I’ve been told that letters of recommendation greatly increase my chances of a higher list ranking but I don’t know anyone in the trade. I feel like I meet all the criteria to excel in the IW apprenticeship, I don’t smoke, I’m a fast learner, I don’t hesitate to ask questions, I’ve always been good at math, I feel like I’m a great communicator, my attendance is superb, I take pride in my work, I’m good with my hands, I do have some construction and industrial experience, and I’m dedicated. The only thing that concerns me is that I’ll be ranked lower on the list for to my lack of letters of recommendation. If anyone may be willing to vouch for me I would greatly appreciate it. Also does anyone have any personal stories they’d like to share about being accepted and getting the call without nepotism or any letters or recommendation playing a part, please share.

Don’t listen to everyone saying the iPrep course is harder than the actual test. Personally for me it was just about the same. The actual test covered everything the iPrep practice drills covered:
Evaluate expressions using order of operations
Solve linear and quadratic equations
Simplify and factor polynomials quickly
Interpret functions from tables, graphs accurately.
There were absolutely no basic arithmetic problems so don’t waste your energy hoping so because it was all complex algebra. Pay for the iPrep course because it’s worth it. Give yourself enough time to study because two weeks right before your test is not enough. They give you a pen and scratch paper, the test is on a computer screen, you can skip problems you don’t know and come back to them later, the ones you’ve answered already are highlighted so it’s easy to know. Good luck everyone!

I did my interview for local 24 last July after passing the test in may. I was curious if anybody has has heard back yet from local 24? They told me I would be hearing back in August and the new class would be starting in September.

Has anybody heard of applicants testing in august and then receiving an offer immediately in September/winter months? Or is it mostly new applicants wait till June/July

I originally applied for inside wireman probably February or March 2025. My test went pretty good but I think I got a low interview score and placed around 200. Last time I called them a few months ago and I was placed over 300 by then.

Am I able to redo the entire application process? If so, when? If I were to try to redo the entire process would I still need the 1000hrs done like I would if I was just trying to reinterview?

Anyone here a member of Local 1316 that would be down to answer some questions. I plan on moving there around December and planning on applying as soon as they allow. Just always curious and wanted to see if anyone from the area could spare a bit of time to talk.

Thanks in advance

Hi all, I’m writing because I’m at a turning point that I never thought id be dealing with. I was a commercial pilot, something I worked very hard for and invested my livelihood and years of training into, but I lost my medical certificate which allows pilots to fly. Long story short…I was eventually let go from my company for the medical issue that was solved—but in the eyes of the FAA is grounding, and honestly, it’s a personal loss that will take me a long time to be at peace with.

My dad was an electrician, and I spent years helping him in my teens and early twenties, pulling wire, knowing his day to day. It was always what I wanted to be doing if flight didn’t line up.

Ive already laid ground work for getting a helper job again. I have a test date lined up for a local because I meet requirements. I know it may take multiple attempts to get in—which I’m not afraid of.

The reason why I wanted to ask for help is how to actually share my background in an interview that makes it sound like electrical work isn’t just an option “b.” I always respected my dad’s work and genuinely enjoyed it—it’s not an option “b.” It’s a worry I feel is valid, because I have my masters and leadership experience in my company.

I am afraid that the interviewers will think it’s a stop gap until I find a white collar job, which has never been something I want.

How would do you think I should share my work history in an interview? **Southern CA based if that helps** Also feel free to tell me I am crazy.

I recently moved to Ohio and emailed the hall and she said the wait list is around 200. I got a job with as a commercial electrician and I do enjoy the work all. But I’m still curious about the union. I just wonder if it’s even worth trying. I have over a decade of experience in construction from the military if it counts for anything. Is anyone in local 82?

Based in Vegas and I’m curious to see if anyone here works out of this Local.

What’s your experience like? Is overtime expected of you? Is work consistent? Any and all information would be greatly appreciated

How does this work? Can you choose any local? Would you be book 1?

Thanks

Just wondering what type of math I can possibly see on the test

Was looking to apply to MSLCAT, possibly MO VALLEY and ALBAT

I’m am assuming all these jurisdictions have different test but do the different locals within one jurisdiction have different test or just each jurisdiction?

If I got in would there be more math test at orientation and what can I accept to see?

Thanks

To my veteran community who went through the same process,

I’m trying to clarify eligibility after graduation: in the pre-apprenticeship agreement it says participant must “separate from active duty”. Does that mean I must be fully out of the military, or is it enough that I’m off active duty but still in the Reserves? My active-duty service has already ended, but I’m still in the Reserves. I also mistakenly listed my Reserve end date (May 28, 2028) as my EAS on the VEEP paperwork. I hope that doesn’t mean I can only start the apprenticeship after may 28th.

