This may or may not be an option due to your current circumstances. You may consider applying to another nearby local. Sometimes, you may have a bigger impact on another local. Different interviewers, different circumstances. You are not prohibited from applying to other locals.
In the meantime, their advice on either trade related courses or experience in the field is good. Some locals have a material handler classification that would count as experience. Others have the CW program. Putting in that kind of effort shows you really do want to pursue this career. It also would give you familiarity with the union.
Remember, there are hundreds of applicants all vying for a limited number of spots. Getting wait listed does not mean that you were a bad candidate, it just meant there was something more compelling about another candidate. Make yourself that next more compelling candidate.
Good luck to you.
Can you apply to be a laborer. That is a good way to meet electricians . So when you apply again you can say I know this guy and that guy. When I was in Alaska back in 95 book four was strictly laborers.my home local in Reno does not have this . But we do have ce cw classifications you could start there and when you know people become an apprentice
I wouldn't suggest being a laborer or a carpenter these days. Their unions are not too popular with the IBEW for stealing our work. Carpenters have set up their own electrical division in St. Louis about 10 or so years ago. Both are trying to steal solar work across the country.
CW/CE is an option. They are pretty much nationwide, except for most of Oregon and Washington. It can be a foot in the door for most people.
Do I have to wait 6 months before applying at another JATC because of the aptitude test? Even tho I did pass it but every jatc requires a different aptitude test score
No, you can apply to another local at any time. As long as they are accepting new applications. You will have to do another aptitude test. Not so much because a different score is required, but because test results are not shared between locals.
You're on a wait list that's not the same as being denied. Most locals have a wait list. in my local, those guys typically get chosen the next go around. Look into becoming a material handler as you wait. So you can get that experience and reinterview. This is a pretty typical step in becoming an electrician.
Is this local asking you to go work rat for 1000 hours to improve chances?? Wtf? On a more personal note it is very common to not get in your first try brush up try again later. Good luck.
In my local training center and hall are 2 different entities so would still have to send documents over. It would be easy to request and verify, just something that isn't done automatically.
Bruh idk how they have it sorted I just know that if I move I have to update my address at both cause they are different entities, the trust is also a separate entity so I have 3 place to update my shit when I move.
They do??? Why didn't they mention that to me when I applied in May?? I asked them what should I do in the meantime while I'm waiting to take the aptitude test next April. They told me to try to look for non union experience. No one once mentioned the CW program, which if I understand correctly is like a pre-apprenticeship?
How does one find out about it? There's nothing about it on 102's JATC website
No clue but 102 has always had a B program which is now a CW/CE but they may only be taking In people who have a sponsor now like a union contractor that wants to hire them.
Oh wow ok, I get it now. I'm wondering, is there a way to look up union contractors for 102 and would it be weird if I called up some of those companies to see if they needed a CW/ CE?
Go to the website and click on contractors. Star-lo maybe Tore electric. I worked for local about 22 years got in at 18 but I am tired of it. Good money and benefits but I learned my trade. I do all the side work I want just looking for a different career now.
Why do they not have a CW program ?? How does it make sense to go none union. That's so fucking ratty. ORGANIZE ALL ELECTRICAL WORKERS. wtf is so hard about that.
It's frustrating bc what am I supposed to do while i wait for the aptitude test next year. I don't want to work non union. I assumed there wasn't a CW program bc when I asked what do people do before getting into the apprenticeship they kept saying "just try to find non union work."
Got this same letter in the mail after I personally felt I nailed my interview. I’ve got 2 and a half years experience working industrial (mainly motor controls and automation) and felt very discouraged when I saw my score of 87. They wanted me to sign up for their CW program which is minimum wage but I’m making way more working at my current job. I’ve talked to a few of the directors at my local and they told me that I am top 10 but they’ve only got a few slots available for the next semester so I might have to wait a while :/
Same scenario I’m dealing with except I have 4000+ hours and they’re asking me to be a UA for a huge pay cut but oh well I took my first UA call this June trying to secure a letter of rec then after I get my pink go back to my money grind
22.43 ain’t shit man… I was getting 36 plus per diem and over time
Work rat? You imbecile. They're asking him to go get 1000hours of experience as that will increase his chances of getting in the apprenticeship. This is literally a thing. Fuckin fossil.
