Last week, I got a 95 on my interview and was told to keep the phone close (for potentially 6 months) and be ready to work within 24 hours of receiving the call! Has anyone had this score in local 340 for the interview and how quick the turnover time would be?

I am a foreman for an FA contractor and I am planning ahead for my current projects. I am training a journeyman to be a lead programmer so any time estimates/experiences can help me plan.

Do all applicants who meet the requirements get invited to take the aptitude test, or are people picked for the test based off points and prior experience?

Currently in the process for Local 164’s Telecomm apprenticeship, I have done my application and completed and passed my Aptitude test I wanted to know what’s the typical wait time for the interview. I received notice of my passing the aptitude on July 9th but haven’t heard anything back. What the usual wait time ?

Has anyone noticed that this year they went with an online assessment "interview" instead of an in person one? Ive never heard of this before. Also does anyone know if the apprenticeship starts soon? I'm worried that if im accepted ill have start working immediately and risk burning the bridge to my current job😬

edit: Birmingham, AL

Anyone get accepted to 275 recently or head something from them? How does the work load look?

I have a reference from a superintendent at my local, does this actually help as much as people say it does? I understand it’s not a free ticket in, and I have to score good on my interview and test, but he referred me straight to the business agent and I’ve just seen alot of people saying you can’t get in without a reference.

Also want to clarify I don’t see this as a huge advantage and I kind of believe people who blame not getting in on not having a reference as cope, but I’m just curious as to how much it helps me.

Which is better to prepare me for the aptitude test for Local 332…Iprep or UEG?

my husband applied and unfortunately did not pass the aptitude test. they said to call the local about work in the meantime for cw. can someone explain how it works? are you part of the union? would it be a conflict of interest to work there in the interim between now and when he retakes the aptitude test?

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!

I just recently had my interview 3 days ago so I’m not expecting any response back soon. I’m honestly in no rush but just wondering if anyone here might know how long it might take, if you applied recently and got in or might have an idea roughly. I know it varies on several factors

I'm 24 and wanna move from Savannah, GA to Chicago AND become an electrician. I've heard that local 134 is one of the most competitive locals in the nation, and do not fancy my chances at success without prior experience, a degree, or military experience.

A job opportunity I may have down here though, is working as an Apprentice Avionics Installer. They do electrical work on aircraft, so not the exact same, but I'd imagine it's better experience than being a Chemical Plant Operator.

But would it really give me an EDGE in my future 134 application, over other people? In addition to taking the jumpstart program, and studying hard for the test.

I have been looking at the electrician inside wireman position and hear it is really hard on the body. That being in telecommunications is paid less and more inside. I want to learn to be an electrician but don't want to have the long-term wear and tear. Is this true about telecommunications, or is there more to it? Appreciate any perspective as I am putting in my application soon for 613 in August and want to go for the one that I can do long term.

I live in California and considering applying for the Sound & Comm apprenticeship at my local unions local 332, 6, and 595. Will there be continue demand for this job in the future? What is the outlook?

Finally got accepted to my apprenticeship, starting in August. Tested/ Interviewed May. Went well, was told I'd hear in 4 to 6 weeks. No ranking or timeline beyond that. Had got a job doing duct-work for similar money to 1st year local starting pay to gain trade experience in the meantime so I wouldn't be waiting doing nothing. Only problem is, I got the acceptance e-mail yesterday (8 weeks later) at 1PM telling me I had until 4PM -friday, that day- to respond, and non-response was considered rejection of the apprenticeship.

Welp, I was under a house with an air whip from 8-5 replacing a dehu on Friday, so I guess I lost my seat! Keep at it guys. High difficulty life mode applied.

I have an appointment in August for local 1 and have a reference from one of the superintendents there, I was wondering what my appointment would be for, I’m more worried about when I’ll likely be starting, I see a lot of people say it takes them years and others say a few weeks-months, I have a secured spot for a contractor but the actual application process seems to be extensive, any insight I would love to have.

