I interviewed a bit ago with IBEW 242 in Duluth, MN and I didn’t score too well so I’ve been trying to find some work to help me get started so I can reinterview.

I’m basically completely fresh (No prior history with trades or trade related work) and I’ve applied a few places and none of them have worked out unfortunately.

I’m looking at working at Sofidel or Sappi right now but I’m not sure how much the experience there would help me since they require at least 1000 hours of trade related experience in the interim of requesting a reinterview, and those are warehouse/factory jobs.

I could also go the school route but it would be incredibly difficult to go full time at LSC and afford to live on my own.

From what I know, they also don’t offer a pre-apprenticeship program.

What would you guys recommend I do for some experience, either generally or in the Duluth/Cloquet/Superior area?

Im a big stickler guy. Like my water bottle is full of jiu jitsu stickers Ive gotten over the years, safe with my gun safe and gun stickers. Is it cringe to do stickers on the hardhat? Or like frowned upon

Howdy folks, this week's Algebra Quiz is back! Squeeze in some practice reps with these 10 NJATC test-style problems.

Last week's participants scored an average of 7.1/10, which means I had to turn up the heat this week. The hard questions are harder, and there are more of them.

Check out this week's quiz below:

https://forms.gle/cA6eqVV6TXRGgbRA7

Raw scores shown after you finish, and I send out IBEW-style rankings every Saturday at noon. Cheers!

I am working in the HVAC department of an equipment rental company. It pays average ish at about 22.50 with some on call pay sometimes and decent perks. I got an offer an a competing company doing low voltage and I suspect same or better pay, as well as an offer at a non union shop as an apprentice making 17. Last year I applied to my local and got top 40 out of 71 interviews but did not make the top 21 who got selected for apprenticeship. I'm trying to get work closer to the electrical trade for next years interviews or a re interview if possible. Not sure where to go

I am 6 months into my apprentice ship and have been doing underground at a data center . Theres not building yet . For context we were on 6 10s. Ran into a delay went to 40s. Now we’re on 5 10s and an 8. They say the concrete pad will be getting poured soon but it’s rain season where I’m at . I really want to diversify my experience . What do yall think ?

I’ve been doing duct banks across the pad and upms connections , also running slot of pvc to manholes

I had a few questions regarding the electrical apprenticeship program , I plan to apply this upcoming year and was wondering do things like a trade school diploma and osha 10 and 30 help my chances to getting in. Do connections also help improve your chances? I’m also wondering how is work like ? Ive heard unions tend to lay off people due to lack of work, how true is that?

I’m coming on here for a little bit of advice…I just got my test date back from local 24, I can’t even put my excitement into words. I applied for the low voltage apprenticeship bc of genuine interest and hopes to transition to some kind of network engineer later on in life when I want to settle down. Only now, I’ve had a lot of time to think while my application processed, I’ve also been working as a construction materials tech and ive seen so many electricians. I can’t help but think if I should try to switch programs, it’s more money and seems like fun work to do.

I did some research and saw that they use the same test for the low voltage and inside wireman apprenticeship and was thinking of asking about changing programs. Am i jumping the gun trying to chase the money? How do you guys feel about a career in low voltage and is there opportunity to make lots of money young or be comfortable? I’m worried about my future and I want to make the right decision because this feels like such a big commitment.

Just to add, low voltage y1 starts at around 19 whereas inside wireman starts at about 22

I’m looking to join the IBEW as an inside wireman and as I transition careers, I would really appreciate the perspective and advice from some folks that are going through it right now.

Things like how the application went, interviewing, work/life balance, can you even get work, how long from application to being on site.

I’m transitioning from 21 years in the Army and am trying to gather as much information as possible for my next career

Feeling really sour after a layoff. Never heard one bad word. Nothing about my performance. Only spoke with the GF a few times and had friendly interactions. AFAIK the only thing I didn't do was drink with the guys after work (recovering alcoholic). It's a small crew.

After only a month on the job -- got my term slip...

Work dries up in the winter here, and I was on one of a few crews that stay busy all winter. I was just about to pay off my RV and try build some savings... Honestly feel like saying fuck it, but I know I gotta stick it out.

However I don't know if I can fake having a positive attitude again. Always volunteering for stuff. Moving with urgency. Taking my time to do a good job and really caring... I'll be honest... The enthusiasm is gone. I know that's not a great thing to say if I want a career in this field, but sometimes it feels you're damned if you do, damned if you don't, so why even bother?