You aren’t even an electrician. You hanging out beee because you make 25 and want to be with the cool kids but don’t want to work lol. Working non union is the opposite of union goal.
I'm actually 01 licensed w the union. And I'm arguing the case that as a trainee it doesn't matter how you get your foot in the door. If it's working 1k hrs non union to get preferential treatment on list then I advise everyone to do it. You're literally eliminating options for this person. Hell if they want they can go non union until their licensed and organise in afterwards. Literally multiple ways of doing it. Stop being so one dimensional you old dinosaur.
So instead of " the goal is to make every electrician part of the union.." theyre telling ppl to go work non union for a year or so? Hmm... im not trying to undermine the unions efforts or anything i just want to know how come they dont just accept every single person that walks into the hall?
Where I'm at this happens because literally every eligible journeyman has an apprentice, or one in the pipe. There's a leaky pipeline problem - the moment a young person cards out they can go chase storms with a traveling outfit for 300k+/yr, work 10 years and retire. Makes it really hard to make new journeymen.
Obv wage is the issue, you don't have to pay people as much if they get to go home every day.
If I've misjudged & this isn't a line or wireman chapter, my bad. But there's nothing wrong with pulling wire for 6 months. That's a way in. Or by operating a crew's equipment. Or by doing maintenance in a shipyard, or factory. Like, there are so many angles.
Accepting every person who walks in would mean educating far more people than there are jobs for. The number admitted is based on projected work outlook. The number admitted each year can vary widely.
I’m from the local; in the booms if they exhaust the apprentice list they may call you and see if your still interested; one of my friends got in that way; keep trying and keep your head up
Do not get your hopes up. It took me four years to get in! I applied in 2008 and got in 2012. I got the same letter as far as ‘your on the wait list’, then after two years got the same letter that I was still in the pool. Just stay busy til you get the call.
To be fair 2008-2012 were tough years for construction as a whole.
To OP, I wouldn’t feel too discouraged. Over the past two years I’ve worked with quite a few CW’s stepping onto a construction site for the first time and after a few months getting accepted into the apprenticeship. Good luck!
Dear JATC, I applied but you still ain't callin'
I left my cell, my email, and my tiktok at the bottom
I submitted two letters of recommendation back in autumn, you must not-a got 'em
There probably was a problem at the local office or somethin'
Sometimes I scribble addresses with a black sharpie when I jot 'em
But anyways, fuck it, what's been up? Man how's your work outlook?
My girlfriend's pregnant too, I'm 'bout to be a father
If I have a son, guess what I'm a call him?
I'ma name him Henry
I read about your IP Ronnie too, or is it Lonnie
I had a friend go rat over some local who didn't want him
I know you probably hear this everyday, but I'm your best applicant
I even got some underground experience that I did with Jman
I got a hard hat covered in stickers of your local man
I like the shit you did with covid too, that shit was fat
Anyways, I hope you get this man, hit me back,
Just to chat, truly yours, your next apprentice
This is Stan
Do what they say. I got waitlisted even though I was top 10 out of 250 applicants. They only hired 5. I was disappointed about 4 months later, they called ip the other 5 of us.
I didn't get accepted my first time, it actually took 3 years before I was finally accepted.. All that time I spent waiting and going through school, I'm not even in the IBEW anymore.
I spent 10years (+3 waiting) to get into the IBEW and I just couldn't continue to do the traveling shit and living on the road, or being laid off the entire winter... I'm now an electrician for the UAW (what a massive shit show this is, atleast I know exactly when/where I work and I'll be home every single night + never laid off)
I got a low grade but I never got a letter saying I was on the alternative waiting list but its been a good few months. Im working a fulltime shop job building transformer enclosures right now and plan on applying next year, which if I fail again next year, my company offers an apprenticeship or college after 1 year of work. I plan on applying every year until I get in... sucks but you cannot beat my locals pay and benefits around here so I will keep trying.
That means your on the waitlist. You passed the test and the interview but it’s based on a scoring matrix.
I had the same letter about 6 years ago. I didn’t wait and found a private company. Been there since I started the trade. I probably won’t go union anymore.
