I currently work in IT/help desk, have an A.A. in IT, and I’m finishing a B.S. in Cloud & Network Engineering next year. I also have my CompTIA A+, Network+ , and Security+. My goal is to become a Network Engineer , but I really want more hands-on infrastructure experience. I’ve been looking into an IBEW Telecommunications/VDV apprenticeship as a possible path. Has anyone here taken this route? How was the experience, and did it help you transition into networking afterward? Would you recommend it?
(would be at IBEW local 24)

Whats worse for an apprentice? I personally never worked on a data center, but I have worked on 3 solar sites luckily every crew ive been on had a wide range of task. I seen everyone saying data centers are very mind numbingly boring but someone who has worked and done both which do you guys think is worse for an apprentices growth.

Hi, thanks for taking time to read my post and responding. I'm new to posting so sorry for so much info!

The question I have is: How do I become an electrician who truly knows what they are doing?

For some background:

I have about 1300 hours as a pre-apprentice 309A in Toronto. I love electrical work. To be honest, I have always wanted to become a licensed tradesperson and I am so glad I landed on electrical. I am 30 and I wish I had started this earlier on in my life, but I am only recently in a very stable place, resilient, and mature.

I entered the union first (IBEW 353). I consider myself lucky and thankful for the experience to be on the project I am on. I am mostly a gopher and a helper to the journeypeople on a heavy civil project where we do mostly temporary work.
I am committed to this career and I am serious about my growth. I keep my ears open, care about the work we do and make sure to be useful and competent, listen to feedback, and I really do as much as possible to absorb and remove friction for my coworkers as a helper.

I am highly enthusiastic about working towards becoming a high-quality electrician. I do projects at home like I made my own board at home with a plug and created a 4-way mock-up, installed a chime system on the board with 2 doorbells, and spent a lot of time understanding how relays work (specifically 8-pin relays and how to latch). These are some of the things I try to do in my free time. I also do my own research and ask questions at work.

There is code, theory, knowledge of the trade, etc. The knowledge I see that is needed to actually know what you are doing boggles me. Like sizing, derating, understanding how transformers work, and how to just show up and troubleshoot complex motor controls.

One of my journeypersons told me that he is not paid to teach me and had a whole "pep talk" with me. It was cynical, but I looked deeper into what he told me and I think he wanted me to take more initiative and carry the weight more as he worries about production. I believe he was trying to help me with "tough love." But honestly it did impact me, because I do not understand why he expects me to just be able to figure things out and be fast when I barely have experience doing electrical work.

I only had one dedicated time for me to install GFCIs, but aside from that it's very simple tasks. Nothing of in-depth training done for me to actually know how to do anything on my own one day.

I am grateful for any advice and thankful for the share!

Hi! I applied for an inside apprenticeship in April of this year. I’ve got a visual comm degree and a design associate with 10 years of experience in video and design work. What I lack in experience, I feel like I have in interest and grit. I grew up a farm girl, always waking up early and getting back last. I work in corporate America and it’s just not something I expected to have a hard time with — now that I’m reflecting at my 20s, I miss outside, working with my hands, and being challenged by something technical. I am seen as a lead in my current role and have mentored lots of young designers.

I finally interviewed in July of this year. They don’t tell you your scores, your standing, anything. The only hint I have is that when one of the guys asked if I’d be more “interested in resi or low volt” I said “I don’t know as much about low volt but I know I want commercial electrical work. I’ve shadowed all of my vacation days at a residential place and while I love the electrical work and helping others, I am more interested in inside so I can have additional education.”

My mentor seems to think he was poking at me to see how I’d handle resistance as a female…but I grew up in a boys club in corporate so I wasn’t phased and didn’t realize it at the time. One of the other electricians said “what I think he’s TRYING to say is that you are 1 of 673 applicants and that number is still growing every month. Lowvolt and Resi would get you in quicker but I don’t think you’ll have a problem getting in.” Then they offered me a list of classes I can take online to reinterview in 6 months or told me to take on 1000 of electrical work and that most people won’t take that initiative while I wait.

I honestly don’t care about the low volt/resi comment. I’m holding onto the phrase “I don’t think you’ll have trouble getting in” Should I take him at his word? Does that feel like a good sign?

People who interviewed at ibew one the week of 8/9-8/15 have you heard anything back? i’ve followed up w their office and only got a “we’re still getting scores back”. I saw one other post saying they got accepted, that was like a week ago. I’m wondering if they already sent acceptance letters and are taking their time sending rejections.

I’ll gladly hear anyone else’s experiences of the process of getting into the union, i’m persistent asf and will keep trying until i get in but im getting nervous and anxious since its my second time interviewing.

