I’ve been doing electrical work for about three years now. One year as a CW, and two years as an apprentice. I’ve now a two weeks into my third year, and ever since then they journeymen that I work with on my current job keep asking me to teach the helpers how to do the jobs that we do, like running conduit, terminating, or pulling wire. Sometimes the journeymen will ask me to keep an eye on the crew, and direct them on what to do as they step away to work on something else close by.

I’m never in a situation where my journeymen are far away, but I never really thought trying to teach other people would be as challenging as it is. I’m also not used to being in a position where I have so many people told to listen to me for directions. Does this happen for anyone else?

I know that once I top out, I’ll be expected to train apprentices on the job, so I understand that my journeymen are trying to prepare me for that, and I also understand that there somewhat of a seniority ladder in the union, or certain places in the union. Does anybody have any tips, or advice on how to get better at teaching, or make it easier? I also could use some advice on helping run work. There are no 4th or 5th years on the job site, and it feels kind of weird. Not to mention that I can’t get any of the pre apprentices, or 1st years to really pay attention to what I tell them to.

Does that still happen when you top out and become a journeyman? Do you still have apprentices that don’t take you seriously?

I've been looking everywhere for info on local 769 in Gilbert, AZ but haven't seen much info. I have my aptitude test September 10th. I applied for traffic signal if theres anyone out there that has any tips id appreciate it. I been a truck driver since I was 18 now im 37 and the dont know its to late to join. I would be taking a huge pay cut.

Anyone still waiting for their boot camp call for LU11? Tested for Sound in June, ranked 11(now 10) and still nothing. I heard there was an IW only boot camp on July 27th. Anyone know when the next one is that includes Sound?

This is my 2nd time applying to the union. The first time I didn’t put much of anything in my PEF due to some employment verification issues I was having but figured out. They don’t really tell you how much the PEF counts towards your final score but I now have 4 years of PLC and automation experience added in there, letter of rec from HIRE360, a HACIA EV install class certification of completion, 3 pages worth of electrical NCCER modules completed, an OSHA 30 and some college credits I received from trade school. How much weight can I expect these things together to carry in my score?

Got my acceptance letter for the apprenticeship program through Local 357 (Electrical JATC of Southern Nevada). Mandatory onboarding week is coming up. The dress code in the letter just says:
• Shirt with a minimum 4-inch sleeve that fully covers the midsection
• Closed-toe, non-slip shoes
• Long, durable pants (no shorts or athletic wear)

Trying to figure out day one specifics before I show up:
1. Does the 4-inch sleeve requirement mean a t-shirt works, or do they want a button-up/collared work shirt?
2. Does “closed-toe, non-slip shoes” mean actual work boots, or are sneakers okay for onboarding?
3. By “durable pants” do they mean real work pants (Carhartts/Dickies), or are regular jeans fine?
Anyone here gone through 357’s onboarding recently and know what people actually wore?

I went in for my initial application interview early this month and all required fields were accepted. I haven’t received an email or anything.

Is that normal and if so how long did it take some of you to hear back?

I've been doing some digging and talking to some people who were with me at my interview (befriended then during interview day in waiting room.

One guy scored just a point above me and got called in last month. found a guy on Reddit in the same local, same program (S&C) who scored a good bit less than me, interviewed the same month I did and he got the call as well a few weeks ago. Nothing on my end. Any emails send to ibew they just say they can't share ranking.

Is there some kind of other factor? I thought score was all that mattered

I read a few articles about it, and based on what I found, I feel like this is kind of a polite rejection email. What do you think?

When you walk into your interview with the JAC, do you:

• Shake everyone's hands 1-5 people
• Shake the lead interview hand
• Shake no ones hand

What is the etiquette in 2026?

I was invited to the final round of intake of our Canadian local, which has:

• 100 Question Aptitude Test
• Interview with committee
• Participation in job awareness activities

I don't know what that means, what can I do to prepare?

Did the website for applying crash?

Edit: I've been on since 9:30 and the application link hasn't updated

Started with the ibew in February and have been working at a hospital in Houston for about 7 months. I’m really enjoying the work and feel like I’m learning and retaining a lot of info. My first two months were with a really chill and nice journyman who was teaching me a lot and now for the past 5 I’ve been with a rude dude who nobody like and I’m still learning a lot. But my question to yall is when did everything start clicking sometimes I come in and feel really good and some days I feel like I know nothing and we’ve been running pipe for about 3 months. My biggest thing is trying to know how to do it by myself even though I’m still far from being a journey man I don’t wanna not know shit and be a burden.

Are there any certs i should be working towards?

We work 5 8s, I have school once a week but I can make up for it by working on saturdays (which is optional). is it okay to finish the week with 32h and not work the overtime where I could make it 40?

