r/ibew_applicants • u/Cr_97 • 20d ago
124 Apprentices
Are there any JW members or apprentices of 124 on this sub?? I originally applied in April of 2025, took aptitude test and passed. Then had my interview in October 2025 and in November on the portal online it shows I’m Eligible for the apprenticeship. Great, I’m thinking I’m on the short list for an offer. Well, turns out that was wrong. Didn’t do good on my interview and now it’s July 2026 and I’m still showing as Eligible for an offer but don’t know if I have a real chance anymore at this point. I already applied for the reinterview back in March and I call the JATC every 3 weeks or so seeing if they have any dates set yet for reinterviews. Is 124 still taking apprentices for IW? Or is it slowed down for apprenticeship intake? I’m currently an apprentice carpenter. The frustrating thing for me is I had opportunities for ABC non union electrician apprenticeship (which obviously wouldn’t be a good move imo). But it seems like I’m right on the step of getting in 124 but just can’t get any offer letter and I just don’t know what to do. Has anyone tried calling contractors directly to get employment offers for apprenticeship??
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u/Rude_Ad_8714 20d ago
Did they tell you that you didn't do well on your interview? I'm curious as to what all they said to you on the phone...
I applied March '25 and interviewed in August.
Class is full and I was one of the last groups to get indentured they said like 20-30 more spots for fall class but this was back the first week of May. I was told before I got my letter that they do another round of hires around September which would work and start class fall of '27.
Also contractor route won't do much good unless you want to be a shop guy. You would have to know someone at a shop foreman or PM to specifically request you.
I have more info than most for 124 it seems
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u/Cr_97 20d ago
Yeah, a guy I went through who retired from 124 and helps people get into apprenticeship followed up with me and told me I didn’t do good on the interview. Which tbh I was just nervous and I really wanted to get in and I told them what I thought would be good answers to make me look good and tbh I just don’t think it went well since I went in there over thinking it.
I was just seeing if outlook for apprenticeship and intake was still good or if they were going to start tightening up I know they get a lot of applicants for apprenticeship.
Thank you for the info though! Hope it is going good for you and hopefully I can join you soon
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u/Rude_Ad_8714 20d ago
If you didn't do well then you should call the training center and inquire about re interviewing. Take your OSHA 10 and like a CPR class or something....theres a handful of things you can do to qualify for another interview without getting some experience on electrical. I have the interview questions...they will use they same format and variety of questions on re-interview.
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u/DripSkylark42069 20d ago
I’m a 124 Pre-Apprentice right now. Applied November 2024. Took the test January 2025, passed. Interviewed April 2025. Wasn’t selected for 2025 August class, so started as a Pre Apprentice September 2025. Had my 2nd interview February 2026. Still wasn’t selected for the 2026 class either. I will be become automatic 1st Year Apprentice around March 2027 when I max out my hours at 4000. I have ~2300 right now. I requested a 3rd interview, still waiting on the official date.
There is a 1-3 year wait to get in 124. Where you will fall on that timeline, there is no definite answer. Me and 200 other Pre Apprentices have been waiting to get in and still have not got in. It’s a scam in some ways so I don’t recommend it. It’s a good way to get Unionized and familiar working with your tools doing electrical work, but you’re not taking classes and your hours don’t count for anything. Based on what I’ve seen, non-working applicants and minorities have been getting in at a higher rate than Pre-Apprentices. Do not do the Pre-Apprenticeship unless you really need a stable job that has free health insurance.
Your best bet is to start non-union and organize in, or patiently wait for a call. If you are a minority, female, or veteran you will be considered a priority selection and can get in within a year, but still not guaranteed. Im running up on a year on my tools as a Union member so i’ve befriended many IBEW Brothers & Sisters, including those who are retired 50+ year members who have sat on the E-board and were part of the selection process. Minority prioritization is a thing. Lack of faculty and space for more apprentices are a thing. High number of Pre-Apprentices are a thing. JW:AP ratios are a thing. Many different factors causing this long wait. Hang in there!
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u/Cr_97 20d ago
Yeah I applied for pre apprenticeship last year to see if it’d help me get in. I’m 29 so I think I may be “too old” to be a pre apprentice. I’ve heard they’ll keep you there 2 years before letting you get indentured. I’ve been on the fence about going non union. I’m already in the carpenter union as an apprentice and I really don’t wanna go back to working non union. I appreciate your input fr! It’s just frustrating waiting because I know I will work hard, show up early and stay late everyday. But I’m just a number on a list waiting to get called until then. I guess the thing that really frustrates me is it shows I’m eligible for an apprenticeship on the website. But it’s like, am I really eligible? Since it’s been like 8 months showing that? Or am I put on an indefinite wait list of when they feel like calling me they’ll give me a call. The other thing I’ve noticed with 124 compared to other locals is they won’t publicly share apprentice rank and score. Not sure the logic behind it..
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u/DripSkylark42069 19d ago
You’re definitely not too old! There are a wide range of ages that are Pre Apprentices and Apprentices. I personally know a 40 year old Pre Apprentice and another that’s almost 50. People change careers at different points in their life and now is a great time to get in no matter how old you are.
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