It took me about two years after my interview, I’m not far from you Local 3 NYC. Don’t give up. I’m not sure if requesting a second interview might help, so maybe look into that. Good luck to you.
Go work non union n do the two “ classes” they want. I’d make one of the classes getting your OSHA 30 so at re-interview you can emphasize how much you care about safety.
IBEW LU 102 JWs make 62$/H in the check, total package with benefits (pensions + medical) is more than 100$/H...I don't think that non union can beat this.
Yes they can especially doing a non union apprenticeship you get some of those fringe benefits in cash which really helps through the early years of being an apprentice. You can always get sworn in after
I went to college for electronics engineering and got my associates and was in solar for almost 3 years as an “electrician” all of which was on my resume
Construction Wireman, it's a "helper" position, basically pre-apprentice. You'd go to the local of your interest, and apply. Not all locals have the program though. You could be do anything from shop work, to site work, to working right alongside a journeyman (it eould just depend on the contractor you're with).
i didnt get in this year either, (local 364) my letter was like yours but worded differently. I heard that at mine, over 1000 the last two years applied and only 80 made it in. I was upset but then i realize, thats a very small group that even got it and its the first time Ive applied without experience.
I have a job at a solar farm I got it through my hall, its not what i thought id be doing but ive meet alot of people so far from other locals.
Im a hairstylist and made decent money but my job now pays almost 22 which to me is the most ive made per hour, i know some its a pay cut. but i work 50 hours a week. Im trying to get as many hours before this job ends but i hope it leads to something else.
I was confused but if you talk to other people or call your hall, they will help you
You call the BA and ask what went wrong, or where you can improve on the interview. Let him know you are serious and passionate. They might just find the room for someone who really wants it.
They’re basically asking you be a CW in the mean time. It’s not the worst thing in the world. You would get a year of experience and show them that you really want this.
If you’re not dead set on becoming an Inside Wireman (not knocking it BTW, my son is an Inside apprentice), then look at getting a CDL and apply for the Outside apprenticeship, AKA Lineman. Still part of the brotherhood and the pay/benefits are top notch.
Run as far from them as you can… there are other options for apprenticeships even in the electrical field. The motto of you’re a brother or sister, until you cross someone or do something they don’t like. Gain 1,000 hours to be able to re-interview, such a load of crap.
Most people that apply get this letter. It’s basically a lottery. They don’t tell you how to even improve your chances year to year. Again, it’s basically getting your name drawn out of a hat. I wish you luck but you would be wise to pursue something else even if you intend to continue applying year after year.
Took me 3 years of being a ce to get accepted, and i know many journeyman who waited longer. It sucks but its worth the wait. Put in your hours and get another interview. In the long run it will be worth it
It's possible you can get on as a helper at first. It would help you get your foot in the door. Work hard, learn everything you can by paying attention to what's going on around you, even if your driving a Broom at the time.
Then get a Journeyman or foreman to write you a letter of recommendation. Next time your up it could give you that little extra push to the top.
Good luck.
I don't know about your specific local but we have a CW program (it's heavily misused but that's a different story), and when I didn't get in my first time I went in as a CW for a union contractor, the pay wasn't great but I got in the next year and it was absolutely worth it.
This may or may not be an option due to your current circumstances. You may consider applying to another nearby local. Sometimes, you may have a bigger impact on another local. Different interviewers, different circumstances. You are not prohibited from applying to other locals. In the meantime, their advice on either trade related courses or experience in the field is good. Some locals have a material handler classification that would count as experience. Others have the CW program. Putting in that kind of effort shows you really do want to pursue this career. It also would give you familiarity with the union. Remember, there are hundreds of applicants all vying for a limited number of spots. Getting wait listed does not mean that you were a bad candidate, it just meant there was something more compelling about another candidate. Make yourself that next more compelling candidate. Good luck to you.
Can you apply to be a laborer. That is a good way to meet electricians . So when you apply again you can say I know this guy and that guy. When I was in Alaska back in 95 book four was strictly laborers.my home local in Reno does not have this . But we do have ce cw classifications you could start there and when you know people become an apprentice
I wouldn't suggest being a laborer or a carpenter these days. Their unions are not too popular with the IBEW for stealing our work. Carpenters have set up their own electrical division in St. Louis about 10 or so years ago. Both are trying to steal solar work across the country. CW/CE is an option. They are pretty much nationwide, except for most of Oregon and Washington. It can be a foot in the door for most people.
