r/IUEC

How long after I apply will the test and interview be?

Im 18 and I have my aptitude test scheduled soon, but I’m not worried about that. What I am worried about is not having any certs and barely any experience with only have an osha 10. Im currently a pipefitter with only 9 months of experience. Is there any tips I could have for the interview because I feel like I don’t have anything going for me and would like to know some ways to stand out and show off the skills I do have.

So I’m trying to get out of truck driving I did construction for a while but the pay was low. Is it even worth applying if I live 3 hours away from the union (it is the closest to me)
If I were selected I’m assuming I’d have to pay for my lodging or would it be a per diem situation? I’d live in my truck if need be.
Trying to figure out if I should take the aptitude test. Been scoring 85-95% on all the little practice tests I can find. However I have no formal training.
Is it worth applying? Apologies if this is word salad I’m writing this right before I go to bed after being up almost 24hrs.

My test has been scheduled for 1pm which isn’t an issue (not that it matters no rescheduling is available). My only question is how long does the test take I have to be at work at 2:45pm that day and was hoping I could make it in time. If not I can use a couple hours of vacation so no big deal just wondering.

I just got in this trade a year ago and I keep hearing stories about how back 10 15 20 years ago people wouldn't even touch our stuff move our crates even GCs wouldn't try and rush us but now I was on a 24 stop and the sheet rockers took down every single hall lantern and push button lost about a quarter scratched them up broke wires and the GC was made not at them but us when the inspector came and failed us. They work on top of us in the shafts literally stolen some of our hardware off brackets etc etc. So like what happene?

Obviously it’s a very highly skilled profession, and very niche, but curious how much it carries over to other kinds of professions or not professional projects. Especially considering the schooling is geared directly towards elevators. Im going to attempt to get into one of my locals, if I’m one of the very few lucky people who get in I would just like to know if for some crazy reason I would ever leave, that I would possess the skills to do maintenance just about anywhere within reason just for peace of mind. If you took only what you’ve learned from being an elevator mechanic, would you be fairly comfortable starting as maintenance in most any manufacturing plant or things alike? Thanks in advance for answers. If I were to make it in, it would be a big leap for me so just trying to reassure myself.

EDIT: You guys are such assholes! Thank you for the laughs. Love you all!

No tools or truck, otherwise I would kill it as a small job handyman. Turk jobs? what do you do and where do you seek opportunity?

#13 here🤙 I’m super thrilled to receive a message today saying that I ranked 13. What’s everyone’s experience with local 84? I am also recruitable with local 5 Philly but it is unfortunately high

On a simplex... Are the call buttons always on the left hand side (facing the elevator from lobby). I have attempted to find an ADA or elevator code standard... To no avail. Any feedback appreciated.

Hey everyone. So I’m currently 19 working security for a high rise tower in the Midwest. I’ve been in the gig for almost two years now out of highschool, but it’s not really where my ambitions are and I’ve been considering jumping on a trade and elevators sound highly intriguing to me. Always loved learning about them from the techs who pass through the building every now and then.

The chief tech and I get along very well and he told me all about how he got started and how tough it was to get his foot in the door in the first place, and we’ve chit chatted about the trades here and there. I did some carpentry and electrical while working on a ranch as a teenager and he encouraged me to look into the elevator union because of how far it’s taken him and how it turned into a great career for him.

He’s been with the union for almost 30 years and I was wondering if it would be worth it to take a chance on asking him to be a possible reference or to point me in the right directions to possibly get my head in the game, but I’m not sure if that’s a good decision because it would be him referencing me as a worker for a company that he contracts for.

Good idea? Or forget it?

Thanks.

Heard about that strike. We voted to send you guys some money. What do the companies want that you guys can't agree on?

I went through the application/interview and was put @ 151 on the List. I saw the megathread had not been updated, and was curious if anyone knows an updated number. I had heard that 129 had gotten the call, but I was curious if anyone knows a more up-to-date number.

Also, does anyone know how it might go, as they are accepting applications again on 6/1/2026?

Hello! I’ll try to keep this short. Without going into too much detail, I feel like I lucked out and put in an application and already have an aptitude test scheduled in the very near future.

I’ve done a little browsing on the industry but I feel I haven’t done enough. For anonymity’s sake, I am not a young person. I’m between the ages of 25-45. I’ve been working in “healthcare” for over a decade. I’m in the US.

