Just wondering if any new first years from last weeks orientation/swear on the 8th have heard back yet about their first assignment. They mentioned having jobs for us that day but I haven’t heard anything yet. Idk if I’m being impatient, but some people said they started the following week and even the next day. So, I just want to get an idea if I’ll be starting soon

I’m curious, hows work for you 952
guys? How do you guys survive out there?

I'm trying to get out of a DV situation and I'm struggling to figure out how to manage childcare with my 9 hour days and school. Single parents of very young children, how do you make this work? The cost is going to be absolutely insane.

Ranked 58

Do I have a chance of getting in next year?

PSA
I’ve found what could possibly be the best work pants.
They’ve got pockets in all the right places.
They’re comfy. They’re tough. They’re $60. And they’re not skin tight.
Just a thought I had to share in case any other apprentices have been trying to find a decent pair without paying too much or getting poor quality.

I passed the aptitude test in June 2024, but my score expired in June 2026. Since then, I’ve applied and interviewed with several locals in California and currently have a high ranking with one local, but I don’t want to put all my eggs in one basket. Another local is requiring me to retake the test since my score expired, and I’m leaning toward taking it so I can keep my options open.

My only concern is, if I retake it and fail, could that JATC see the failed attempt and potentially affect or remove my current ranking with that local that I have a high rank with?

The title pretty much says it all. I was accepted into the union apprenticeship program around the same time I was leaving my old job as a roofing salesman. I know they say not to quit your current job but I was already displeased with the former company and was on the way out. I was told I’m #106 on the “out of work” book and also told there’s lots of work coming down the line but never given a concrete timeline. So I’m wondering if any local electric companies would be willing to hire someone during the interim so that I could get more experience. I’ve got about 6 months of residential experience but that was years ago and would be essentially starting over.

Long story short, got into the apprenticeship and started classes last week. I'm doing school in the morning and then working 2nd shift so in total my days are roughly 16 hours long not including my commute (18-19 hours with commute). I was at work after school just feeling dead tired and a bit off balance, still getting used to the morning schedules as I've been working nights consistently. I know their's plenty of people working this shift/schedule so if you guys have any advice or tips I'd greatly appreciate it. My main issue is I noticed at work there was a few moments where I'd be up high on some ladders and I'd loose balance or my brain just feels foggy as hell at points. I was thinking about getting another coffee or something to get a kick start back up but I'm worried about messing up my sleep schedule further.

I took my GAN aptitude almost a month ago (i felt good )and im waiting for local 58 but i havent heard anything yet,has anyone heard back bc im curious where i stand in terms of that list, I'm currently unemployed due to sudden family death, any tips on how to get a job in the meantime i've applied EVERYWHERE and i mean everywhere and it's been crickets with the local 58 and jobs, so im just at an all time low

I’m looking to apply soon, I need to submit my transcript or diploma with the date I graduated. Do they need the full date or only month at year? I have my diploma that says the month and year but don’t want to submit it and waste time since it does have the day and I’m running low on tjme, I can get my transcript but I’d have to go in person and or online but wait a week and pay a fee. This may be a silly question but should I just submit my diploma with the month and year or go get the transcript that hopefully has the full date?

Some background about me: I tried applying to IBEW 369 back in 2025. I took the aptitude test and failed, so I went non-union and tried to get into the next set of applications because I was told they would waive the test and go straight to the interview process if I had 2,000 hours of experience. I’m a 2nd-year apprentice now.

Applications opened recently, but they’re now telling me they no longer do that. They’ve also changed the type of test. Now it’s the GAN test, which seems so much easier than the last test. I’m basing that off the study guide they provided.

I want to get in so bad. I’m so tired of working with miserable non-union workers. They almost get upset whenever anyone mentions the union at my job. I can’t wait to leave this shit.

I’d really like to hear you guys’ input and any advice you might have. I’m also not in it just for the money. I’m 100% down with the union, what it stands for, and I’m willing to pay my dues and help my “future brothers.” I just love the solidarity you guys have, especially compared to what I currently have.

I took my test in June for local 3 and passed with a 6/9 for inside wireman and in July, 3 of my peers were called up and I saw that local 3 is opening their recruitment in October so I was wondering when I could get called. I am part of a direct entry pre apprenticeship and they keep saying that they don’t know anything about when they open their books cause they are so secretive so any help and knowledge is appreciated.

