I love being a LEA ❤ We do a lot of fun projects, HVAC controls, Fire Alarm & rescue, video and audio, also conduit work. High side can joke all they want but I see Low Volt crews having more fun and enjoying their job more than High side. Less Volts, less school & graduating 2 years sooner! 😊 Less competition and can get in sooner.
I'm interested in the LEA program. It really fascinates me. Does the Inside Wireman program each the same information that you know of? To me the roles for them both are different.
I'd rather go level 1. Residential electrician because I want to own my own business. Fast track to entrepreneurship. If you want to work for someone then the 2nd or 3rd option is better. You really can start a business with level one education and kill it. You just need to know hiw to run a business. Cool video though thanks. I'm deciding right now that I'm going residential. Short school, similar money to start , but when I get licensed then I open my own business. Make triple what all those guys make. Boom
That’s what I thought but after a few months of research and talks with my foreman’s residential has tiny margins in Florida among many other things all the journeymen I’ve met said it’s oversaturated and basically a 30k pay cut
I'm RENEW chairman and VP of Local 494 Milwaukee WI and I tell every new member to focus on getting into the Inside Wireman apprenticeship if they want to make electrical work a career.
I have been a massage therapist for 13 years. I am deciding to change careers to become an electrician. This was a great video to get my wheels turning....almost 20 years ago i worked as an electrician Helper and i loved the time i was there. Just wasn't time for me then but I'm 39 and i can't help but feel im not where i should be thanks for the video
To put in perspective, I spent nearly 6 years in college while working minimum wage jobs. No debt, but no savings by by the end. This ended up working for me ( STEM degree) but not for many others. This is a great option.
What was your STEM degree in? I’m 51 years old and currently in my first year of college for electrical engineering. At the lower division level, I’m considered a STEM major working for an associates degree. When I leave here, I’ll be going to Mississippi State University’s Bagley School Of Engineering for my electrical engineering degree. I was just curious?
@@OSAS726 Mechanical Engineering. Electrical engineering is tough, especially at 51. Wish you the best. Two of my sons chose to be electricians. Both getting paid while working towards their journeymen’s license. I worked in Facility Management before retiring. Hired many tradesmen to service my buildings, all very well compensated, especially those who had specialized: Elevator, bldg. automation, HVAC, boilers, HV electricians, generators….. Facility Management is now its own degree program, I highly recommend it. If you stick to electrical engineering, consider power engineering, a great sub-speciality in high demand as most students lean toward electronics.
Thanks! As an idea for future shows. Could you interview a few people in each; a new apprentice, almost - finished apprentice, and a journeyman or master?
I really appreciate all your videos brother, I changed an 8 year career because of your vids. I just started my first day as a apprentice, the inside wiring program. Here in Texas, rates are a lot lower but we have a lot less expensive state so it makes sense haha. Thank you so much, I couldn't have done it without the help from your videos. Hope all goes well for your career brotha
do i have to have prior knowledge of the trade before becoming an apprentice? i have no knowledge or experience in the trade but im ready to learn. I have the opportunity to go to a community college and take electrician courses but if possible i would like to earn as i learn through the apprenticeship off the bat. anything helps🙏🏾
@@ace1k56 I had zero knowledge when I went for my first interview. I ranked poorly so I became a stockman for 6 months. Came back to interview and ranked number 8.
This was the video I was waiting on! I want to go into LEA/Low Voltage as a lot of my work experience falls in line with it and IT. I've spoken with other Electricians and they recommend to go the full blown Electrician Apprenticeship since it will cover LEA/Low Voltage.
I'm so rusty on my math, having been out of school since 1994. Did you use Khan Academy or any other resources? Or were you already quite proficient in all of the requisite math on the aptitude test? Any recommendations? Thanks.
Very good information. My 22 year old son took the test for IBEW 150 in Illinois. He got to the interview process but wasn't chosen due to only a few positions available. I told him not to give up it may take a few years.
I'm 20 and am in local 494 in Milwaukee, it took me 2 tries to get in so tell him not to get frustrated, some get it 1st try, some get it 3rd or 4th, stick with it and it'll pay off in the end
@@seanabernethy5345 tell him also to try the CW training program as well or even a 1 year electrical trade school program both of which I did and helped me immensely in the field and getting my apprenticeship
I just submitted my application for my LEA hopefully it all goes well and thanks for the knowledge u drop in your content UPDATE: everything worked out and i start boot camp this monday. Thanks for all the info it really helped!