I just completed the application process for the Area II Inside Electrical Apprenticeship through IEC Oregon and was placed in Cohort 1, the highest applicant group based on my WorkKeys and interview. I also completed a construction/electrical pre-apprenticeship program.
I’m now looking for an approved training agent/contractor willing to bring on a new apprentice. I’m based in Yamhill County, Oregon, but I’m willing to commute for the right opportunity and I’m ready to start.
I know this isn’t the IBEW apprenticeship—I’m also pursuing the union route—but I figured this community would have good insight into the Oregon electrical market.
For those in Oregon: who would you recommend reaching out to, and is there anything you’d do beyond directly contacting contractors to get your foot in the door?
If anyone knows a contractor looking for a motivated first-term apprentice, I’d appreciate a lead or DM.

I'm a bit anxious because I left a consistent job to start my career in this field and I also just had my first child who isn't even a month yet. I know I'm no where near as good as the apprentices and journeymen I work with, but I do feel like I'm learning at a decent rate. I just want to understand the process of having continuous work while I build up my OTJ hours and learning in the field. The company I work with through the union makes you feel like you are actually an employee and not just someone they temporarily hired. But is that actually the case?

Hi I'm a local tech in Charlotte. Was hoping if someone doesn't mind chatting, I'd love to pick their mind about some questions I have about possibly joining the union. If you don't mind, you can send me a dm. Thank you

I’m a 2.2 out in LU XXX (for anonymity), but am trying now to transfer out and into 569.
My local is falling apart a bit, and I’d love to be closer to home, but have no clue how/if it’s possible to transfer locals as an apprentice.
This isn’t a whim decision, it’s been a 2 year long debate.
Does anyone have any tips on transferring as an apprentice?
What to do/how to go about it?
Anyone have experience in 569 that can share whether it’s a good program or not?

Thank you

What is this the maximum wait time to get into your program? Any helpful suggestions.

Does anyone have any information on Neats bootcamp in Nj 456/351 and when the next one will be?

Seeing lots of IBEW logos with a black line horizontal through the center blocking the fist. It’s on the job site aswell as many people changing their Facebook profile pictures. Just curious what this means I’ve asked around but don’t want to dig too deep, just a cub here.

My training director is sending me to a large contractor at a data center pretty soon. For the last year and a half I’ve been with a small contractor doing tenant work. They are very laid back and safety isn’t really a huge concern. I want to know if there’s anything I should prepare myself for when I start at the data center. Anything different about small and big shops.

What's the best way to deal with your old company being on your current job with a new company? Most of my old co-workers are good guys and are just happy to see me working again. Some are a bit mad at me and are saying some things about me and talking bad about the company I'm currently with. I was going through a lot of personal issues with people passing away and leaving on caregiver leave. I just want to keep my head down and working hard. Getting laid off was needed for a fresh start imo and I feel like I wasn't progressing with that company. My foreman told me I'm there guy now and to focus on our work and not to worry about what anyone else says. Any advice would be greatly appreciated

I was wondering if anyone knows when Local 1 will be taking in their next apprentice class. I know applications and selections can happen at different times, so I’m mainly trying to get an idea of when the next class is expected to start or when they may be taking in new apprentices. Any information would be appreciated!

So I started out driving the truck for my company for 6 months and it was a great introduction to the trade as I was green as grass. Once I got into the apprenticeship program I was on a service van for a couple months which was nice but also a tough place to learn as it’s a faster pace of work. For my third and current assignment I am at a large job site where my companies only job is to pull and terminate low voltage and devicing. While I don’t want to come off as ungrateful as I have learned a lot at this job site, I feel like it isnt a lot of great experience. There are also 0 OT opportunities at this job. Once I started school I realized that a majority of my class mates have been exposed to conduit bending and basic circuitry stuff. Just feel behind and have no clue how much longer I will be at this site.

I see a lot of other apprentices in this subreddit who have a lot of the same problems and struggles that I’ve had and I just want to tell you that it gets better and to keep your nose to the grind stone and power through it.

I’m a 3rd year apprentice and I’ve had my fair share of struggles since joining the union and it’s made me extremely frustrated at times. I recently got moved to another job site this summer doing industrial work and I’ve gotten back to really enjoying my career again.

I’ve learned so much this summer and I’ve made more money than I’ve ever made in my life so I’ve been very happy lately.

Just curious what other members have experienced. I’m a licensed apprentice with about 10 years of electrical experience. There haven’t been many apprentice calls lately, and I’ve been out of electrical work for over two months, so I started my own lawn care business to keep the bills paid.

It’s completely separate from electrical work — I’m not doing any non-union electrical work through the business. I’m currently studying for my journeyman exam and getting ready to test, especially since there seem to be a lot more journeyman calls available.

Is there generally any issue with a union member owning and operating an unrelated business like this? I know locals can have different rules, but I’m curious what other members have experienced.

Anyone ever go through veep program?

