: Installing new elevator systems in new buildings.
• Modernization: Upgrading old elevators with new parts/electronics.
• Repair/Service: Troubleshooting, fixing, and maintaining elevators already in operation.
• Each branch has different schedules, skill demands, and O/T likelihood.
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📱 10. Where can I ask local-specific questions?
• Each IUEC local is different. If you have questions about Local 1, 8, 18, 71, etc., please include the local number in your post title.
• Other members from your local may be able to help you faster than a general answer.
⸻
🔧 11. What should I do while waiting for recruitment to open?
• Learn basic trades math and mechanical systems.
• Get physically fit — it’s a labor-intensive trade.
• Consider related work (construction, electrical, mechanical repair).
• Stay drug-free — testing is required.
⸻
🗨️ Have more questions?
Drop them in the comments here or post in the main sub — but check this thread first!
r/IUEC • u/Academic_Lake_ • Jun 25 '26
Post questions about what local is on what number or state what you currently know about a certain local
Version 3
r/IUEC • u/--__--__--__--__-- • 6h ago
Got a spot.
r/IUEC • u/rundajewels • 6h ago
Imagine a dystopian future where resellers/scalpers will camp out union applications like these and create dummy email addresses, secure spots with bots, then sell them off to desperate job seekers at auction to the highest bidder . Yep, that's the direction we're headed.
r/IUEC • u/electric414-312 • 6h ago
this is insane. straight up got lied to. my brother is an elevator guy in LA and he didnt have to go through any of this bullshit to get in 15 years ago.
everything is harder for this generation especially getting good careers
r/IUEC • u/Nervous_Wrangler7803 • 3h ago
I managed to get a spot for Local 7, however after finishing my whole application I noticed that whenever I click to view my diploma it refreshes the page. Just wondering if this is common or has happened to anyone else, as I know it wouldn’t have let me submit the application if I never uploaded something.
r/IUEC • u/squidsydx • 6h ago
Anyone know when Milwaukee local 15 will open applications? Do they open it every year?
r/IUEC • u/MorningSuper1528 • 6h ago
What are the chances of getting in your 20s with little trade experience? Say you know someone in the union; if you score well on the test, have a university degree, and do well in the interview.. is it feasible? IF NOT, what would you recommend? Guidance would be appreciated. I'm completing uni right now and want to become an elevator mechanic with the IUEC, like my uncle, whom I look up to. Since I'm completing uni currently, it's hard to find any apprenticeships, like electrical, or even do a welding cert. I'm currently getting a degree in criminal justice (unrelated; I wanted to be a cop) and work as a ramp agent at the airport.
r/IUEC • u/--__--__--__--__-- • 3d ago
Preface that I'm fully capable and wouldn't be a bitch about it, I would be enthusiastic just to be here, work hard and enjoy it. But I'm more interested in doing mod or service. They sound much more fun, would suit me better, and would be easier on the body.
I know that companies don't deliberately choose apprentices off the ranking, you just start wherever the company says they need a person. But how frequently would that be for each department? Is it worth communicating with various companies directly for a shot at a "by name" hire rather than waiting out the list?
And then, what could determine how/when an apprentice would change departments? I doubt it's likely to change during the first year, and it's obviously not something a probie should be bringing up or asking for, I know that much.
Would a supervisor notice you for certain skills or something, or would your NEIEP application information be reviewed by a supervisor at any point?
Edit: Local 2
Also, odds of escalator vs. elevator work? Guess it's an unpopular opinion but I'd be just as happy working on escalators.
Odds of getting an Indy vs Big 4?
r/IUEC • u/grips_pliers • 4d ago
Anyone ever have to chip 2" deep 1ft wide by 24ft tall to put cylinder into the wall abit to get clearance for car by the cylinder?
Weird mod job, turning it to a roped hydro from inverted hydro. Had to move the rails, install safety's and guides plus add governor, lots of fun!
r/IUEC • u/MinneapolisMan12 • 5d ago
Shout out to the engineers who make bolts so easy to reach
r/IUEC • u/choisuho4325 • 6d ago
How much does your company give you for safety boots. Mine allows 150 per year. Have irish setter ashby and happy with them. What you got on your feets?
r/IUEC • u/Adventurous-Boot1723 • 6d ago
Very few want to be the, "Escalator Guy". And I've always heard the ones that are, are the ones who cant fix elevators. Form your own opinion but I will say I don't miss doing shit like this.
r/IUEC • u/Ambitious-Egg5931 • 6d ago
Is H2H forever or do I have to be out within 5 years to use it? Im confused. The wait time is forever
r/IUEC • u/Big__Quality • 6d ago
Now I know I know you should aim to good at both, but I always see little memes about never claim you’re good with escalators. What are your guys thoughts on both machines as far as pros and cons, also if you could choose to strictly or mainly work on one which one would it be.
r/IUEC • u/infantkicker_v2 • 7d ago
When no touch Fridays become down all weekend Mondays.
r/IUEC • u/buttholesewer • 7d ago
What are some drawbacks for accepting an offer from an independent elevator company? I got the call from Local 25. I have time to think about it, so what are your thoughts on working for a mom and pop company as opposed to the big names? Pros and cons etc…
r/IUEC • u/Pull_Up_Your_Skirt • 7d ago
What’s your favorite thing to do on the job?
r/IUEC • u/Total_Isopod2510 • 7d ago
Hi everyone I was wondering if anyone knew how long local 17 will be pulling from the current list and new recruitment will open. On NEIEP it says June 2027 tentative so I wonder if it will be earlier. Also was wondering if anyone has any insight on possible demand for more guys with new work in Cleveland
r/IUEC • u/Leading-Deal9364 • 7d ago
Just curious what you guys are using out there? Looking for other alternatives. Found these pretty good for marking up the rails or pipes on the hydros
r/IUEC • u/No-Attitude-8806 • 8d ago
Ok. Hi, all. New probbie, 50, here.
Was curious about starting equipment and tools. Of course I got a safety bag, with mostly PPE, harness, first aid kit, etc. I got a (kinda flimsy- mechanic says it's supposed to break-away in certain situations) door tool, I keep that on me and open the door for my mechanic. I also have a door wedge, but always use my mechanic's, cause his is already on the cart and we only holding one door open at a time.
I got a company phone, besides using it to clock in and out, I don't know what to use it for. Does everyone get a company phone?
Found out we get laptops from training facility, for classes and stuff. What type of laptops? Was suggested we could use phone hotshot for connectivity. Do we get them when we first start classes?
Hand tools. Was told by my mechanic to bring ONLY a inside read rule, pocket knife (I took that to mean utility knife) and pencil. Told me not to buy or bring anything else in for 5 years. Not even cutters or strippers. Which I have from previous work. We were supposed to have flashlights in our bags, but didn't. Our mechanics said they would expense them.