Just sent my application in 🤞, seems like my local has only a 5 year program which is want I want, the whole thing 😂. So happy I found out about this profession and it’s because of you, I’m super excited to pursue this career. Hopefully all goes well and I make it in 😅
I would love to know about the options for transitioning from one program to another at IBEW-48, such as starting as a Residential Wireman and switching to Inside Electrician, or vice versa.
Switching programs once you've started is typically frowned upon, but people do it as long as you're still in 1st/2nd term. Often times people who switch from Resi to Inside do so after they've topped out in Resi seeing that the Resi program is only 2yrs.
I live in Idaho and I got my trade license to be an electrician and I I've been told by someone in my family who's also an electrician that I need to apply for jobs so they can pay for my schooling?
Great job giving a rundown of options for folks! I'm a first year inside wirefella, LU 340! Keep up the videos, you were so helpful while I was going through the decision and lead up to my apprenticeship. If you haven't yet discussed it, maybe a video about the opportunity and options for traveling as an electrician? I'm working with a lot of Tramps right now, and especially this day and age of van-lifers and such, could be helpful. Having previously lived in Seattle for 10+ years, my wife and I are definitely looking to spend some time near PDX and Seattle, so I'll look towards passing that OR state license after I turn out. Oh, and for anyone looking to be an electrician. Be an Inside Wireperson (Electrician), hands down.
Hey brother, keep up the good work! I've been an Inside JW in Local 494 for 3 years and I traveled for about 8 months in 2022. Best practices for traveling are: 1) be a good guest in the local you're working in. That means conforming to and abiding by the local contract, and when layoff time comes, you should drag up before letting any local hands take a reduction-of-force layoff. You're in someone else's home local, don't take work from your Book 1 brothers and sisters. Take your slip and re-sign Book 2 or move onto another local. Also, keep bidding on Book 1 calls in your home local unless you're working Book 2 and intend to change home Locals. 2. Don't accept a foreman position working Book 2 until all Book 1 brothers and sisters have declined the offer. I've worked with one Book 2 foreman and he did it the right way. He refused the foreman position until he spoke to the GF and job steward to make sure there were no Book 1 hands looking to step up. 3) DON'T DOUBLE-BOOK! If you take a call off Book 2, you have a duty to call the locals youve signed on Book 2 and take your name off those books. Some locals have separate short-call Books and if you're working a short call out of one Hall I'd say its okay to keep your name on the long call Books in other Book 2 locals but when you go and sign it's always better to ask the BA if it's okay to take a short call on another locals Books
Hey Mad Electrician! I'm currently an LEA and am at the point where I need to decide whether to stay LE or transfer to inside. I like both but can't make up my mind! Could you make a video on the transfer process? Thank you for all your videos!
I came into my commercial apprenticeship very much in shape and this sh$t’s still hard. We’ve been working 4 10’s, I walk 9-10 miles per day, lifting endless conduits, constant squatting, shoveling, blazing sun, no shelter… f$ck…
I've watched a few of your videos in the past couple of months, and I just wanted to say thanks- they've been really helpful! I'm applying to Local 48's LEA program- my interview is at the end of next month.
Hey Randy! I’m stoked to hear that! It’s a fantastic program. This is a solid local to be a part of too (great pay, benefits, etc). Wishing you the best of luck! ⚡️
Hey Randy, mind sharing with me how your interview goes, and what rank you get? I placed 51 on residential at LU48 and that might be too high for me to get into bootcamp. I'm thinking of applying to LEA and perhaps Inside next. Best of luck.
@@alexsanoff585 I had my interview last week- I think it went okay, although I was pretty nervous. I got a rank of 123, and I have no idea if that's good or bad or what- the whole process has been a bit of a black box for me, as they've given me zero context.
@@randyallaway4085 glad to hear you got in and finished your interview. It is hard to get exact information from them but I’ve heard they take about 18 apprentices a month on the Inside and possibly LEA as well. I’ve also heard they might have recently doubled their capacity to train new apprentices so it could be 36 per month but don’t quote me. On a livestream Mad Electrician mentioned his brother was admitted into the Inside program with a rank of 118 but that was around the cutoff point so you could definitely get started with your rank but I might not hold my breathe if I were you. You can also reinterview if you get 1,000 hours of trade related work or take two electrical/trade related classes if you don’t hear back in 6 months. I’m rooting for ya thought hopefully you get that call to start!