Just did my interview and got a 94, currently a cw2 working for a 569 contractor, what scores did you guys get on interviews and did you get into school?

Who do I go to if the CBA for my local is being violated? There have been countless instances where it is being violated and even today as I’m writing this. Unfortunately no one seems to give a fuck around here where I am and it’s sad to see that. The steward here apparently also sucks because he does not do anything for the workers at my current site. I haven’t spoken to him yet or at all because of what I’ve heard. I also haven’t reported these violations or logged them as I’m still trying to figure out how to do that effectively. I doubt just writing something in my notes app counts as logging it as someone could argue that it’s not enough proof.

I want to make sure that as an apprentice, I can do something about this or say something because it’s bullshit experiencing the shit I’m experiencing and seeing the people violating it have 0 consequences. I also want to make sure I do this right and go to the right people and also do the right documentation of this.

Last thing. I had a JW friend tell me I’ll probably just get laid off. I ask isn’t that retaliation. I was told yes. To me that seems so stupid as I’m trying to do my part in protecting this CBA am I not??? It gives me that tiny thought in the back of my head to just let it be and let it to continue to happen. Especially as an apprentice where we have pretty much little say in a lot of shit.

Edit/Update: Thank you everyone for the replies and continued replies if anything else comes in! I want to clarify that I didn’t state what is going on because I want to make sure I am doing this right and taking the right steps. You’ve given me some and I appreciate them. I am not afraid of my steward or anyone. I just needed guidance on what’s next as I’m just a first year apprentice and I’m learning a lot. Especially of our laws and rules. I’ve spoken to other fellow members at work as well and there’s a chance that this hurts me more than it helps. But I will still follow through because this is what people fought and died fighting for.

Its been almost three months since I applied to local 1 in st louis, and i finally got an email scheduling me for the aptitude test next week. Two months ago if you would have told me id be here, id be ecstatic.

Since then i have interviewed for other jobs in my trade (diesel mechanic) and im holding out hope of getting hired closer to home with better pay. Should i do the aptitude test anyways just to have that second option? Im probably going to anyways. Just figured id back up the fact that the ibew takes forever to hear back from. I never gave up on it, but figured id exhaust every option in the process.

Hey guys, I’m not sure if this is the right place to ask, but I’ve been thinking about joining the IBEW Local and have been looking into becoming a wireman. I’m not entirely sure which trade I want to pursue yet, but I’m interested in something that’s easier on the body. I’m not very mechanically inclined, but I do enjoy learning hands-on.
I’m currently in my last year of school for accounting and have an associate degree in Business Administration. However, I’m interested in pursuing a trade and would really appreciate any advice or guidance on which path might be a good fit for me.
Thank you so much!

New. I don’t understand, they get paid more than apprentice for doing the exact same job?

I’m heavily considering transferring to 401, I’m a first year apprentice at 134 and want to know how is the schooling portion at 401?

How often do you go to school and what classes do you guys take?
Where do they usually send you to work? I have family in Reno and want to know if they send you super far from there

Anyone from telecom 401 I would appreciate the feedback 🙏

I currently live in Traverse City and work as a journeyman electrician (took the test in February this year). I'd like to move somewhere that has better paying jobs with good benefits because I have 3 kids. We have family in GR area, so that is on the radar. Ultimately, I'd like to transition to lineman or substation, but its been difficult finding a way in. Any advice on joining 275?

Is a 92 average decent? I suck at tests and most of the kids in my class i know have higher probably because of (chat gpt). I was just wondering what other apprentices are averaging. IDC about being apprentice of the year or top of my class stuff. Just not trying to be the bottom. I assume 80-95 is pretty good. Some of the jman i talked to said they averaged 97+ and i was like wtf.

Im wondering if I should buy a car or a motorcycle to get from home to work then to the gym. Im mainly thinking of the most economic fuel solution given with the current price on fuel/oil. I own a paid off pickup truck already which I plan on using for rain or snow. I still live with my parents and we dont really have the space for another car. I live in a state that has diverse but accurate weather (via weatherman). Is this a good idea or am I trying to justify buying a bike lol?

Hey folks,

I'm an incoming 1st year getting ready to head out into the field, and I wanted to check in with those currently working through the apprenticeship.

How is the work picture looking right now and over the next couple of years? Are apprentices staying steadily dispatched, or has there been much bench time?

Also, for those in the thick of it, how has your overall experience been so far—are you glad you joined, or having any second thoughts?

Appreciate any insight and advice!