How to join IBEW learning
What is IBEW learning?
The apprenticeship is a joint program between the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW) and the National Electrical Contractors Association (NECA). This training program was formally known as the National Joint Apprentice Training Committee, or NJATC, and is now the Electrical Training Alliance.
Alliance was developed to go beyond the textbook and use blended learning by enabling, “Students can continue learning remotely, bridging the gap between classroom learning and learning.”
The Alliance encourages the use of new technologies so instructors and students can connect virtually. This allows instructors to spend less time reviewing homework and increase the amount of hands-on instruction for students.
As of now, not all apprenticeships have transitioned to blended learning.
IBEW Apprenticeship Training
Trade-related classroom training builds competence and pride that leads to true craftsmanship. This is what the union is proud of!
In addition to on-the-job training, you’ll receive a true hands-on environment that mimics working in the field and covers a variety of aspects you’ll encounter on the job.
Classroom education cannot teach you everything, however it provides a solid foundation for you to develop and develop your skills.
The five-step process to start your IBEW apprenticeship:
#1. Decide which program is right for you
The first thing is to locate an IBEW internship and find out about the training programs they offer.
Options may include:
External Lineman, Internal Wireman, Technician (sound and communication) and Residential Wireman
You must understand that every apprenticeship does not offer every program. The outside lineman apprenticeship is only offered at training centers specifically designed for that program.
In some cases, you can find an apprenticeship like Puget Sound Electrical JATC that offers three programs; Construction apprentice (in-house technician), sound and communications (technical) and residential.
An apprentice’s wages are based on a percentage of the Journeyman scale. At first glance, the salaries of a first-year trainee are low. However, they increase in increments after a time period of 6 to 12 months or 1,000 hours of work completed.
Salaries fluctuate between local IBEW unions, city to city, and state to state. West Coast and Upper East Coast apprentices earn higher wages than those in the South, but you have to remember that the cost of living is also higher in those areas.
#two. apply to learning
Some training centers have online applications, but in most cases, you’ll need to fill out the actual paperwork. Filling out extensive paperwork can be a daunting task, but luckily for you this time it will be different because a fresh start is just around the corner.
Once you get started, you’ll need to start looking at high school or college transcripts and try to remember the last four addresses you’ve lived at.
Fill everything. Write legibly. If your handwriting is poor, ask someone who can write legibly to fill it in.
Don’t leave anything blank! If you have to leave something blank, call the training center office and ask what you need to do. It is always best to check with those who will be handling your request.
The general requirements for applicants are as follows:
Minimum age 18
Be a high school graduate, have your GED, or have a two-year associate’s degree or higher
Show successful completion of high school algebra or post-high school algebra course with a passing grade
Provide an official transcript for high school and post-high school education and training. If applicable, GED records must be submitted
Note: Some programs have additional basic requirements, such as drug testing, a physical exam, security background check, or a valid driver’s license. If you have been working in the electrical construction industry and meet specific work hour requirements, the training center you are applying to may not meet the minimum requirements as long as you provide indisputable documentation of your work hours.
#3. Preparation and approval of the aptitude test
This is where you want to do your best and get a very high score! I cannot stress this enough because apprenticeship applicants are ranked from highest to lowest, with the highest scorers being invited to interview first. The aptitude test consists of two parts; Algebra and Functions, and Reading Comprehension. The test takes approximately two and a half hours to complete with a break between the two parts.
IBEW Learning Mathematics Test
The Algebra and Functions portion has 33 questions with a time limit of 46 minutes. Reading Comprehension has 36 questions with a time limit of 51 minutes. With only 33 questions there is little room for error. You must be prepared to be able to limit wrong answers.
Here are some math problems to test your skill.
algebra sample
1. Consider the following formula: A = B + 3 ( 4 – C )
If B is equal to 5 and C is equal to 2, what is the value of A?
A.7
B.11
C.12
D.17
2. Consider the following formula: y = 3 ( x + 5 ) ( x – 2 )
Which of the following formulas is equivalent to this?
Ay=3×2+9x-30
B. y=x2+3x-10
Cy=3×2+3x-10
Dy=3×2+3x-30
3. Consider the following number pattern: 110, 112, 107, 109, 104
What is the next number in the pattern?
A.97
B.99
C.106
D.109
4. Consider the following formula: a = 1/2 b – 4
Which of the following statements is true for this formula?
