IBEW Apprenticeship Waiting List — What to Do While You Wait

You passed the aptitude test. You nailed the interview. You made the eligibility list. And now... you wait. Anywhere from 6 months to 3 years, depending on where you applied.

How Long Is the Wait?

Smaller locals call within 6-12 months. Bigger urban locals — Chicago Local 134, NYC Local 3, LA Local 11 — can have 1-3 year waits. Demand is high, applications are high, and the call is based on score-rank.

What Affects Your Ranking

• Aptitude test score (math weighted heavier)
• Interview score
• Veteran status (most locals award bonus points for military service)
• Local-specific factors (related experience, education credits)

What to Do While Waiting

The wait is not dead time. Use it.

1. Pre-apprenticeship programs — many community colleges run them; they look good on your file
2. Electrical helper jobs — non-union contractors hire helpers; real experience, real pay
3. OSHA 10 certification — free or cheap, shows initiative
4. NEC study — get a 2026 NEC and read Articles 200, 210, 250, 310
5. Retake the aptitude test — if your score isn’t competitive, retake after the waiting period

The Retake Strategy

Here’s what most applicants don’t realize: most locals only count your highest aptitude score. If you scored a 4 on your first attempt and you’re sitting at the bottom of the list, retake the test after the waiting period. A 7 changes everything.

What Not to Do

• Don’t take a job you can’t leave on a week’s notice — when the JATC calls, you go
• Don’t get a DUI, criminal charge, or anything that disqualifies you
• Don’t lose touch with the JATC — every 6-12 months, check in

The wait is real, but the apprenticeship is worth it. Use the time to prepare, improve your score if you can, and stay ready for the call.