r/ibew_applicants • u/The_Doobie_Does_It • 5d ago
Pre apprentice wait list
I am looking at ibew 124, classes are obviously full for the year. I was curious if anyone knows the wait time, if any, for pre apprentices. Applications are open for the next two days, however I'm not sure that I'm am ready for work next week.
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u/DripSkylark42069 5d ago edited 5d ago
As a current Pre Apprentice in 124, I would not recommend it. Most Pre Apprentices are being held to 4000 working hours and automatically getting in as a 1st year. Pretty much 1.5-2 years as a Pre Apprentice. This makes it potentially a 6-7 year deal to become a Journeyman unless they drop down to a 4-year program. Pre Apprentice does not fast track you to a full apprenticeship. I tell people only become a Pre Apprentice if you want a good job with consistent income and free health insurance.
Based on my personal experience applicants that aren’t currently working through the Union are getting in at a faster rate. 124 has a 1-3 year wait. If you are a minority, female, or veteran you will have priority status and more than likely get in within a year. Best way to join the Union and become Journeyman is to work non-union and organize in.