A. When the value of b is less than 8, a is negative.
B. When the value of b is greater than 8, a is negative.
C. When the value of b is less than 8, a is positive.
D. When the value of b is greater than 4, a is positive.
If you need to brush up on your math skills, you can check out Khan Academy’s Algebra 1 course. This is a FREE course!
Also check with your local community college to see if algebra courses are offered.
IBEW learning reading comprehension
Reading comprehension measures your ability to retain information. Reading a paragraph is simple, but understanding the context can be tricky. Here is a sample of what you are likely to see on the exam.
The time of New Year’s Day has changed with customs and calendars. The Mayan civilization, in what is now called the Yucatan Peninsula in Mexico, celebrated New Years on one of the two days when the midday sun is directly overhead.
In the equatorial regions of the earth, between the Tropics of Cancer and Capricorn, the sun is in this position twice a year, once on its way south and once on its way north. In the ancient Mayan city of Izapa, in southern Yucatan, the aerial date for the passage of the sun to the south was August 13.
The Mayans celebrated this as the date of the beginning of the New Year. Later, at the northernmost Maya site of Edzná, the corresponding upper date is July 26. Analysis of Mayan pictorial calendars indicates that they celebrated the New Year on August 13 before 150 AD. C. and on July 26 after that year.
This change has been explained by archaeological dating showing that AD 150 was the time the Maya moved the center of their civilization from the south to the north site.
1. According to the passage, the sun in Edzna was directly overhead at noon:
A. Only on July 26
B. Only on August 13
C. July 26 and other date
D. August 13 and other date
2. If the Maya had moved the center of their civilization south of Izapa, their new date for the New Year’s celebration would likely have been closest to which of the following dates?
A. January 1
B. February 20
c. March 25
D. September 15
3. Based on the information in the passage, which of the following statements is true?
A. The Mayans made Edzná the capital because it was warmer than Izapa.
B. All the Mayans moved to Edzná in the year 150 AD
C. The Mayans used calendars to mark the passage of time.
D. The Mayan city of Izapa was destroyed in AD 150
Answer key:
Algebra
1 B
2.A
3.C
4.A
Reading comprehension
1 C
2D
3.C
#4. Waiting for your interview
This is by far the most frustrating and stressful part of the entire process. Many training centers only accept candidates once or twice a year and having to wait months without knowing if they will accept you can drive you crazy.
Keep calm and don’t call the apprenticeship office a thousand times asking why you haven’t received an answer. Be patient, they will notify you when you have been selected and they will set a time to do an interview.
#5. The interview
The interview panel is made up of members of the National Electrical Contractors Association (NECA) and the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW). Based on the interview and a review of your qualifications, you will receive an overall ranking.
Examples of questions you may be asked during the interview:
Why do you want to be part of this program?
What kind of electrical experience do you have?
Do you work better in a team or alone? Why?
Describe a time when you did a project from start to finish.
Tell us about a situation where you had to complete a project where you didn’t have the necessary tools to finish it.
If you have been involved in a conflict, tell us how you resolved it?
Here are some tips for the interview.
When answering questions, make an effort to give a direct answer and don’t ramble.
Keep your responses on topic and don’t use filler words like “um” or “uhh.”
Don’t cross your arms. Put your hands together and sit still, don’t squirm.
Take the time to formulate your response before you speak.
Have a positive attitude, that speaks volumes about you.
Present yourself professionally. No suit and tie, but dress for success. A nice pair of pants or jeans, a nice shirt (no T-shirts), clean shoes, and a new haircut and shave (or at least trim your grumpy face).
Be honest! Tell them what you are looking to gain from the program and why you think you are an ideal candidate. Remember that you are dedicated, show initiative to learn, and have a strong work ethic.
Maintain eye contact. Look whoever is asking you in the eye and give solid answers.
Give everyone in the interview room a firm handshake and look them in the eye.
Does not smell of alcohol or cigarettes.
Get a good night’s rest.
Remember that as an apprentice you start from the bottom level. That means you are more work than skill and will be put to work accordingly; namely. digging trenches, setting up scaffolding and ladders, crawling in dark and dirty places, hauling material.
Safety is priority number 1 and should be kept in mind when answering questions. Sample answer: “whatever it takes to get the job done, safely and to the letter.”
Post-Interview
After the interview, your name will be placed on an eligibility list for two (2) years. As new positions become available in the apprenticeship program, names will be removed from the eligibility list in order of ranking score. If you are not selected to begin an apprenticeship during that two-year period, you will need to reapply if you are still interested.
But don’t worry, you got the interview right and got a high score on the aptitude test. Now is the time to wait for the letter that will change your life.