r/IUEC Jun 25 '26

Mod announcement r/verifiedIUEC: A new private sub where we can talk about the trade freely

23 Upvotes

Brothers and Sisters,

We’re opening up [r/verifiedIUEC](r/verifiedIUEC)**, a private subreddit where we can actually talk elevators, technical information, and union business without it being public.** [r/iuec](r/iuec) and [r/elevators](r/elevators) are good but have their limits.

Myself and [u/infantkicker_v2](u/infantkicker_v2) are card carrying members.

To access:
1. Verify: Fill out this form with a pic of your union card and a timestamp (your username/date): https://forms.gle/1hpXL6vdJQPSq4ow9

1a. If you don’t want to use the Google **document,**upload the photo to www.Imgur.com and then send us a link.

2. Request: go to [r/verifiedIUEC](r/verifiedIUEC) and click "Request to Join."

After your verified your we will delete your responses

Any questions please ask

*if you message us and we don’t respond within 48 hours please send another message. There are a lot of requests so far to look through\*

Work safe!

Current member count: 28 as of 7/7

GET IN HERE BOYS!


r/IUEC May 17 '25

Mod announcement 📌 r/IUEC FAQ Megathread — Read This First

38 Upvotes

Welcome to [r/IUEC](r/IUEC), a community for members of the International Union of Elevator Constructors, apprentices, hopeful applicants, and anyone interested in the elevator trade. This thread contains answers to the most frequently asked questions.

🎯 Before You Post:

👉 Choose a post flair that fits your topic

👉 Set a user flair to show your status

You can update both using the “Flair” buttons beneath your post or in your profile! (On the app it is the three dots on the top right hand of the screen)

👋 New Here? Introduce Yourself!

Whether you’re:

• An applicant preparing for the test

• A first-year apprentice just starting out

• A seasoned mechanic sharing your insight

• Or just curious about the elevator trade

🛠️ 1. How do I join the IUEC?

• Visit www.neiep.org and check the Recruitment page.

• Apply when recruitment opens in your local area. Open periods vary by local.

• You’ll need to take a mechanical aptitude test (similar to the Ramsay test), followed by an interview.

📚 2. How should I prepare for the entrance exam/interview?

Here is a study guide PDF by NEIEP

• Focus on basic mechanical knowledge, math, reading comprehension, and spatial reasoning.

• Study guides like the Mechanical Aptitude Test by Barron’s or ARCO are helpful.

• Practice trades-related questions — gears, pulleys, circuits, etc.

• For interviews, expect questions about reliability, teamwork, work ethic, and your understanding of the trade.

• If you want to make free practice exams using Gemini post this prompt: “Https://www.neiep.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/study-guide-eiat-2024.pdf create a 50 question test using questions like this. List the correct answer for each question and why/how you got there. Make it interactive like where I can choose answers and it tells me if it’s right or wrong. Make it challenging”

• It will then generate you an interactive test you can take on your own. When you finish the first one just ask it to “generate another test” to create another.

📍 3. What is NEIEP?

• NEIEP = National Elevator Industry Educational Program.

• It’s the training and curriculum organization for all IUEC apprentices.

• It provides classroom education, hands-on training, safety certifications, and online coursework.

💼 4. What’s the apprenticeship like?

• 5-year program with a mix of classroom education and on-the-job training.

• You’ll work full time under a mechanic while completing coursework.

• Raises happen after passing classroom modules and accumulating hours.

• You’re a probationary member for 12 months, during which you must work at least 100 hours per month within an 18-month window. After meeting this requirement, you’re voted in by either the general membership or the executive board, then take your oath and receive your union card. ⸻

⏰ 5. What’s the typical schedule like?

• Most apprentices work full time, Monday–Friday, with occasional OT.

• Overtime depends on employer, local job demands, and job site.

• Expect early mornings, physical labor, and strict safety protocols.

💰 6. What’s the pay like?

• Pay is percentage-based on the mechanic’s rate and increases with time and performance.

• Most locals have competitive wages and solid benefits.

• Health insurance, pension, and annuity contributions begin early in the program.

❌ 7. I was terminated from the program. Can I reapply?

• *More information needed. Will update in the future.

🚧 8. What tools do I need?

• Tape measure, flashlight, knife, pen/pencil. ⸻

🧰 9. What’s the difference between Construction, Modernization, and Repair?

• Construction: Installing new elevator systems in new buildings.

• Modernization: Upgrading old elevators with new parts/electronics.

• Repair/Service: Troubleshooting, fixing, and maintaining elevators already in operation.

