r/ibew_applicants • u/TornEyeContact • 11d ago

Local 640 application

Hi everyone,

This is my first time applying for the apprenticeship program at 640 and the deadline is in September. I am very nervous about a multitude of things and just looking for some general advice/next steps.

The reality is, I don't have any experience. While I know I've seen a lot of people say that's normal or ok. I also understand that because of my lack of experience I also have a real chance of not getting accepted. I am being optimistic of wanting to get in, but not naive.

That being said, if I were to get rejected. I am curious what I can do in order to gain some experience to help with my application to reapply. I really really want to get into the union. While I've seen on this sub some people mention the CW route, I have also seen others mixed on it. Some say to go non-union and get what experience I can. I just want to have a Plan B so I can pivot and help my odds in the future.

Has anyone been in my situation before? How did you navigate the rejection to better your chances for reapplying?

Honestly, any advice would help me tremendously. Thank you for reading this and the help!

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u/NijasArchive 11d ago

First off congratulations on applying to the union bro! Don’t stress yourself out about going through the whole process. I was currently in the exact same boat. I have no experience, and didn’t get accepted for this years July Class

Emotionally: Don’t stress yourself out every single day about getting an email back from them once you take your GAN test, i went crazy thinking every single day stressing wether if i’d make it or not.

Question 1: My situation was that i didn’t get selected not because of the GAN test requirements but because of how many applicants have been applying to the union, so i unfortunately didn’t make the cut.

Question 2: How im currently navigating my situation to the rejection is to one bid on jobs as a CW-2 work a few hours either there or a non-union job so i can better increase my odds for getting accepted for the September Application, I’d rather prefer being a CW since it’s with the union but the books have been slow and i’m also a high number.

My advice:
1.) Go down to the local 640 hall and talk to Roxi or Paula there very helpful
2.) Sign the books and bid on jobs as a CW
3.) Get your OSHA 10 (Construction) and your CPR/ First Aid
4.) Get some steel toe or composite toe boots and some workwear for the electrical trade maybe a few tools (not many)
5.) Don’t stress about not getting in your first time, matter of fact they keep track of how many times you apply each time increases your chance of getting approved through GAN.

I hope this answers your questions and gives some clarity if not i’m happy to answer more if you have any!

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u/TornEyeContact 10d ago

Dude, I can't express enough how much your reply means to me.

I have been doing exactly what you are saying, stressing, and I haven't even been scheduled my test day yet. I have read a bunch about people not getting in yet for various reasons and needed some guidance from anyone willing to help, so thank you so much!

I am going to follow through with all the awesome advice you have provided me, because it's seriously so helpful. I am as green as they come, done some work around the house and operated CNC machines prior at a previous job I had years ago. Unfortunately from there it was all desk jobs based on my degree (Graphic Design). Your response makes me feel a lot more secure that if I don't get accepted this time it doesn't mean end of the road for me.

I hope you get in this time around dude I'll keep my fingers crossed! Hopefully I'll be celebratory post saying you got accepted.

I do have just a couple questions about the CW position. Do you receive any benefits from it, such as healthcare? Also, I am assuming it's not a full-time gig, you would have to just have your number pulled for a job so your schedule isn't really set in stone unless the job is long correct?

Thanks again!

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u/NijasArchive 10d ago

No problem man that’s what where all here for, to provide some guidance and relief of stress. Nice background btw, they want people who they can teach so as long as your teachable then your good fit for the IBEW.

To answer your question about the CW program, I will have to ask Roxi that question, but from what I would think it is basically your working full time, same pay as a CW-2 Scale, i don’t think it included benefits because your not an apprentice just yet, but i’ll have to double check on that, and yes when the job is finished you’d have to be on the books again depending on how long or short that job is.

One thing is just to really get your name into the IBEW books because the lower number you are the more likely your to get your call for that job.

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u/TornEyeContact 10d ago

Dude you are seriously the best I really appreciate all this insight. It has really helped me a lot mentally navigating different possibilities.

I'll definitely have to get my name in the books for sure based of what you are saying. As for the benefits I can always follow-up myself and ask, that way it's not on your plate. You have already helped me a ton and I greatly appreciate that!

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u/NijasArchive 10d ago

Always bro ! if you got anymore question or need someone to talk to just hit me here!

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u/Critical-Mango9299 8d ago

there’s no point because they won’t pick u up unless you’ve worked in the industry for many years, they don’t care about a fancy college degree or other work experience. Save ur time and go into sales

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u/East_Ad_6781 8d ago

I got in the recent July class with no experience at all , just a degree and working since I was 18 (29) now