Hey Stephen, i'm dropping out of University of Oregon to pursue an electrician apprenticeship. I figured i wouldn't bother applying to the IBEW apprenticeship program because of how competitive it is. Im currently looking into applying to the inside electrical apprenticeship through IETC Salem. I was wondering if you had any thoughts on this particular program, or recommendations besides IBEW. While it seems like the best education no doubt, I figured getting started asap was better for me, and in the future I could join IBEW after my journeyman license anyway. Love your videos, they're a great insight into what being an electrician is like and an inspiration to me.
Hey man my recommendation is to stay in school or join the IBEW. We certainly don’t want you scabbing. Have some pride in yourself. Why would you work for less??? Trying to pay for electrical training doesn’t work in your benefit. You’ll end up making less and spending more than someone who just joined the inside apprenticeship. Plenty of people here get scammed by trade schools here, spend thousands to get their “training” only to find out that no one in the trade gives a single care about your education. They care about your hours; that’s it.
the hall told me get some non union experece till my name got called from the wait list. So i would bring in more value and not start as a level 1 and be less likely to get laid off. so it is not bad to start non union. just don't stay non union @@MrJahka
Anyone is going to apply for ibew soon, we can start together , I moved to USA last year and I loved your videos so much and hour advices for newbies , I really appreciate it ❤️
Trying to become an electrician in local 570 hopefully I do well in the interview which is in like 2 months barely passed the aptitude test as a 5 so Im probably gonna be pretty low in the queue but who knows lol
I just sent a mail today to my local IBEW (Toronto) to join Apprenticeship training program and here is the answer. Please be advised that due to a backlog of candidates, and the current industry demand, we are not accepting applications for the apprenticeship program at this time.
It’s older so the quality isn’t very good, but here you go! Taking the Aptitude Test - How to Become an Electrician Part 2 ruclips.net/video/k4QnIBCGGBQ/видео.html
Hey Stephen! Thank you so much for all the resources you put up. You videos really help me navigate my application process. I want to ask you a quick question. How old were you when you joined the apprenticeship? I am already 25 years old. Although the idea of becoming an electrician sounds amazing to me, I am still a bit scared of career change in my mid 20.
I applied to the inside wireman program here at local 48 and your videos helped a lot! I ranked 23rd back in December but I have yet to here back from them :/
Hey when you apply for the apprenticeship, do you have to have actual experience as a helper at a non union job in order to qualify? Or can you go in blind not knowing anything about electrical, but have a lot of experience with tools and other trades
@@xRenegade_999 You don't need to have experience at LU48 to apply and receive an interview but it will help you receive a better rank and provide a stronger opportunity for you to start the apprenticeship rather than sit on the list.
@@alexsanoff585 thanks man. Ive been a helper to a lot of big projects like basement remodels and assisting in building a restaurant from the ground up so i got my hands on a ton of all different trades and can use almost every single tool with great experience. Just did new railings inside my house. I wonder if pictures of all my experiences will be enough or just quit my current warehouse job and go to a non union as a helper
@@xRenegade_999 I would definitely check out the website for your local union or call the union hall to get more information but I think the work you’ve done and are doing at your current job and home will be very helpful in getting a good rank. They want to know you have interest in and an aptitude for working with tools and figuring out problems so taking photos and documenting projects would be great and also trying to gather letters of recommendation from your employer/employers would be useful too. Watching more of Mad Electricians videos will be extremely valuable as well, he’s done a great job distilling all you need to know into a few videos about becoming an electrician at the IBEW
What are the pros and cons of just going to trade school to become an electrician over an apprenticeship program? After graduating trade school what does the pay and hours required in the field look like?
Trade school doesn’t offer you OTJ hours you’re just in school where as an apprenticeship program would give you school plus OTJ hours. If you find it different to get into an apprenticeship program trade school may be a good idea as some schools set you up after so you can get into an apprenticeship.
Thanks for making this video! I'm really interested in the LEA Program. However you mentioned how the LEA and Inside are similar. Everytime I research the two. They seem very different. Could you explain more in how if you choose a inside wireman program. Be like the LEA Program? I really like dealing with technology and that interested me about the LEA program. However I'd like something that could teach me more broader knowledge if that could help me in the long run. When searching for inside wireman on RUclips there weren't many videos populating.