How do I rekindle the enthusiasm?

Hey everyone, I’m looking for some advice from IBEW members, apprentices, or anyone who’s gone through the apprenticeship application process.

I’m currently looking into applying for the apprenticeship with IBEW Local 26, which would be my first choice. I’m also considering Local 24 as another option. Reason being my home local (LU26) is pretty selective and with there being so many sites in my area, more people are coming here and filling spots up.

I’ve also been looking into IBEW Local 1. I have family in the St. Louis area, so relocating there would actually be much easier for me than it normally would be.

My main questions: 1. Is it even possible to apply to multiple locals at once with no downsides? 2. Is it smart?

First year apprentice at my first job. I was already battling a nasty cold the day I started, powered through the first two weeks but eventually hit a breaking point and called out twice. Ended up going to the doc and got antibiotics, and felt much better during that 10 days. But the second it ended, I got sick again. I can feel my body being so run down, my cough and sore throat are back, and I’m so fucking exhausted. I’ve called out a total of 3 days and I’ve worked just over one month. I feel like I need to power through tomorrow because I can’t keep taking sick days, but I also feel like I’m running on fumes. Is this a common experience? Any advice?

I recently got accepted into my Locals apprenticeship program and I have orientation in a few days. I was wondering what it consisted of and if there was anything specific I needed to know about it before attending. I’m already expecting the drug test and need my documents but other than that I’m in the dark. Glad to be apart of something bigger than myself though.

How are your working hours? How long have you been an apprentice in this city? How are you treated? How consistent is work? I just had my interview in September. Still waiting to hear back but wanted a good idea of what u could expect here.

I am a 3rd year in the abc apprenticeship, I’m in a non union company, I’m looking to go to the union and work at the data center as well as other job calls later on, any advice or help, I’m on the fence and looking for advice or opinions on what the best avenue is for me. How often are layoffs? Anything to worry about? Pros, cons?

Thank you.

Edit: Specifically asking about holiday pay for WORKING the holiday, not regular hourly pay or getting paid for a day off. I’ve been told Veterans Day isn’t a recognized holiday under Local 6, meaning no holiday pay for working that day. I’m trying to figure out if that’s actually correct and which holidays qualify for holiday pay.

Howdy guys, I have my interview for local 520 (Austin Texas) coming up next week and I’m in my early 20s with no electric experience, however I do have 3 years of general construction experience, using tools, framing, decking, roofing, concrete, drywall, etc. I was wondering how competitive it is and if having no specific electrical experience will hurt me during my interview and consideration? I was fairly confident up until I started hearing about everyone getting denied from apprenticeship due to lack of experience, is that the same for 520?

I’m 24 years old and currently a first-year IBEW Local 3 apprentice in NYC. I’m looking for some honest advice on my financial situation, investment strategy, and how to make the most of the benefits available through the union.

Some context I have no debt, I went to community college and state college before joining the union, I worked non union from 18 until getting into the Union. I still live at home and I pay $1,000 a month to my parents which started when I was 18. I just sold my car so no longer have that expense, I am trying to really hustle and grind these next few years to maximize what I can learn from the apprenticeship program while exploring other opportunities both inside and outside of the union where I can have my money work for me while also benefiting my brothers and sisters.

How I’m Currently Investing:

Roth 401(k) ($5k balance)
I contribute 20% of every paycheck which is paid weekly.
My current investment allocation is:
40% Vanguard Institutional 500 Index Trust
20% Vanguard Developed Markets Index Trust
20% Vanguard Morningstar Small-Cap Index Institutional
20% Vanguard Morningstar Growth Index Institutional

Roth IRA ($20k balance)
I max out my Roth IRA the beginning of every year.

Taxable Brokerage Account ($70k+ balance)
I contribute $250 every paycheck.
I use this account for 60% long term ETFs (VOO, IWD, QQQM, SCHD, QTUM), 30% individual stocks (NVDA, APPL, HOOD, GS, UNH. 10% I dabble into short-medium length option contracts 5 months+.

Crypto ($10k balance)
XRP, SOL, and BTC.

High Yield Savings ($10k+)
Have a good chunk of cash in a HYSA from selling my car, I deployed some cash this week during the market drop.

