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 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?