Can you transfer Apprenticeships? For example, if you live in one state where they don't have a very good union do 3 years and later transfer to complete the 2 years in another state that has better unions? I know certain things will be different as codes vary from state to state. I just wanted to be certain or would it be best to just complete the entire Apprenticeship in one state, become a journeyman and then move and join that other union? Thanks.
Are you able to apply to all three programs at the same time at Local 48 and would that be a bad look for admittance or seen as someone who is motivated to join the profession? Thanks for the video, you’re the man.
Hi mate, what's the hardest part of the theory when doing an electrical apprenticeship? Do you have to learn off 'electrical code'? Thanks for your help 🙏🏼
Whats your thoughts on getting into service electric? I’m torn between residential service work and the union, which I interview for in a month. The money is great in both areas.
Hey AJ! That’s a good question. Service work is incredible because it teaches you to be really sharp. You have to know your stuff and be good at problem solving. Service work isn’t limited to residential or non-union though. As an inside electrician, you’re able to work for companies that do service work, and that can be on residential properties, commercial, industrial, etc. My advice would be to try to do service work with the IBEW if possible. Best of both worlds in my opinion ⚡️
IBEW local 100 wont even share ranks anymore. Very suspicious to me. Took a year to get to the interview stage, just go for the non-union jobs and cough up some cash for an online ET school. Or maybe a community college. If consider going union ever, apply now because they will give you a few years to make your mind up
I was an inside wireman apprentice when I started… But ludvik electric kept sending me outside in the cold Now I’ve got skin cancer and am looking for a good skin cancer lawyer
Ditto! A lot of my work experience lies in LEA/Low Voltage, along with IT. Which Low Voltage seems to crossover a little into it. After talking with others who have gone through the full blown Electrician Apprenticeship they recommend the full blown route. They did however recommend that I apply for both. That way, if I don't get into the Electrician Apprenticeship I'm still half in the door and I can just take Continuing Education Classes...
I just graduated high school and I'm going to trade school. My end going is to work for my IBEW local 164 (NJ). Do I need to finish trade school first or can I apply right away for the union job (I have no experience). Right now my plan is to work for a licensed electrician as an apprentice while going to trade school, but I'm curious if I could just apply for my local IBEW.
Anyone applied to ETI San Diego and know how long it takes to get in? I just applied and they rank you from 50-100. Im curious if that has to do with how many people are applying to the program
Great info, I've already had interviews for both the inside and LEA program, and ranked 52 and 50, so I'm guessing I'm going to have to re-interview. Do you know what the time frame looks like from getting your rank, to actually getting a date for bootcamp looks like, say, if you get a rank of 18? I am 19 and can reinterview probably later this year, and just want to get in a quickly as I possibly can. Thanks!
I believe that’s just considered industrial work, which would be covered by a general journeyman’s license (what you would get by going through the inside electrician program).
At 55 thinking about a serious career change both for stability and a challenge. thinking of Doing the LEA program because 5 years is way too much time for the inside route - I'd be 60 before I was done. Has anyone started so late in life to be an electrician of some kind?
Thanks! I got it from Troll Clothing! Here's an affiliate link to their website: bit.ly/madelectricianofficial Right now they actually have a St. Patricks Day sale where everything is 15% off! You can always use a discount code that they gave me too for 10% off any other time (MAD10) ⚡️
So if you get an inside wireman license, you actually can work as an LEA full stop? I'm interested in the inside license but I actually want to work as an LEA down the road as a Journyman, I know the trades are tough on your body I've done a little bit of it years ago with my cousin who did sheet metal work at the time. I want the knowledge and skills for it all, but not gonna lie I want the work that's more safe and not as taxing on the body. I already have issues from my time in the military.
Thanks Steven! Wow, #10 is an incredible rank! Congratulations! Are you trying to start with Local 48 or somewhere else? Work here is lookin good, and I wouldn’t imagine that you’re wait will be much longer than a month.
@@stevenmartinez8634 Even more impressive considering how difficult it is to rank that well here! I remember the feeling! I’m sure we’ll run into each other someday. Maybe this summer at the union picnic 🤘🏼⚡️
If you do the residential license in texas and become a wireman can you keep continuing from there for 3 more years to get inside electrician journeyman license or do you have a whole 5 years to do still just because
Hey there! I live in Portland and am still preparing my portfolio to apply but honestly, I just want to be an electrician. Can you just apply for all three programs and see which one you get?