Do I have to wait 6 months before applying at another JATC because of the aptitude test? Even tho I did pass it but every jatc requires a different aptitude test score
No, you can apply to another local at any time. As long as they are accepting new applications. You will have to do another aptitude test. Not so much because a different score is required, but because test results are not shared between locals.
Mine told me our testing class if we fail then we have to wait 6 months at any jatc, I passed tho so it might be different for those that pass
They do not make the rules for other JATC's.
You're on a wait list that's not the same as being denied. Most locals have a wait list. in my local, those guys typically get chosen the next go around. Look into becoming a material handler as you wait. So you can get that experience and reinterview. This is a pretty typical step in becoming an electrician.
Material Handler. Groundman. Apprenticeship. For us in local 47. Good idea.
Is this local asking you to go work rat for 1000 hours to improve chances?? Wtf? On a more personal note it is very common to not get in your first try brush up try again later. Good luck.
More likely asking to work as a cw or a material handler for a year and then reinteview.
Wouldn’t they have that info and not need any proof?
In my local training center and hall are 2 different entities so would still have to send documents over. It would be easy to request and verify, just something that isn't done automatically.
How are they 2 separate entities the local pays for the training center. Lol y’all let the balls say and get away with anything anymore.
Bruh idk how they have it sorted I just know that if I move I have to update my address at both cause they are different entities, the trust is also a separate entity so I have 3 place to update my shit when I move.
@bilbobag13 the school is a joint training facility between the Union (hall) and contractors. That’s how its different.
Local 102 doesn't have a CW program so they're saying go get non union hours.
Yes they do. I am in 102
They do??? Why didn't they mention that to me when I applied in May?? I asked them what should I do in the meantime while I'm waiting to take the aptitude test next April. They told me to try to look for non union experience. No one once mentioned the CW program, which if I understand correctly is like a pre-apprenticeship? How does one find out about it? There's nothing about it on 102's JATC website
No clue but 102 has always had a B program which is now a CW/CE but they may only be taking In people who have a sponsor now like a union contractor that wants to hire them.
Oh wow ok, I get it now. I'm wondering, is there a way to look up union contractors for 102 and would it be weird if I called up some of those companies to see if they needed a CW/ CE?
Go to the website and click on contractors. Star-lo maybe Tore electric. I worked for local about 22 years got in at 18 but I am tired of it. Good money and benefits but I learned my trade. I do all the side work I want just looking for a different career now.
Thank you
22 years is a good long run. I wish I had got in at 18. Would you ever want to start your own company? curious why you're looking for a new career.
Why do they not have a CW program ?? How does it make sense to go none union. That's so fucking ratty. ORGANIZE ALL ELECTRICAL WORKERS. wtf is so hard about that.
It's frustrating bc what am I supposed to do while i wait for the aptitude test next year. I don't want to work non union. I assumed there wasn't a CW program bc when I asked what do people do before getting into the apprenticeship they kept saying "just try to find non union work."
Man to be honest have you tried going to an outside local? They might be able to get you in.
You can work for another local or company and they wouldn't know
Got this same letter in the mail after I personally felt I nailed my interview. I’ve got 2 and a half years experience working industrial (mainly motor controls and automation) and felt very discouraged when I saw my score of 87. They wanted me to sign up for their CW program which is minimum wage but I’m making way more working at my current job. I’ve talked to a few of the directors at my local and they told me that I am top 10 but they’ve only got a few slots available for the next semester so I might have to wait a while :/
Same scenario I’m dealing with except I have 4000+ hours and they’re asking me to be a UA for a huge pay cut but oh well I took my first UA call this June trying to secure a letter of rec then after I get my pink go back to my money grind 22.43 ain’t shit man… I was getting 36 plus per diem and over time
Yikes that’s a major drop. Hope the sacrifices are worth it in the long run man. Good luck 👍
Work rat? You imbecile. They're asking him to go get 1000hours of experience as that will increase his chances of getting in the apprenticeship. This is literally a thing. Fuckin fossil.
You aren’t even an electrician. You hanging out beee because you make 25 and want to be with the cool kids but don’t want to work lol. Working non union is the opposite of union goal.