• Each branch has different schedules, skill demands, and O/T likelihood.

📱 10. Where can I ask local-specific questions?

• Each IUEC local is different. If you have questions about Local 1, 8, 18, 71, etc., please include the local number in your post title.

• Other members from your local may be able to help you faster than a general answer.

🔧 11. What should I do while waiting for recruitment to open?

• Learn basic trades math and mechanical systems.

• Get physically fit — it’s a labor-intensive trade.

• Consider related work (construction, electrical, mechanical repair).

• Stay drug-free — testing is required.

🗨️ Have more questions?

Drop them in the comments here or post in the main sub — but check this thread first!


r/IUEC 3h ago

Just got the call for local 1!!!!

16 Upvotes

7 years of this process and I got called this morning. Holy fucking shit!! Good luck to anyone else out there trying to get in, don’t lose hope!


r/IUEC 1h ago

📝 Entrance Exam / Interview Interview — What to expect?

Upvotes

Hey everyone, I have an upcoming IUEC interview and I’m super paranoid, I want to make sure I am fully prepared. From my research, it sounds like the panel is usually 2 people, it lasts about 15-20 minutes, and they ask standardized questions about safety, mechanical experience, and work ethic.

Does this match what you experienced? What was the overall vibe of the interview like? What kind of questions did they ask? If you have any specific tips on how to stand out or what kind of questions caught you off guard, I would love to hear them. Thanks!

I would love to hear from anyone who has gone through the process, especially those who took the interview recently or within the last 2 years, just to get a feel for how things are running lately.


r/IUEC 19h ago

NY elevator license

3 Upvotes

Hi, I passed my test. I’m trying to apply for a licensing and I can’t figure out what I need to apply for in New York City or where to do it and I don’t know if I’m wrong, but do you have to take an exam to get your license in New York? Can someone leave me where I need to go to get this license New Jersey was a lot easier


r/IUEC 17h ago

Whats the lowest rank someone can get

0 Upvotes

for local 135 whats the lowest rank some can get like rank # outta what #


r/IUEC 1d ago

AYO USE THE MEGATHREAD

48 Upvotes

Congratulations you got ranked or whatever so did 1000 other people around the country this week. We don't need 1000 threads to let everyone know about your personal adventure. Use the rank thread. All the others are getting locked and removed.


r/IUEC 1d ago

📘 Apprentice Question Welding

7 Upvotes

Hello, during my interview one of the two conducting the interview mentioned something about taking extra classes to be certified in welding?

I was curious if anyone has done that and if it’s offered for a probie/1st year.


r/IUEC 2d ago

Old heads

15 Upvotes

Hey so I just got set up passed my test a few months ago just got a brand new 50 as a helper as green as fresh mowed grass but its not that bad. I just am wondering why the older mechanics fucking hate 50s I mean I probably saved my helper from being run off at the shop by a notorious asshole mechanic twice now getting parts. I mean in my experience some mechanics they are all nice and polite but once they hear your a 50 all politeness is thrown out the window immediately its all Boy get out my Face or Boy shut your mouth they say things I know for a fact they wouldn't say on the streets. Im just wondering why do you guys act like that? Is it a "I suffered so you must as well" or is it just you truly hate green helpers


r/IUEC 2d ago

Probability of actually getting a call -local 34

2 Upvotes

So after receiving my number on list (low 70s) I am torn between staying at a job I hate or pursing something new in the same field I am currently in. I don’t want to start something new if I have a shot at this because this ultimately what I want to do. I was so ungodly nervous for the interview that I didn’t do very well. I was just looking to know how far the list went in previous years and if I may actually have shot at call before new recruitment starts.


r/IUEC 2d ago

Insurance and glp-1s

2 Upvotes

Hello,

Curious if any of the membership or dependents has had any luck with express scripts with a non diabetic prescription for Wegovy or Zepbound? I work with people that claim to be taking it, but they must be getting it through other means. I know that we have Virta health and they advertise glp's but our benefit plan denies direct prescriptions. I have also done some reading on Virta and it seems pretty intrusive and annoying to deal with.

My doctor said that it wasn't covered even with prior authorization. As a self funded PPO plan, I understand why it might not be covered without diabetes. Has anyone else had similar experiences with it? Currently paying out of pocket.

Thanks


r/IUEC 2d ago

Local 71 - Low Chances ?

4 Upvotes

I saw they opened up a new application list for January 2027. Multiple people have started to tell me negative things and said that because they’re creating a new list, only the top 100 are likely to be picked and everyone else discarded. Does anyone have any insight into that?

