r/IUEC

You need to treat this test as if your life depends on it. Cause in a way, it does. I know too many people who recently took it and failed because they refused to take it seriously.

Fuck the pay increase. Sure, it’s nice—but do you want to be an apprentice for another year? You want to repeat another semester? You want to study for the test all over again and stress about it, for another year? This is all that motivated me during my time studying. I wasn’t thinking about the money. I was thinking about finally being free and not having to deal with NEIP and dickhead mechanics.

You need to study for this test as if it’s your second full time job. Read the SSM. I can’t stress that enough. Use the mechanics review exams on your NEIEP portal. Pass them. Then look up every single question in the SSM and truly understand the material. The exam really stresses an understanding of material, not rote memorization. You need to know the why behind everything. You can reason your way through nearly every question if you have the base knowledge.

Stress once, pass once, be done.

Edit: I’m speaking about the mechanics test, not the aptitude test.

Thanks guys. Lol

In your opinion, do you think it’s possible to be a good mechanic without ni / mod experience?

Context: i spent my first 2 years in a cat 1 team for a major going around doing just annuals. I left one major and joined another and have been doing cat 5s since.

Luckily my mechanic is a good teacher and has been letting me lead the tests a little over a year now. And has taught me alot about troubleshooting when shit happens.

I am taking my test very soon. my mechanic put in a good word and i got offered a new route by the service super once i get my license.

i enjoy troubleshooting and problem solving so maintenance was always my goal. Plus working for 2 majors has allowed me to get hands on experience on different types of equipment

but ive been told its not common to be successful without some mod / construction experience.

Have been in mod working through my 2nd month and I like it a whole lot. I am kinda feeling like if you fall under the wrong mechanic who is more focused on trying to make your transition as hard as possible and battling with deadlines and this and that and doesn't feel like your showing enough gratitude and deserve to learn from him. I'm new to the elevator trade but not new to the trades and he just acts like I am the dumbest sob in life lol. I'm all for it tho nothing slows my grind/effort but I want to learn to help not only myself but the mechanic as much as possible as well but the guy just doesn't seem willing.

I’ve read some locals only hire a handful of people off of the recruitment list and are actively laying people off. Are people getting laid off in local 7 or is there definitely enough work going around to bring in a lot of new apprentices?

I recently tested and interviewed with 85 will be joining up pretty soon here.

Just asking for any insight about local 85 (West MI and the UP)

What is the education/schoolwork like?

How is the work outlook?

What are some things to look out for and or stay away from as an apprentice?

What some differences between the big 4 and the smaller companies in this local?

How are the winters?

Are there zones dividing the jurisdiction?

What are the odds of commuting an hour or two vs being put up in a hotel for a few weeks or months?

Any and all insight helps whether you’re in local 85 or not.