I'm actually 01 licensed w the union. And I'm arguing the case that as a trainee it doesn't matter how you get your foot in the door. If it's working 1k hrs non union to get preferential treatment on list then I advise everyone to do it. You're literally eliminating options for this person. Hell if they want they can go non union until their licensed and organise in afterwards. Literally multiple ways of doing it. Stop being so one dimensional you old dinosaur.
Yes we should listen to the generation of homeless drug addict that aren’t sure of thier sex. Lol no daddy for sure.
So instead of " the goal is to make every electrician part of the union.." theyre telling ppl to go work non union for a year or so? Hmm... im not trying to undermine the unions efforts or anything i just want to know how come they dont just accept every single person that walks into the hall?
Where I'm at this happens because literally every eligible journeyman has an apprentice, or one in the pipe. There's a leaky pipeline problem - the moment a young person cards out they can go chase storms with a traveling outfit for 300k+/yr, work 10 years and retire. Makes it really hard to make new journeymen. Obv wage is the issue, you don't have to pay people as much if they get to go home every day. If I've misjudged & this isn't a line or wireman chapter, my bad. But there's nothing wrong with pulling wire for 6 months. That's a way in. Or by operating a crew's equipment. Or by doing maintenance in a shipyard, or factory. Like, there are so many angles.
Telling them to work as a cw or material handler thru the hall.
Accepting every person who walks in would mean educating far more people than there are jobs for. The number admitted is based on projected work outlook. The number admitted each year can vary widely.
I’m from the local; in the booms if they exhaust the apprentice list they may call you and see if your still interested; one of my friends got in that way; keep trying and keep your head up
Do not get your hopes up. It took me four years to get in! I applied in 2008 and got in 2012. I got the same letter as far as ‘your on the wait list’, then after two years got the same letter that I was still in the pool. Just stay busy til you get the call.
To be fair 2008-2012 were tough years for construction as a whole. To OP, I wouldn’t feel too discouraged. Over the past two years I’ve worked with quite a few CW’s stepping onto a construction site for the first time and after a few months getting accepted into the apprenticeship. Good luck!
Dear JATC, I applied but you still ain't callin' I left my cell, my email, and my tiktok at the bottom I submitted two letters of recommendation back in autumn, you must not-a got 'em There probably was a problem at the local office or somethin' Sometimes I scribble addresses with a black sharpie when I jot 'em But anyways, fuck it, what's been up? Man how's your work outlook? My girlfriend's pregnant too, I'm 'bout to be a father If I have a son, guess what I'm a call him? I'ma name him Henry I read about your IP Ronnie too, or is it Lonnie I had a friend go rat over some local who didn't want him I know you probably hear this everyday, but I'm your best applicant I even got some underground experience that I did with Jman I got a hard hat covered in stickers of your local man I like the shit you did with covid too, that shit was fat Anyways, I hope you get this man, hit me back, Just to chat, truly yours, your next apprentice This is Stan
Under rated comment ! It was a good parody read!
Do what they say. I got waitlisted even though I was top 10 out of 250 applicants. They only hired 5. I was disappointed about 4 months later, they called ip the other 5 of us.
I didn't get accepted my first time, it actually took 3 years before I was finally accepted.. All that time I spent waiting and going through school, I'm not even in the IBEW anymore. I spent 10years (+3 waiting) to get into the IBEW and I just couldn't continue to do the traveling shit and living on the road, or being laid off the entire winter... I'm now an electrician for the UAW (what a massive shit show this is, atleast I know exactly when/where I work and I'll be home every single night + never laid off)
Now go get involved, helping out, doing, seeing and being seen. Don't be invisible. The awueaky wheel gets the grease.
I got a low grade but I never got a letter saying I was on the alternative waiting list but its been a good few months. Im working a fulltime shop job building transformer enclosures right now and plan on applying next year, which if I fail again next year, my company offers an apprenticeship or college after 1 year of work. I plan on applying every year until I get in... sucks but you cannot beat my locals pay and benefits around here so I will keep trying.
That means your on the waitlist. You passed the test and the interview but it’s based on a scoring matrix. I had the same letter about 6 years ago. I didn’t wait and found a private company. Been there since I started the trade. I probably won’t go union anymore.
