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IBEW ranking system

20K views 14 replies 12 participants last post by  Sparky0311 
#1 ·
Greetings fellow Sparkies!

I have a question regarding the ranking system for entry into apprenticeship. I just received my letter from the JATC. My overall score was 99.25% and I'm ranked number 17. My letter indicated that I would be reconsidered for another interview if I have 450 or more hours of field experience and or complete two industry related classes. I'm a little confused. I spent 12 years in the Marines, my last 4 being an electrician. I completed a trade school, and I've been working commercial going on 2 years. The local 180 states that any veteran doesn't have to take an aptitude test and that I qualified for the oral interview. Anyone have any advice as to why I would be number 17 but have a high score? Is the fact that I was able to bypass the aptitude test hurting me
 
#5 · (Edited)
I've been a union member for 15 years and have never experienced any Mafia-like situations. I also have not seen very much nepotism although there are sons who follow their fathers into the trade. Did they have a leg up on getting hired, perhaps. But maybe it's because they already were oriented toward the trade and had some skills by osmosis. Every local is different so perhaps I just belong to a good one.

The ranking you describe is not universally used at all locals. Every local is free to choose how they recruit apprentices. One thing probably is universal though: they only bring in apprentices when they need them to fill jobs. If there are lots of people are waiting for a job, less apprentices will be recruited.

You sound like a strong candidate. Perhaps the apprenticeship board is unaware of how strong you are. I would get an appointment with the apprenticeship school leader and have a discussion about it. Review your qualifications with him/her. At minimum you may be able to get more information about what is happening and their projected hiring.
 
#9 ·
I've been a union member for 15 years and have never experienced any Mafia-like situations. I also have not seen very much nepotism although there are sons who follow their fathers into the trade. Did they have a leg up on getting hired, perhaps. But maybe it's because they already were oriented toward the trade and had some skills by osmosis. Every local is different so perhaps I just belong to a good one.

The ranking you describe is not universally used at all locals. Every local is free to choose how they recruit apprentices. One thing probably is universal though: they only bring in apprentices when they need them to fill jobs. If there are lots of people are waiting for a job, less apprentices will be recruited.

You sound like a strong candidate. Perhaps the apprenticeship board is unaware of how strong you are. I would get an appointment with the apprenticeship school leader and have a discussion about it. Review your qualifications with him/her. At minimum you may be able to get more information about what is happening and their projected hiring.

Is there any public ranking I can check that what is my local like? OP's experience very intimidating for candidates without field experience.
 
#6 ·
Greetings fellow Sparkies!

I have a question regarding the ranking system for entry into apprenticeship. I just received my letter from the JATC. My overall score was 99.25% and I'm ranked number 17.
...
Anyone have any advice as to why I would be number 17 but have a high score? Is the fact that I was able to bypass the aptitude test hurting me
I worked IBEW local 213 from 2001 thru 2006. I started immediately after an aptitude test and interview. No mention of ranking. Nepotism wasn't a factor - I applied cold - didn't know anybody. Did my whole apprenticeship and got my journeyman TQ.

Looking for work a few years later at local 230... crickets.

If your local has weird ways, I suggest trying a different one.
 
#11 ·
It just means 16 people "qualified" before you. It's not a "nepotism" thing at all. Although, people with family in the union are sorta preferred, it is a "brotherhood" after all, it's not based on that anymore. The union is kinda picky about who gets in, but that's a good thing. Ask the organizer about the "Helmets to Hardhats" program, we/they do give priority to vets over most everyone else. And, a big thank you for your service.
 
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