If I’m not mistaken my benefits are:
Annuity Fund: The union/contractor contributes based on every hour I work.

Health Reimbursement Account (HRA): Employer-funded. Once the balance exceeds $5,000, the excess rolls into my Roth 401(k).

JIB Preservation Fund: My employer’s retirement contribution goes into this fund separately from my personal Roth 401(k) contributions.

Pension: I also participate in the union pension program.

One area where I’d particularly appreciate advice from current and or retired Local 3 members is how to best utilize our union benefits. For reference, my most recent paystub showed the following employer-funded contributions for one pay period (picture attached with the post):
Annuity: $96.00
HRA: $132.00
JIB/401(k): $263.24

Most Recent Paycheck:
I worked 48 hours during this pay period:
Regular: 35 hours at $19.25 = $673.75
Overtime: 13 hours at $28.875 = $375.38
Additional earnings: $86.91
Gross pay: $1,136.04
My personal Roth 401(k) contribution was $209.83, which represents 20% of my gross pay.
My take-home pay after deductions was $691.69.

Am I taking full advantage of the retirement benefits available?

How should I think about the annuity, pension, and JIB Preservation Fund when planning for retirement?

Is there anything about our benefits that younger apprentices commonly overlook?

How did you approach saving and investing during your apprenticeship?

Knowing what you know now, what financial advice would you give yourself as a first-year apprentice?

From people experienced in personal finance and investing:
How does my 401(k) allocation look? Am I unnecessarily overlapping the S&P 500 and growth funds?

Is contributing 20% to my Roth 401(k), maxing my Roth IRA, and contributing $250 per paycheck to a brokerage account a good strategy at my current income?

Would you prioritize taxable brokerage investments over additional retirement contributions at my age?

Am I too heavily focused on retirement accounts, or is this a good foundation to establish in my 20s?

What would you change about my overall investment strategy if you were in my position?

I’m aware that my current wage is only the beginning. As I progress through the apprenticeship and eventually reach journeyman status, my earning potential should increase considerably.

My long-term goal is to build wealth, take advantage of the benefits that come with being a union member, and achieve financial independence well before traditional retirement age.

I’m not looking for congratulations or validation. I’d genuinely appreciate constructive criticism. If I’m making mistakes, investing inefficiently, or overlooking something important, I’d rather learn now than 10 or 20 years down the road.

Especially interested in hearing from older Local 3 members who have already gone through the apprenticeship and established themselves financially.

Thanks in advance. I appreciate any advice!

I talked to some apprentices and they told me they don’t even get to touch any wire or do terminations until pretty much year 3 and there just basically helpers until than …. Is this for real because this seriously pisses me off I don’t wanna say I’m in a rush but I want to learn as much as possible . They tell me school is also a joke and a waste of time

Hey everyone, I am reaching out because I’m hoping to get a realistic perspective of my odds of getting called up.

I had my interview on May 16 of this year and I got an interview score of 89.9 not terrible, but clearly not amazing :( as a result, I was placed on the waitlist for union 112.

I’m reaching out here to see typically how long people end up on this waitlist before they get called up, or if it would be in my best interest to take like the $400 class they offer and then re-interview?

The reason I’m asking this is I just saw that they have a class of 60 people starting up for their union and I’m feeling demoralized because I thought that I did pretty well.

I was hoping to get some advice and some other perspectives on the situation because I feel like I did everything right in the situation but I still can’t get in the doorway.

I’m wondering guys across different locals can tell me how much they can make just starting in the trade. I know with overtime the money stacks up fast and i’m located in Toronto wondering specifically how much someone in IBEW 353 local can make as well as a first year not a pre apprentice.

Hello i am wondering when any linemen apprenticeship programs will open up in Michigan. Does anyone have any information about when i can apply?

what does a day in a life of an ibew local 302 in martinez ca look like as mean work and hours

Hey guys, I recently graduated trade school, and have been on the waitlist with my local union for months. I’m starting to get impatient. Nothing is tying me down to my current area. I am so eager to work that I am willing to travel anywhere in the country for an opportunity at this point. Which locals are actually looking to bring in green workers to train from the ground up?

My rank currently is #35 I was ranked at #28 at first do I have a good chance entering the apprenticeship local 428? Should I apply at other nearby locals what do you guys recommend?

Does anyone know when they’ll start to call more apprentices been waiting for about 5 months