r/ibew_applicants

Title says it all: I'm in college (Computer Science) but I don't think it's going to work out. Before school I had thoughts of becoming an electrician and now it seems like the better option. I was looking at the ibew page for one city and it warned that the appreciation process is competitive but maybe this varies elsewhere? I don't have much experience using my hands I guess that's a bit against me, but I feel I could do really well with the technical aspects of the trade. I'm 38 and I just want to have a normal adult career making adult money.

So I want to join an apprenticeship but the plan is to move to Sacramento next year. Should I wait until I’m in Sacramento to apply or start now in San Diego and try to see if I’m able to transfer?

I currently live in the South where there isn't much well paying opportunity for electricians, so I'm looking to move North. My options are to either shoot for the moon, going to Chicago and going for 134, hoping a good test score alone can get me in, no support from any family, or go to Grand Rapids, and I have family support.

275 I imagine is definitely less competitive than 134, but is it ENOUGH less competitive to get in with no experience?

I’m applying to local 124 in Kansas City which to my understanding is extremely competitive. I know “relevant experience” can really strengthen an application, but I have a question as to if my experience applies. I currently have a job operating cnc machinery in an aerospace shop and was wondering if this would help my case at all or be beneficial to my application? or does the experience need to be more closely related to electrical? My current job I read blueprints, use hand tools, and my daily grind is in a shop environment so was hoping that may translate

I'm currently ranked 13 on the Local 46 LE list, having dropped four ranks in the last month. I need entry-level work experience so I can re-interview and keep my rank low. I'm needing clarification on whether I can get hired directly by a union shop for an entry-level role. I'm reading that contractors may have different contracts. The LE contract I found says that forepersons and journey workers can be called by name. I think I heard that the residential contract may be different in that resi contractors can hire from outside the union. I would really like LE Installer experience, but any trainee or stockman hours would help my re-interview. I'm wondering if I should look for a contractor who does both resi and LE. Any advice? I'm really confused about which direction to go.

EDIT: I'm also looking to possibly take some classes to help my ranking. Does anybody know of a good place to take classes?

Hey everyone I interviewed for local 440 back in September 2025. I ranked #85 but the lowest I got throughout the months was #65 ever since it’s been flunctating from to the 100s so it’s safe to say I’m not getting in. I can reinterview in October and since then I’ve tried to get non union experience but no one is taking any chances on me. I have no on the field experience or field experience what can I do ? I’ve heard from others to gwt my OSHA construction 10 and my CPR card which will help but other than that ehat can I do ? Edit: what questions do they ask in the interview ?

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What kind of panel do they do is it follicle, urine, mouth swab? I quit weed about a month ago and km looking to get on

Im looking to get on at the louisiana new orleans ibew 130

I know this has probably been asked so many times before. Here’s my situation. I have interviewed 3 times. I placed 21st, 12th and the most recent in may of this year 17th. Local 532 MT. The board said that realistically the only thing holding me back from securing an apprenticeship is experience. I’ve shown that I’m committed by showing up 3 times. There is a new hospital build in my city that I’m hoping brings apprentices. Thanks for reading, if you did.

Got my interview coming pretty soon , to anyone who has interviewed already, how did you prep? Any tips advice will be greatly appreciated!!

Officially made it into the apprenticeship.

About six months ago I got turned down after my first interview. It sucked, but a lot of the advice I got here was simple: get your hours, keep showing up, and reapply.

So that's what I did.

I went to work as a CW, put in the hours, asked questions, learned as much as I could from the journeymen around me, and kept my nose as clean as possible. I worked for 3 months, taking as much OT as I could and reapplied. The committee was impressed at the 180 from my original interview and resume. Laughable, but understandable.

Today I got the acceptance email and text!

I'm not posting this to celebrate as much as to say thanks to everyone who took the time to answer my questions over the last several months. At times people interested, including myself, can be goobers ^^*. There were plenty of days where I questioned whether I was on the right path, but hearing from people who had already been through it helped more than you probably realize.

For anyone who just got a rejection letter: don't assume it's the end. If your local allows reinterviews, use the time to become a stronger candidate. Every hour you work, every recommendation you earn, and every bit of experience you pick up can make a difference.

For anyone on the fence, I'm 29, it's never too late to start, but you'll be mad if you start any later. Give yourself a shot at something better for yourself. I still question the decision, but I know what I'm working towards, excel sheets and numbers have been put in place. Maybe do it for yourselves.

Now the real work starts. Looking forward to learning the trade and earning my place.

Thanks again, brothers and sisters.

Called in this morning and I ranked #6 out of 83 for sound and telecom 441.
Working both my jobs meanwhile I wait for an email hopefully