For the last 1-2 years or so, I’ve been really wanting to get away from healthcare. I decided I wanted to make a complete change in careers and also have a union backing me. I’ve never worked for a union but I’ve read up on the benefits. I had an ex coworker that is in his 5th year with the electrical union and it sounded like it was something I’d be interested in doing. I applied to the electrical union (IBEW) and took their aptitude test and passed. The last I spoke to them I was pretty far down the list. I didn’t even have an interview.

I felt my chances with the electrical union were very slim so I decided to look elsewhere. From what I’ve read, it’s pretty hard to secure a spot in the elevator union so that is why I’m making this post. I want to make it clear that I am very much interested in elevators and that this isn’t just a backup plan because the electrical union didn’t work out. I’m more of a hands-on learner and I feel the elevator trade is more specific if that makes any sense.

How can I increase my chances of passing the aptitude test? More importantly, how can I improve my chances of being successful in general? I know there are study guides but can anybody recommend any in particular? I really want this and I want to do the best I can.

I understand I will be starting at the bottom of the totem pole and will have to do grunt work. I am okay with that. I really want this and I feel like I got lucky with getting a spot to take the test.

Any input would be greatly appreciated! Thank you for reading.

I'm 20 years old going on 21 and live in colorado, I'm currently in school and have taken college level algebra and calculus, how likely is it that i'll get into the union in nyc/new jersey?

edit: i am willing to drive out there and be homeless to get in

Has anyone in here themselves or known anyone who have sued the company they worked for, for wrongful termination, handling a workplace injury wrongly or for anything involving disability compensation? If so tell me about it. I know with the union and with these types of situations in general it can be quite complicated and tricky.

Hi everyone,
I’m looking for some advice from anyone in the skilled trades or the elevator industry.
I recently graduated with a 2-year technical degree (AEC) in Computer Science here in Montreal. While I love technology, I realized I’m much more suited for a career that is hands-on and physically active. I’ve decided to pursue an apprenticeship as an Elevator Mechanic.
Where I’m at right now:
I already have my ASP Construction card in hand.

I am currently looking for an employer to sign my 150-hour guarantee so I can officially open my apprentice book with the CCQ.

I’ve been doing the "boots on the ground" approach—visiting the big offices (Otis, TKE, Schindler) and following up via email.

I have a strong background in troubleshooting and logic thanks to my CS degree, which I think will be a huge asset for modern elevator control systems.

The Struggle: It’s been tough getting past the front desk or getting a call back from HR. I’m currently working as a Lead at my current job (Starbucks), so I have leadership experience and a solid work ethic, but I’m ready to drop everything the moment I get a shot in the trade.
My questions for the community:
For those in the elevator trade (especially in Quebec/Montreal), is it better to focus on the "Big Three" or should I be targeting smaller independent shops?

Does anyone have tips on how to effectively "pitch" a tech background to a construction foreman?

Are there any specific local Montreal firms that are known for taking on 1st-year apprentices?

I appreciate any leads or advice you can share!

Yesterday I interviewed and felt I did pretty good. Definitely did my due diligence and looked at some past posts to get an idea of what to expect and I was pleasantly surprised to be as prepared as I was just based off a few posts I’ve read here. Not sure my experience as a QMED in the maritime industry is something they’re looking for but I’m hoping for the best. I’m sailing while waiting to hear back. I think I’d rather them not reach out at all if it’s not good news but we’ll see. Thanks again to everyone’s input. It really helped!

Heard a rumor some locals are loosening up on drug tests. Was told a local (that won’t be named) completely stopped testing for THC while some other companies and/or locals are beginning to follow along.

I don’t smoke myself or care what others do on their own free time. Was just curious if what I heard had some truth behind it.

I overheard two maintenance guys working on one of the elevators at my job.

Maintenance guy: It doesn't matter if you're both just in it for the pussy, if you're two guys sharing said pussy, then it's automatically somewhat gay.

Other maintenance guy: I disagree.

Maintenance guy: You can have a completely gay threesome but you can never have a completely straight threesome. Do you understand what I'm saying?

Other maintenance guy: Why you always like this bro? I was looking forward to this shit and now you're telling me it's fucking gay.

Maintenance guy: I'm not trying to discourage you. I'm trying to do the opposite. Embrace the experience for what it is and stop asking me questions if you're not mature enough to unpack the answers.

Hello elevator friends, just curious if anyone knows where I can find info for the proper weight to be dropped while doing inertia test for Otis type a safeties? Failed a inspection today because inspector wanted to see what Otis says to use as weight, not just 50 lbs to do test. Any recommendations on where to find this info? 1978 was install year. Thank you!!

Edit: for reference its specifically Otis 6197A safety

Edit 2: 8.10.2.2.2(ii)(2)(-a) is reference