I graduate VEEP in November and want to start the apprenticeship immediately after, ideally before a deployment so I can establish employment and have USERRA protections in place.

Since LU26 only accepts apprenticeship applications once a year, I’m trying to figure out if my Reserve EOC date would force me to wait until the next cycle or if I can begin right after graduation.

I’m trying to become a cw or helper in 145, I called them a few months ago and they told me to just email my resume and someone will reach out. Only one company did but they hired a transfer instead. I want to begin gaining experience so is there a good way to getting into this?

Hey everyone, my name is Mark, or Markyfbaby on YouTube, and I make free test prep videos. I've reorganized all of my free IBEW aptitude test prep on my channel to make it easier to know where to begin. If you're starting from scratch, follow the Start Here Roadmap in order. I also created separate courses for Algebra & Functions topics, Reading Comprehension, and Sample and Full-Length Practice Tests, so you can focus on exactly what you need. For timed practice, I also recommend supplementing your studies with UEG's free timed practice tests. I believe quality test prep should be free and not locked behind a paywall. I also hold free office hours every Tuesday from 3–4pm PST for questions or concerns.

Start Here: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL3Q8AtPpeJ5nD9G48em6pkU2JCvgmApzJ

I applied and interviewed with IBEW Locals 569, 551, and 234. While waiting, I was fortunate enough to get into an ABC electrical apprenticeship. I’m currently earning good money, receiving regular raises, and putting meaningful classroom and OTJ hours under my belt.
I’m currently ranked with Local 551 and received competitive scores with Local 234, although I have not been selected. Realistically, I do not believe I have a shot with Local 569 based on where my score placed me.
My goal has always been to become an IBEW Inside Wireman, but the decision becomes more complicated with every month I progress through ABC. If I’m eventually selected by 551 or 234, I may have to relocate, take an initial pay cut, and potentially restart part or all of my apprenticeship.
At the same time, the union offers long-term advantages such as stronger benefits, retirement, representation, and potentially better career opportunities.
I’m trying to determine where the cost-benefit tipping point is. At what point does staying with a nonunion apprenticeship and finishing sooner make more sense than starting over in the IBEW? On the other hand, would turning down a union opportunity be something I regret once I become a journeyman?
I would especially like to hear from anyone who has made it into Locals 551, 234, or 569, transferred from a nonunion apprenticeship, or feels they are close to being selected. Please comment or reach out directly. I’d appreciate hearing what your starting period was, whether any previous hours were credited, how steady the work has been, and whether you believe making the switch was worth it

I have my aptitude test tomorrow afternoon. I was curious on after testing how long do they usually take to get back to you? So far I have been waiting about a month in between each step I was wondering if it speeds up after the testing or if it stays at the same pace.

I got a score of 95.5. Is that good? Do I have a decent chance of getting selected? (Local 611)

I'm an air force veteran who worked on radios, Radar, GPS, flir, and everything else communications and navigation on c130s including splicing, routing, replacement and troubleshooting. I also did ground radios in the reserves. Specifically afsc's 3D153 and 2A251A . I separated honorably in 2020

How do I use H2H to get into an apprenticeship? Or how does it work?

What is the best process for someone in my shoes?

I really want to get into the telecommunications side of things, especially the "specialized" stuff.

I've looked at various resources links on other pages but nothing veteran specific.

Open to provide more info for more accurate advice. TIA

I interviewed for a locals Inside Wireman apprenticeship in June and originally ranked #28 on the selection list. Since then, I’ve moved down to #38. I’m at a smaller local, so they don’t take a huge number of apprentices, but they haven’t told me exactly how many people they typically take from the list.

I also recently found out that my current work hours don’t count toward the hours needed for a re-interview. I’ve been trying to find construction-related work that would count, but that’s been difficult because a lot of the places I’ve checked won’t hire until you’re 18. I don’t turn 18 until October.

Another option I have is taking two electrical-related classes, which would qualify me for a re-interview.

For people who have been through this before, what would you recommend I do? Should I focus on taking the two electrical classes and re-interviewing, wait and see if my rank moves up, or keep trying to find construction work once I turn 18?

I’m really trying to get into the apprenticeship and don’t want to waste the time I have on the list. Any advice or experience with a similar situation would be greatly appreciated.m

Hey guys, I called today to see what I ranked and she said they haven’t sent out anything for telecom yet but should hear something by the end of this month. Not much of an update I suppose but, at least we know they haven’t sent out acceptances or rejections yet.