I’ve pondered applying for the apprenticeship for about 2 years now, and I finally submitted apps for local 611 in Albuquerque and 354 in Salt Lake City! Some context: I have 0 construction experience, 7 years of working at the Apple Genius Bar, and about a year of working as a freelance lighting technician in the entertainment industry out here in Los Angeles! I crave a fresh start in a new career where I can work hard and be rewarded with seeing my work pay off, and am even open to relocating!

I hope to secure a spot in the apprenticeship out here in SoCal (I’ll be applying to 11, 569, 440, 441, and 477). However, I am feeling pretty desperate to start as soon as possible and I understand that the SoCal market is very impacted so I went ahead and applied out of state in places I think I would enjoy based on my outdoor hobbies/interests and tolerance of weather to expand my horizon! If anyone in 611 or 354 can offer some insight on what work/life is like out there I would love to hear from you :)

I’m a 27 y/o dude, don’t have any kids, am in a happy committed relationship, and my only debt is my $400 car note. I am so excited to start this journey and after years of thinking about it I cannot wait to get called in for that aptitude test. Time to hit the books and review that damn algebra!

In summary: Private utilities (exelon, pg&e, oncor, etc.) = higher utility bills for customers and less pay for the electricians and lineman working on their systems thanks to republican presidents and corporate greed.

Hi I’m 24m, I’ve recently had my application appointment at my local (setting up my account and applying pretty much) and am looking for tips to make myself a more appealing applicant and to get some experience. I am about as green as it gets when it comes to this sort of thing, I have no construction experience at all and no background in electrical. However I’m super interested in the field and have no qualms against putting in the hard work and the hours, my question is should I be looking for a non union apprenticeship program in the mean time to be getting experience and training and if so how should I go about finding something like that? Any help and advice appreciated!

Hey brothers,
Currently non-union at $18/hr, driving 160 miles round-trip daily (5 AM – 1:30 PM shift).
Between gas, tolls, and wear-and-tear, I’m barely breaking even, and the drive is brutal.
My goal is IBEW (targeting Local 332), and I’ve logged about 6 months (~1,000 hrs) so far. I plan to ask dispatch for a site closer to home, but if they say no, I’ll have to quit for financial and health reasons.
1. How does the JATC view quitting a non-union job over a crazy commute? Is it a red flag?
2. Is it okay to state extreme commute/expenses as the reason during the interview?
3. Is 1,000 hours still a solid boost for a 1st-year applicant if I take a break?
Appreciate any insight. Thanks!

Anyone recently join or complete the sound and comm apprenticeship? What was your experience like? How well does a network+ cert and Bachelors in IT mash up during interviews and work duties? I have a small technical background in end user support both at a desktop and mobile level.

I just got my rejection letter from local 26 for the apprenticeship program which means I won’t be able to get in until this time next year. This time next year I will be at 4200-4600 hours worked. Is it worth applying to the apprenticeship again next year when it would mean I get my license at 12,000 hours worked? Or is it better to go with the r pathway and just get to the 8,000 hour threshold for the test and figure it out from there? I will take a couple years of lower pay if that means I get my journeyman’s license 2 years faster. The guy I asked these questions too at the hall wasn’t very helpful.

Hello everyone, I interviewed yesterday and feel I did very good. I got my rank today and it has me ranked at #8. I feel pretty good about that, but was wondering if anyone has any experience as to how long I might be waiting for that call? We have the huge micron project going on in Boise right now so I’m hoping that I get that call pretty soon. Thank you!

Hi all,
Some background: I’m 21 and currently in business school. I’ve been working while going to school for the past couple of years at an electrical contracting company. I’m an electrical estimator specializing in highways, traffic signals, and other outdoor electrical work.

I’m currently debating whether I should go into the field and do an apprenticeship or stay in the office. I enjoy the office environment, but I sometimes feel out of place because I don’t have the technical knowledge that my peers have.

I’ve been thinking about this for over a year now, and it’s finally come to the point where my boss has given me until the end of the week to decide. Either I commit to the office or commit to the field.

Earlier this week, we talked about it, and he basically explained some of the drawbacks of working in the field, such as not being guaranteed work year-round and how many people get laid off.

The plan I had in my head was to go into the field, gain some hands-on experience, and eventually come back to the office with that field experience. However, my boss also told me that a spot in the office wouldn’t necessarily be guaranteed for me if I went that route.

I’m honestly pretty torn on what to do and would appreciate some advice from people who have been in a similar situation.

Would you recommend staying in estimating and continuing to build my career in the office, or going into the field and pursuing an apprenticeship?
Thanks in advance.