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 Apprenticeship 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, “That students continue to train remotely, reducing the gap between learning and learning in the classroom.”
The Alliance is promoting the use of new technologies so that teachers and students can connect virtually. It 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 moved on to blended learning.
IBEW apprenticeship training
Trade-related classroom training produces competition and pride that leads to true craftsmanship. This is what the union is proud of!
In addition to on-the-job training, you will receive a truly hands-on environment that mimics working in the field and covers a variety of aspects that you will encounter on the job.
Classroom education cannot teach you everything, however, it provides you with a solid foundation for you to develop and develop your skills.
The five-step process to begin your IBEW learning:
# 1. Decide which program is right for you
The first thing is to locate an IBEW apprenticeship and learn about the training programs they offer.
Options can include:
External Lineman, Internal Wireman, Technical (sound and communication) and Residential Wireman
You must understand that not every apprenticeship offers every program. Outside lineman apprenticeship is only offered at training centers specifically designed for that program.
In some cases, you can find an apprenticeship like the Puget Sound Electrical JATC that offers three programs; Construction Apprentice (internal technician), Sound and Communications (technician) and Residential.
Apprentice salaries are based on a percentage of the Journeyman scale. At first glance, the salaries of a first-year apprentice are low. However, they increase in increments after a period of time of 6 to 12 months or 1000 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 salaries than those in the South, but you need to remember that the cost of living is higher in those areas as well.
# 2. Apply to learning
Some training centers have online applications, but in most cases you will have to complete the actual paperwork. Filling out extensive paperwork can be a daunting task, but luckily for you this time it will be different because a new beginning is just around the corner.
Once you get started, you’ll need to start looking up high school or college transcripts and trying to remember the last four addresses you’ve lived in.
Complete everything. Write legibly. If your handwriting is poor, ask someone who can write legibly to fill it out.
Don’t leave anything blank! If you absolutely must leave something blank, call the training center office and ask them what to do. It is always best to check with those who will handle your request.
The general requirements for applicants are as follows:
Minimum age 18
Be a high school graduate, have your GED, or have an associate’s degree of two years or more
Demonstrate successful completion of high school algebra or a 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 screenings, a physical exam, a safety 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 skip the minimum requirements as long as you provide indisputable documentation proving your work hours.
# 3. Preparation and approval of the aptitude test
This is where you want to do your best and score very high! I can’t stress this enough because applicants for the apprenticeship are ranked from highest to lowest, and those who score the highest are invited for an 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 parties.
IBEW math learning test
The Algebra and Functions portion has 33 questions with a 46 minute time limit. 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 equals 5 and C equals 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?
A. y = 3 × 2 + 9x-30
B. y = x2 + 3x-10
C. y = 3 × 2 + 3x-10
D. y = 3 × 2 + 3x-30
3. Consider the following pattern of numbers: 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 may want to 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. A paragraph is easy to read, but understanding the context can be tricky. Here is a sample of what you will likely see on the exam.
The time of New Years Day has changed with customs and calendars. The Mayan civilization, in what is now called the Yucatan Peninsula in Mexico, celebrated the New Year on one of two days when the noon 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 southward path and once on its northward path. In the ancient Mayan city of Izapa, in southern Yucatán, the deadline for the sun as it passed south was August 13.
The Mayans celebrated this as the date of the beginning of the new year. Later, at the northernmost Mayan site of Edzna, the corresponding upper date is July 26. Analyzes of Mayan pictorial calendars indicate that they celebrated the New Year on August 13 before AD 150. C. and July 26 after that year.
This change has been explained by archaeological dating showing that 150 AD was the time when the Mayans moved the center of their civilization from the southern site to the north.
1. According to the passage, the sun in Edzna was directly overhead at noon on:
A. July 26 only
B. Only on August 13
C. July 26 and another date
D. August 13 and another date
2. If the Mayans had moved the center of their civilization to the south of Izapa, their new date for the celebration of the New Year would probably have been closer 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 Edzna the capital because it was more temperate than Izapa.
B. All the Maya moved to Edzna in AD 150. C.
The Mayans used calendars to mark the passage of time.
D. The Mayan city of Izapa was destroyed in 150 AD
Answer Key:
Algebra
1 B
2. A
3. C
4. A
Reading comprehension
1 C
2. D
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 for months without knowing if they will accept you can drive you crazy.
Stay calm and don’t call the learning office a thousand times to ask why you haven’t received an answer. Be patient, they will notify you when you have been selected and will schedule 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 to 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, please tell us how you resolved it.
Here are some tips for conducting an interview.
When answering questions, make an effort to give a direct answer and do not ramble.
Keep your answers 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 speaking.
Have a positive attitude, it says a lot about you.
Present yourself in a professional manner. 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 cool, shaved haircut (or at least cut out your grumpy face).
Be honest! Tell them what you are looking to gain from the program and why you think they 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 questioning you in the eye and give them solid answers.
Give everyone in the interview room a firm handshake and look them in the eye.
Don’t smell like alcohol or cigarettes.
Get a good night’s rest.
Remember that as an apprentice, you start from the bottom level. That means it is more work than skill and you will be put to work accordingly; namely. digging trenches, setting up scaffolding and ladders, crawling in dark and dirty places, carrying material.
Safety is priority no. 1 and should be taken into account when answering questions. Sample answer: “whatever it takes to get the job done, safely and according to the rules.”
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 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 scored high on your aptitude test. Now is the time to wait for the letter that will change your life.