RIVETER

Buy tools...at least pocket tools,eg., channelocks screwdriver, side cutters, rule, If you show up with nothing you'll regret it. You only get one chance to make a first impression.

miller_elex

An entrance exam is just that....
Try to screen out the guys who don't make the intellectual cut.

It's a little early to toot your own horn.

Best worker I ever saw, was an old-timer. He hauled A55. Unfortunately, he couldn't pass the Theory school-term after two tries. What a tragic loss to us in my opinion, the young fat white entitled crowd could have learned alot from him.

william1978

Congrats on the test score. If you can afford the tools then go ahead and buy them.

mikeh32

hate to say this... But i just got in and never once got a letter with my score on it. just a letter saying congrats.

when i did not get in, i got a letter saying my score.

Savage16

never recieved a letter but when I called the JATC the lady informed me that I was #2 on the list

John Valdes

It's not entirely true you will be digging ditches and getting filthy at work just because you are a green apprentice. Alot depends on the job you get sent to. If its a commercial multi story project you might miss all the ground work completely. It also depends on who you are working for. I know my apprenticeship was not what many here describe. I was taken under wing by the nicest and smartest guy on the job. Once that happened the other experienced and qualified guys would ask for me. I got lots of gravy and lots of instruction by smart great people.
Do not let the others worry you about this. But also remember most of the people on this site hate unions and treat helpers like s**t. My experience with unions was only positive.
Notice I use the word "helper". This is the non-union equivalent of laborer. Helpers usually have no idea where they are going and how long it will take.
On the other hand you are an "apprentice". You will have work when JW's are sitting at home. You will have a clear vision for your future. You will know when you can become the JW or master. You will know what your pay is before you step onto the site. You will know how overtime is handled. You will know what the other apprentices are making and what you can make after a certan period of time. You are fortunate to get this opportunity. Don't waste it.
Get some hand tools and be ready for the ride of your life. Good Luck.

iwa

Congrats on getting in the IBEW! I started two years ago at the ripe age of 18. Expect to get down and dirty in the trenches and ready to do pretty much anything. I was lucky my first year I got to work a few months in a UPS shipping facility working with PLC's. When summer hit they sent me to a school job and I spent the summer with a shovel, sledge hammer, and 8ft. grounding rods. The first lesson I learned was you have to be willing to educate yourself, I would ask (and still do) my journeyman if I could take home any paperwork relating to electrical work (fixtures, transformers, etc.). You can also find a wealth of open classes and help at your local JATC. Good luck man!

hillman1

I was 13th on the list after the interview. It took a few weeks, but went to orientation, and was working within a week. The other apprentices needed to attend a 10 hour osha course. I had already taken it--so if you're thinking you might get called and don't have the course--you can find one online that would be accepted in whatever state you reside in. Once on the job with a JW it was great. Be ready to have your balls busted, and don't get your panties in a bunch. I went right to work bending EMT and putting it up, on a job remodeling Dorms at Syracuse University. The idea about getting a catalog to familiarize yourself with all things electric is a great one, you will be running for the JW's and it sucks to not know what it is that they are asking for. They all understand that you are new and they are there to help you, just listen well the first time and do everything to the best of your ability. The only thing I could add to this is to toughen up your hands any way possible. My hands are completely wrecked, I do have gloves but it's tough to do everything with them on, and if there is anyway to get your hands on some EMT and a bender, get on it. Practice offsets, box offsets, and 90's. Good luck Edited for this---I got a basic tool list to bring to the job. It's a good list. But I added a pipe reamer and tin snips. You don't want to be the guy borrowing tools on your first day.

__________________
set the gearshift for the highgear of your soul

Savage16

so at #2 on the apprentice waiting list how long do you guys think i could potenially be waiting, interview was june 22

IBEW269

I got a really low score the 1st year I went.. 76%. I took a couple classes and reinterviewed last month. This time around I never got a score given to me, I just got a letter two weeks later stating that I got in and where to go for a physical and a drug screen. Then when that came back good I went to the benefits office and filled out paperwork!

cubbiecool23

Just received my oral interview score and got a 95, but unfortunately it just puts me inside the top 30 . Anyone have any suggestions on how to get some actual experience without having to take classes?

Krack826

i havent got in yet but took my aptitude yest and they didnt give me a score they just tell us if you are above or below the minimum score and to report for your interview which i did last week i feel confident i was the first interview of the day out of sixteen applicants split between two areas now its a waiting game for what will hopefully be a congrats letter lol

Krack826

how long after you received your acceptance letter did you start work ?