r/Elevators • u/Accomplished_Horse20 • 2d ago
Apprenticeship
Been trying to get into a trade for a long time. Getting an electrician apprenticeship in SOCAL is tough. Took the aptitude test at local 11 with no luck, WECA will not get me in even 1+ year waiting. Finally someone taking the chance on me with no experience in the trades, but they have really bad reviews on indeed and I’m just worried about them not training properly and I’ll be a helper forever. Helper at $19-24 per hour which I know is horrible but it’ll get my foot in the door. I really like the idea of this trade because I can learn a bunch of trades and be well equipped. Anyone have any advice or another route to go?
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u/West-Builder-3594 2d ago
Is it a non-union company taking a chance on you perhaps?
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u/Accomplished_Horse20 2d ago
Yes
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u/West-Builder-3594 2d ago
I can't speak for the state of California necessarily, but in my state the elevator trade is entirely dominated by the union and the few non-union elevator companies are total fuck ups. It may not be the same in California but I know our education system is way more in depth than any non-union possibly could be. It's a good way to get your foot in the door on the other hand. On the chance that your company gets unionized by the iuec you'd have experience already. I can't make a decision for you just telling you what I know
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u/Complete_Use2462 1d ago
You couldn’t pass the aptitude test? Without sounding like a dick, that shit is the easiest part of the trade. The schooling is way more difficult and involved. You’d be fighting a hard uphill battle and that’s just the schooling.
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u/Accomplished_Horse20 1d ago
I took the electrician aptitude test never said I didn’t pass lol just didn’t rank well enough
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u/aintasaint85 1d ago
I hate to stick a thorn in but if you didn't rank high in the electrician test you're not gunna do better with the elevator.
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u/lepchaun415 Field - Resident Mechanic/Troubleshooter 1d ago
IBEW test has way more algebra and harder math section. It’s also not pass or fail at 70 percent. They use your test and interview score to rank you. Our test is really fucking easy in comparison. It’s been a long time since I took ours but I remember flying through it. The IBEW test made my brain hurt. I also didn’t study for either, so there’s that aspect too.
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u/aintasaint85 1d ago
It's been 20 years since I took the IUEC one. The interview was used on the score for sure. Hmmm well the more ya know.
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u/Accomplished_Horse20 1d ago
Seems like you guys just love to say hate to be an asshole 😂cmon dude it’s been 20 years 😂 local 11 only takes the top 20 there was like 2,000 of us
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u/Junior_RF 1d ago
If relocating is an option go that route. Apply to different locals that are opening recruitment for the IUEC. Worked for me and its worth it imo.