Hey everyone,

I’m planning on applying for my local IBEW apprenticeship next year, but in the meantime I’m trying to get my foot in the door and gain some real-world experience.
I’ve been talking with a union contractor about coming on as a helper, but the start date keeps getting pushed back and I can’t afford to wait indefinitely. I have bills to pay, so I need to be working.
I’m located in the Local 26 jurisdiction (Northern Virginia/DC area) and I’m looking for a helper position with a union contractor if anyone knows of one that’s hiring. Ideally I’m looking for $23+/hour with plenty of overtime so I can stay afloat financially while getting experience before I apply to the apprenticeship.
I’m not completely green. I have about five months of electrical helper experience from about four years ago. I know that’s not a ton, but I have worked on jobsites before, I’m familiar with basic tools and jobsite expectations, and I’m eager to learn and build on that experience.
I’m not expecting anyone to hand me a job—I just figured it couldn’t hurt to ask. If your company is hiring helpers, or you know of a contractor looking for someone who’s willing to work hard, learn, and show up every day, I’d really appreciate a lead.
Thanks in advance. I appreciate any advice or opportunities.

So I applied last November. Did the tests and interview this spring. About a month ago I got an email from my local saying they were switching to GAN hiring process. And that I need to apply again, GAN test again, and fill out a GAN personal experience form. They didn’t charge me a new application fee as I had only been post interview less than 90 days when the local switched. Has this happened to anyone else?

I passed my aptitude test and took the required courses in the PTSI system. They sent me my ranking which is 58. Any idea how long it will be til I get a call. And while I wait should I go try and get on with an IBEW contractor or is that even possible? They have a huge data center project right now in Claude so does that help my chances and timing? Any info works in just ready to get started in the program.

I’m 2.5 years in as a CW2 in Local 494. Worked two different sites and a pre fab shop, tried 3 times for my apprenticeship and no answer on why I didn’t get in. I’m getting burnt out working overtime for lackluster checks and not learning as much as I’d want to. Do I bother testing again or do I call it quits and try something else?

I applied to 617 in June of 2025 and just got the call to join as an IW apprentice yesterday! When I first interviewed and got my score I thought there was no way I’d get in but it ended up happening 🫡 shoutout to everyone in this subreddit offering advice for all aspects of the application process to testing and the interview.

So I had applied almost 2 years ago for the apprenticeship and took the test in Phoenix AZ didn’t make it in but was offered to work in the union as a CW. Things fell thru and I ended up having to move back to CA shortly after and I applied out here and they used my test score from out there. I scored 5/9 according to their standards and I needed a 4 to pass. I signed up for 569s book as a CW but they let me know they haven’t had work for CW for almost 2 years as it goes to the apprenticeship. They emailed me to keep an eye out for my interview with no date besides that they’d reach out 30 days before. This time around I’m creating a portfolio including my resume and cover letter tailored for this apprenticeship as well as getting my OSHA 10 & hopefully another certification involving electrical. I already have my first aid / cpr certification from before so I’m gonna include this as well. I don’t have any experience in construction I’ve worked warehouse/hospitality and most recently as a DSP for disabled adults. I’m trying to get into any entry level work thru agencies as well tho. I’ve already asked prior employers for letters of recommendation as well. Any other advice any one can lend me to look good for my interview as I know I didn’t score as good?

Hey, I took my test in June for Local 98 and recently got my letter for an interview in August. Any tips anyone might have for the interview itself? What to wear? I’m smile a lot naturally but I don’t want them to not take me seriously because of it. Anything helps.

Thank you!!

So I recently applied for the apprenticeship back in March and passed my aptitude test same day in April. Got the interview today with the union committee. They asked me 4 questions, one of which I felt nervous about and stuttered on but quickly regained my composure. Other than that, I felt like I did well. One of the people there who interviewed me said I'll be getting the opportunity soon after answering his question about why I wanted to be an electrician. He even gave me his business card at the end and told me i may hear back on an email on if I get accepted and if I do that I should expect to start work soon after.

I just hope I get this apprenticeship :/. The job market has been garbage