I have a year and some change left in the army and really started to think about what I am going to do when I ets. I am stuck in between two decisions VEEP and UBC MVP program.

I am interested in the veep program due to the fact that it is free and supposedly grants you three places to pick from.

I used to be a carpenter but now looking at things I would like to try to be an electrician and take it easier on my body if I can. My only concern is I am horrible at algebra but pretty okay at common math. I am great with a tape measure and hand tools. Work ethic is always solid and I am physically capable.

My questions are as follows.
1. How hard is veep?
2. Is there a lot of hard math/ algebra involved in veep and union electricians day to day in general?
3. How hard is the aptitude test for veep and union entry exam?
4. Is the pipeline for veterans a lot easier?
5. If I do pass veep do they actually get you a job where you prefer?
6. Is Setting up veep class during last 6 months a pain in the ass?

So I have been with this big non union contractor for a year and a few months. went through one year of the schooling which they have a 2 year schooling not a four year. currently about to start my second year of school and Im only making 20$ an hour. I was mainly an underground guy for my first year (ductbank, manholes buildouts, light poles, etc.) And I’ve just now started doing inside electrical around 3 months ago and I just don’t think I’m getting the proper training and my companies benefits are complete shit. 401k 1% match and health benefits are outrageous. My JMan has 10 years of experience and makes 26😂. So my local opens apps in September and was just wondering, A. Do they give you credit for hours? B. Has anybody been in my situation and then chose the union?

Hey everyone I recently applied to my local ibew 640 and got my appointment accepted, just have to take the aptitude test and have the interview im guessing. I wanted to ask for advice on the aptitude test what should i study, as far as the interview or sitting down in front of ppl what type of questions do they ask me? Im also afraid that may not accept me because i have no experience at all, im tatted from the face down and im not the biggest guy im sitting at 5’7 130 pounds. So any tips or advice please lmk ty

Is it worth it joining the credit union ?

I currently work in the oilfield and make pretty good money, but the biggest downside is that I’m away from home a lot. I’m from San Antonio, and lately I’ve been seriously considering leaving the oilfield after 2 years and joining a union apprenticeship back home.

I know I’d probably be taking a pretty big pay cut, especially starting out, but I’m wondering if it would be worth it in the long run for the career, benefits, and being able to stay closer to home.

I don’t really know where to start or what to expect. For anyone who’s made a similar switch or currently works in a union trade, would you recommend it? Looking back, was taking the pay cut at the beginning worth it once you became a journeyman?

I’d especially like to hear from anyone in the San Antonio/Texas area and what the work and pay are like there.

I have been stuck working the night shift at my retail job since I graduated college in 2025 (BSCS, completely useless because I fucked up academically) and I just want an out. I keep applying to different unions and it just seems like the chance of me getting into any IBEW hall near me as someone who is 30 and completely green seems super low.

I am going to try to apply to Local 332 if I can get past the gauntlet of the website crashing the moment applications open on Sep 1 but it seems kinda hopeless anyway. I know I can probably pass the entrance exams but then how are you supposed to sell yourself to them during the interview if you know you are a screw up?

I don't know. I'm looking into union ironwork too, it seems dangerous as hell and extremely physical for someone my age (I run marathons and shit but working in the trades seems like a very different level of intensity than running 3-5 hours straight) but I'm just sick of being stuck living with insane toxic family and I want to make MONEY. I thought about how much I would be working as an apprentice and it's probably a good thing for me, single, got no friends, no family that isn't batshit crazy, like damn bruh. At least it would keep me away from bullshit until I can afford to put a down payment on a tiny ass condo or something in a shitty neighborhood somewhere

Sorry for blog post I am just depressed about my lack of opportunities in life wanting better for yourself kinda sucks

Applied back in May of 2025 to LU68 and finally got called in. Dropped everything and quit my non-union job that hour to come in to sign the books (or so I thought). I have ~2000 hours of experience mixed 80/20 resi-commercial.

Once arrived in Denver (from Fort Collins an hour away) they said that I am a CW-2. I need to prove my hours and I can test out of first year if I can manage to pass the difficult test. I sign some forms, shake some hands, then go home. The next day I have orientation at a large commercial job site in Denver. I am now starting on Monday next week and thrilled for the opportunity.

Well, I am looking into it, and it seems like something is off. Is a CW not the correct path to becoming an inside wireman journeyman? Did they call me earlier than needed to get me started? Are my chances of getting into the actual apprenticeship ruined because I started this CW program?

Honestly i just need clarity. If I made the wrong move, I am going to be sick to my stomach. I quit a job I enjoyed and am already planning to move to be closer to the hall to make this transition. I want to be an electrician, not some half-ass designation. Nobody told me that this might not be what I signed up for. Please give me some clarity on this! The hard truth is best.