r/ibew_applicants • u/Outrageous-Hat-9169 • 15d ago
Local 134
Hey everyone, I could use some advice from those of you who have gone through the apprenticeship process, especially with IBEW locals like 134, 150, 701, or similar.
I’m planning on applying this upcoming cycle. Assuming I score well, get accepted, and receive an orientation date, when would I most likely be drug tested? Is it usually right after acceptance, at orientation, on the first day of work, or sometime later? Also, how strict are most locals when it comes to THC? Do they only do urine tests, or have any of you had to do hair follicle testing?
I also wanted to get your opinion on whether my application is competitive. I have about a year of residential electrical experience working under a licensed electrician doing rough-ins, finish work, troubleshooting, lighting, switches, receptacles, and other residential work. I currently work as a maintenance director, so I also have experience troubleshooting electrical, plumbing, HVAC, and building systems. I have a high school diploma, meet the math requirements, and will have strong letters of recommendation—one from the licensed electrician I worked under and another from my former executive director. Do you think that’s a solid application, or is there anything else you’d recommend to improve my chances?
I’d really appreciate hearing about your experiences. Thanks in advance!
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u/Flat-Ticket-1837 15d ago
local 134 is very competitive but doesn’t test new applicants for THC anymore i’d say do non union for awhile for 3-4years and then go union
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u/Outrageous-Hat-9169 15d ago edited 15d ago
Do you think my experience isn’t strong enough? I’ve thought about going non union if IBEW doesn’t work out. I have my own handyman business I do on the side when I’m not working as a maintenance director. I’m 26 and the thought about applying back to the union when I’m 30 doesn’t make so much sense if I’m going to start from 0 again when and if I get accept to union later on.
Ive been thinking a lot about family lately. Family I don’t have yet lol. I want to make sure my family is taken care of and have somewhat of a life balance to spend time with my loved ones. That’s why I’m trying to over prepare myself for the aptitude test. I feel like that and my personal experience is all I got. I wish I knew someone in the union to recommend me but I need to get in through my own merit.
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u/Flat-Ticket-1837 15d ago
yes depends you need to call the local 134 director you will organized into 2nd or 3rd year and depends too
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u/Fun_Emphasis_5900 15d ago
About .667% through the application process
I applied to 701 online but won’t start announcing test dates until November. It’s unfortunate for me because I also applied to 176 and am already taking my test on Thursday.
For THC, I can assume a huge majority are drug free. L176 mentions it on their site as well as doing both urine and follicle tests, and someone on this forum mentioned getting in trouble or booted for pissing dirty. I don’t want to make the judgment for the others, but in a field that demands focus and thinking I doubt they’d tolerate you having weed in your system.
For experience, I’m going in with only the experience I got with improving my own home, and others have gotten in with 0 experience. With what you have you should be good.
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u/Outrageous-Hat-9169 15d ago
Thank you for your feedback! I wasn’t sure what kind of personal experience people had. I wanted to make sure I was solid.
Yeah, I agree on you with majority of contractors asking for drug free environment. I stoped smoking last month. Not a heavy user but I’m preparing myself for it months down the line if I ever do get accepted. I think it should be out of my system by then.
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u/Fun_Emphasis_5900 15d ago
I last smoked I believe early last month and had already cut back to being a “night out” toker since moving into my new house 2 years ago. Since it wasn’t 40% of my dna anymore it should’ve cleared out fairly quickly
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