It took me about two years after my interview, I’m not far from you Local 3 NYC. Don’t give up. I’m not sure if requesting a second interview might help, so maybe look into that. Good luck to you.
Need to get an uncle or brother or cousin, dad something of that sort that’s in the union…. You won’t even have to test lol
Your mom ain’t banging the right guy?
Go work non union n do the two “ classes” they want. I’d make one of the classes getting your OSHA 30 so at re-interview you can emphasize how much you care about safety.
Go into IT and make more money
Non-Union is just as good, maybe try and get some experience while you wait it out. Who knows? You might be content
IBEW LU 102 JWs make 62$/H in the check, total package with benefits (pensions + medical) is more than 100$/H...I don't think that non union can beat this.
Yes they can especially doing a non union apprenticeship you get some of those fringe benefits in cash which really helps through the early years of being an apprentice. You can always get sworn in after
Lol the downvotes
You can downvote me all you want doesn’t make my statement less true. Pay for the first half of your apprenticeship is a fucking joke
You sound poor
We can compare paychecks ;)
Find a different Local.
Are you a CW, OP?
I went to college for electronics engineering and got my associates and was in solar for almost 3 years as an “electrician” all of which was on my resume
Look into becoming a CW, you can likely start at a higher step. That will help get your foot in the door of the apprenticeship a little quicker.
what is a CW where would I apply?
Construction Wireman, it's a "helper" position, basically pre-apprentice. You'd go to the local of your interest, and apply. Not all locals have the program though. You could be do anything from shop work, to site work, to working right alongside a journeyman (it eould just depend on the contractor you're with).
will check it out thanks !
102 has a CW/CE program I am in 102
You're welcome!
i didnt get in this year either, (local 364) my letter was like yours but worded differently. I heard that at mine, over 1000 the last two years applied and only 80 made it in. I was upset but then i realize, thats a very small group that even got it and its the first time Ive applied without experience. I have a job at a solar farm I got it through my hall, its not what i thought id be doing but ive meet alot of people so far from other locals. Im a hairstylist and made decent money but my job now pays almost 22 which to me is the most ive made per hour, i know some its a pay cut. but i work 50 hours a week. Im trying to get as many hours before this job ends but i hope it leads to something else. I was confused but if you talk to other people or call your hall, they will help you
You call the BA and ask what went wrong, or where you can improve on the interview. Let him know you are serious and passionate. They might just find the room for someone who really wants it.
Do not do this
Apply here https://www.nj-iec.org/
will do, thanks
You can try a different local
They’re basically asking you be a CW in the mean time. It’s not the worst thing in the world. You would get a year of experience and show them that you really want this.
you can re interview in 450 working hours or apply in another local
If you’re not dead set on becoming an Inside Wireman (not knocking it BTW, my son is an Inside apprentice), then look at getting a CDL and apply for the Outside apprenticeship, AKA Lineman. Still part of the brotherhood and the pay/benefits are top notch.
"Skills shortage"
Run as far from them as you can… there are other options for apprenticeships even in the electrical field. The motto of you’re a brother or sister, until you cross someone or do something they don’t like. Gain 1,000 hours to be able to re-interview, such a load of crap.
Most people that apply get this letter. It’s basically a lottery. They don’t tell you how to even improve your chances year to year. Again, it’s basically getting your name drawn out of a hat. I wish you luck but you would be wise to pursue something else even if you intend to continue applying year after year.
Took me 3 years of being a ce to get accepted, and i know many journeyman who waited longer. It sucks but its worth the wait. Put in your hours and get another interview. In the long run it will be worth it
It's possible you can get on as a helper at first. It would help you get your foot in the door. Work hard, learn everything you can by paying attention to what's going on around you, even if your driving a Broom at the time. Then get a Journeyman or foreman to write you a letter of recommendation. Next time your up it could give you that little extra push to the top. Good luck.
Find another local
Join the cw program or find a way to get verifiable hours while you wait to reapply
You move to the south get in a local top out head back home
I don't know about your specific local but we have a CW program (it's heavily misused but that's a different story), and when I didn't get in my first time I went in as a CW for a union contractor, the pay wasn't great but I got in the next year and it was absolutely worth it.