Local 134
I’ve been trying to figure out how the scoring/ranking system for IBEW Local 134 actually works and after looking through applicant packets, score examples people posted online, and acceptance trends, I have a theory.
From what I’ve seen, I don’t think the final score is just a raw aptitude test percentage. The decimals are what make me think that.
People post scores like:
- 71.25
- 73.43
- 72.83
- 77.88
- 79.86
If it was just a simple test percentage or pass/fail system, I’d expect whole numbers more often. The decimals make me think they’re using some kind of weighted composite/ranking formula.
My current theory is that applicants are ranked against each other rather than needing a fixed “passing score.”
Something like:
- aptitude test (largest weight)
- Jumpstart/recommendation section
- education/math background
- construction experience
- maybe other application categories
Then everything gets combined into one composite ranking score.
Another thing that supports this theory is that people with similar scores sometimes get different outcomes depending on the cycle. I’ve seen people get in around high 70s while others barely miss around similar ranges. Makes me think the cutoff changes depending on:
- strength of applicant pool
- amount of apprenticeship spots available
- how competitive that cycle is
Also, from the application packet, Jumpstart seems to max out the recommendation section entirely, which looks like a pretty significant advantage.
Curious what you guys think, especially anyone who’s gone through the process recently. Does this sound accurate or am I overanalyzing it?