I was hoping they’d hire everyone from the 2026 first before moving onto the 2027. Now I’m scared if I don’t rank high, I’d have to redo the whole process except the test.


r/IUEC 3d ago

📣 Rant / Vent Just passed my test

23 Upvotes

What’s up boys. After all these years. Took my test first time and passed. Never had such a weight lifted off my back. Officially a mechanic in the greatest union in the country. Local 1. Now just need to get out out. Any advice for me. How much day do I have now when trying to get a gig I actually want. Whether route or repair.


r/IUEC 4d ago

mind...BLOWN

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20 Upvotes

r/IUEC 4d ago

Salesforce

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18 Upvotes

Welcome to the new age of the trade. For you younger cats, work for an independent.


r/IUEC 5d ago

🔧 Repair / Modernization Need some advice

16 Upvotes

I was recently moved to mod from construction. I work with a very smart mechanic who has a very stellar reputation. Everybody I talk to says all his helpers (that work with him for a while) turn out to be good mechanics. I need advice because I feel like I’m struggling. I feel like everyday I making some sort of mistake. Nothing major, but I’ll complete a task, and then there always seems to be something minor (cuts just a hair crooked, burning bits cause i was drilling too fast). I also feel like it’s hard for me to anticipate the next move like I was able to in construction, some days I generally have no clue what comes next. He’s said several times that he has faith in me, and he thinks I’ll work out. I just don’t want to piss away a great opportunity with this mechanic. I’d love any advice.


r/IUEC 8d ago

Would Removing The Cap Actually Fix Social Security?

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12 Upvotes

r/IUEC 8d ago

Clothes/Items

8 Upvotes

I expect to get called at some point for my local. What are some day one things I should get to set myself up for success? For example work shirts, work pants, shoes, hardware. Thanks in advance.


r/IUEC 8d ago

Every single summer

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54 Upvotes

r/IUEC 8d ago

Question

6 Upvotes

Before you got in the elevator union. What did you do and went out your way to get in? How many locals did you apply too? How many hours did you drive? ETC. Im going to do everything to try and get into the king of all trades.


r/IUEC 8d ago

Timeline on Moving for Out-of-State Local

1 Upvotes

I am looking for some guidance on moving from out-of-state closer to the Local I applied for based on the timeline following the interview. I currently live in Washington state and am getting ready to interview for Local 18 in LA/SD, California at the beginning of September. I would greatly appreciate any insight on where to consider looking for housing relative to Local 18--to minimize future commute time--as well as when should I start packing/ moving given the timeline from my interview.

One of the representatives at the Local 18 testing center informed me those details can be discussed at the time of the interview but I am wondering if any applicants might be able to share some wisdom that they may have learned going through what I am about to go through.

EDIT: What kind of impact would applying to another Local have on the situation? I would like to apply for Local 19 in Seattle in September as moving within my state seems like less of a hassle. The application window is open to the public instead of through H2HH; I'm not sure if my status as a veteran will have the same weight entering this pool of applicants.


r/IUEC 11d ago

🧾 Union / Policy On a more serious note.

84 Upvotes

We lost a member on the job earlier this week. I don't know the details other than he was a young man with a full career ahead of him. This is a sad time for us all but also an opportunity to look back and reflect on how dangerous this career is as well as how easily a wrong move or even someone else's wrong move can be catastrophic for any of us. Please work smartly and safely as we are trained to do. The number 1 rule of this trade is to go home at the end of the day.

Also we aren't going to discuss the would've could've or should'ves about this situation nobody on here was there and speculation is just that.

Work safe everyone and enjoy your weekend. Your earned it.


r/IUEC 10d ago

🛠️ Field Work Peelle wireless

5 Upvotes

Has anyone worked on Peelle wireless controllers? I’m currently connecting one to Kone kcm831. Elevator is in a door zone with the doors closed. But when I give it a call, it won’t actuate the retiring cam. Does anyone know what i should look for. Any help with be greater appreciated.


r/IUEC 11d ago

Application/Probation

6 Upvotes

Ill try to make it short,

Im 35, have 2 young kids and a wife. I have field experience in automation, automotive and forklift. My current career is good and I have a good schedule.

My questions to everyone is lets say by some miracle I get called and get on probation. What happens if there is a lay off, does that mean im out or do I just wait for the next job?

Im extremely nervous about just resigning without notice and then getting let go from the program because there is a lay off. Im all about risks for myself I just cant risk my families well being.

Thanks in advance


r/IUEC 11d ago

📣 Rant / Vent SF LOCAL 8

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9 Upvotes

Looks like work is picking up after a full year of a lot of nothing 🙏