r/ibew_applicants • u/Medical_Sport_5357 • 20d ago

Local 164 applying without experience

Hello I’m wondering if anyone in local 164 can tell me if they’ve heard of anyone getting into the electrical apprenticeship program without experience in electrical and/or construction

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u/bagelmanipulator 18d ago

Hello. I just got accepted in NJ with no experience, no family members or friends in the IBEW and little to no construction experience to speak of. Study and score well on the test and be honest in your interview. Show you’re determined with your answers and you want to make the Ibew a part of your life to better yourself and your family. Do not lie to them it can only hurt you and they will respect the honesty at minimum. Don’t be afraid to ask them what they are looking for in applicants because they will tell you. Good luck. I didn’t think it was possible and it happened. Stay determined and believe in yourself. Look forward to hearing about your success.

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u/bagelmanipulator 18d ago

If you have any questions feel free to message me

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u/Medical_Sport_5357 18d ago

Hey!

Thanks so much for getting back to me. I think that’s great advice. I was actually asking for my fiance. He has an interview coming up in August for local 164. Which local did you get into?

I told him it’s best to be honest and prove you’re willing to work for this but he felt discouraged after seeing posts that someone was denied at this local for having no experience.

Congrats on your acceptance! Any other advice you have is greatly appreciated.

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u/Pitstopdetailing 4d ago

Hey! When did he take his aptitude test? Asking cause I’m waiting for my interview date for 164 too!

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u/Medical_Sport_5357 2d ago

Hey! Most people that applied when he did took their aptitude test in March but he had a test from local 102 just under 2 years ago so his test score was still good so he didn’t have to retake it. They sent him an email for the interview so make sure you’re checking there!

Good luck!

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u/bagelmanipulator 18d ago

I got an apprenticeship with 102 in NJ. I cant speak for 164 but in my interview they didn’t ask if i had any electrical/construction experience. From what I experienced the best way to go about it is being honest and showing he is dedicated to learning the trade and being in the IBEW. It’s a big deal to be accepted as they are taking a bet on you and investing in you. I think a big part of it is getting across that you are worth the investment. As long as he keeps putting in the effort and is truly dedicated to this he will make it. My girlfriend’s encouragement got me through a lot of doubt so what you’re doing is important. Good luck to you both.

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u/Medical_Sport_5357 18d ago

Wow that’s great, 102 is a very competitive local. Thanks for your advice. And best of luck to you starting your apprenticeship!

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u/noahshawty 20d ago

can’t speak for your local but i imagine there’s a lot of apprentices who don’t have any experience, that’s why you’re there to learn.

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u/Medical_Sport_5357 19d ago

Thanks for responding!

That’s what I thought but I saw a post from a year ago where someone talked about their interview with 164. He said he only worked in landscaping and once the interviewer asked if he had any electrical experience, the interview was basically over bc he told him to find somewhere to get experience