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 utilize blended learning by enabling, “Students can continue training remotely, bridging the gap between an apprenticeship and classroom learning.”
Alliance encourages the use of new technologies so that instructors and students can connect virtually. This allows instructors to spend less time reviewing homework and increases the amount of hands-on instruction for students.
As of now, not all apprenticeships have made the transition to blended learning.
IBEW apprentice training
Trade-related classroom training breeds 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 begin your IBEW learning:
#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 need to understand that every apprenticeship does not offer 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 Puget Sound Electrical JATC that offers three programs; Construction apprentice (internal technician), sound and communications (technical) and residential.
Wages for an apprentice are based on a percentage of the Journeyman scale. At first glance, the wages for a first-year trainee are low. However, they increase in increments after a time period of 6 to 12 months or 1000 completed work hours.
Salaries fluctuate between local IBEW unions, from city to city, and from state to state. Apprentices on the West Coast and Upper East Coast earn higher salaries than those in the South, but you have 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’ll need to fill out the actual paperwork. Filling out extensive paperwork can be a daunting task, but luckily for you this time will be different because a fresh start is just around the corner.
Once you start, you’ll have 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.
Leave nothing blank! If you have to leave anything blank, call the training center office and ask them what you need 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 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 proving 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 scoring applicants 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 part 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 they offer algebra courses.
IBEW Learning Reading Comprehension
Reading comprehension measures your ability to retain information. It’s easy to read a paragraph but understanding the context can be tricky. Here’s a sample of what you’ll likely see on the exam.
The timing of New Year’s Day has changed with customs and calendars. The Mayan civilization, in what is now called the Yucatan Peninsula of Mexico, celebrated the New Year 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 southward passage of the sun 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. Analyzes of Maya pictorial calendars indicate that they celebrated the New Year on August 13 before AD 150. C. and on July 26 after that year.
This change has been explained by archaeological dating showing that AD 150 was the time when the Maya moved the center of their civilization from the south to the northern 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 another date
D. August 13 and another 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 probably 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 Mayas made Edzná the capital because it was more temperate than Izapa.
B. All the Maya moved to Edzná in AD 150
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
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 months without knowing if you will be accepted can drive you crazy.
Keep calm and do not call the learning office a thousand times asking why you have not 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 comprised 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 rating.
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? Because?
Describe a time when you did a project from start to finish.
Tell us about a situation where you had to complete a project in which you did not have the necessary tools to finish it.
If you have been involved in a conflict, tell us how you resolved it?
Here are some interview tips.
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 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 pair of slacks or nice jeans, a nice shirt (not t-shirts), clean shoes, and a new haircut and shave (or at least trim down your grumpy face).
Be honest! Tell them what you are looking to get out of 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 the questioner in the eye and give them solid answers.
Give everyone in the interview room a firm handshake and look them in the eye.
It does not smell of alcohol or cigarettes.
Rest well at night.
Remember that as a trainee, you start from the bottom level. That means you are more work than skill and will be put to work accordingly; that is to say. digging trenches, setting up scaffolding and ladders, crawling in dark and dirty places, carrying material.
Safety is the #1 priority and should be taken into account 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 rank score. If you are not selected to start an apprenticeship during that two-year period, you will need to reapply if you are still interested.
But don’t worry, you succeeded in the interview and scored high on the aptitude test. Now is the time to wait for the letter that will change your life.