Hey man, I was wondering how big a deal is it to be color blind going into electrical work? I'm not black and white color blind, but some colors are hard to distinguish.
Hey mad electrician. What is your knowledge on people applying to apprenticeships out of their state? Is it possible? Is there anyone at local 48 who joined an apprenticeship from out of state?
Hey! I believe that there is no reason why you can’t apply from out of state. You will need to be there in person for your aptitude test and interview though. Also of course if you get accepted the apprenticeship is an in person thing so you’d likely have to move ⚡️
@@MadElectrician on my local unions website in the contract section there’s a separate contract called the inside wireman’s agreement (tunnel rates). I’m assuming it’s for underground work?
I’m moving to castle rock WA next year. I’m attempting to get accepted into an apprenticeship program in NC rn. Would you recommend waiting until I move to start? I have no idea if I can do a transfer partway through classes
They pay apprentice that much in Michigan? I’m only making 15.50 in a non union company but they are like family tho I hate em and love em too they also care about me but not sure about making the switch.
is this same as Electrical engineering? I am thinking to study electrical tech or something, I want to attend a short term college or tech school, something like 6 to 8 months, any advice? I don't want to be a electrician, working on buildings, but a tech that does diagnostics, any advice what schools are good or what I should study, I live in Los Angeles.
Hey all! I’m starting my apprenticeship for the Inside wireman program in July. Does anyone have any advice, what can I study to get ahead and make sure I keep my grades high? In my local we must keep above an 80% or we will be dropped from the program.
do i have to have prior knowledge of the trade before becoming an apprentice? i have no knowledge or experience in the trade but im ready to learn. I have the opportunity to go to a community college and take electrician courses but if possible i would like to earn as i learn through the apprenticeship off the bat. anything helps🙏🏾
Thanks man! I appreciate it! I’m actually working on putting together a pretty comprehensive course right now for people just entering the trade that will help them go from knowing little to nothing about electrical work to hitting the ground running when they start their apprenticeship. People would also get a certificate at the end to show they took the course which would help boost their qualifications as they go to apply. It would also take a deep dive into ways to be the best candidate/ stand out and get accepted. It won’t be ready until probably the end of the year though. Do you see that as something that people would be interested in?
Ok so when I finish my trade school with an electrician license do I still have to do an apprenticeship or can I just collect 8000 otj then go for my journeymen license I'm in northern California thanks
Hey my previous background was business and finance, and I'm living in oregon. Do u have any recommend program? So far I only found one in PCC. Thank you.
I love being a LEA ❤ We do a lot of fun projects, HVAC controls, Fire Alarm & rescue, video and audio, also conduit work. High side can joke all they want but I see Low Volt crews having more fun and enjoying their job more than High side. Less Volts, less school & graduating 2 years sooner! 😊 Less competition and can get in sooner.
YES!
Shouldn’t be doing conduit work, no? Where I live that’s considered inside work
@@MrJahka same, in my local, data guys doing conduit is a big no no
What is apprenticeship like? Did you work all over Oregon? Did you work at the same places you would work as a journeyman?
I'm interested in the LEA program. It really fascinates me. Does the Inside Wireman program each the same information that you know of? To me the roles for them both are different.
I'd rather go level 1. Residential electrician because I want to own my own business. Fast track to entrepreneurship. If you want to work for someone then the 2nd or 3rd option is better. You really can start a business with level one education and kill it. You just need to know hiw to run a business. Cool video though thanks. I'm deciding right now that I'm going residential. Short school, similar money to start , but when I get licensed then I open my own business. Make triple what all those guys make. Boom
That’s exactly why I was told to go into residential. Smart plan.
That’s what I thought but after a few months of research and talks with my foreman’s residential has tiny margins in Florida among many other things all the journeymen I’ve met said it’s oversaturated and basically a 30k pay cut
How do you godirectly residential
anyone can dream.
I'm RENEW chairman and VP of Local 494 Milwaukee WI and I tell every new member to focus on getting into the Inside Wireman apprenticeship if they want to make electrical work a career.
I have been a massage therapist for 13 years. I am deciding to change careers to become an electrician. This was a great video to get my wheels turning....almost 20 years ago i worked as an electrician Helper and i loved the time i was there. Just wasn't time for me then but I'm 39 and i can't help but feel im not where i should be thanks for the video
To put in perspective, I spent nearly 6 years in college while working minimum wage jobs. No debt, but no savings by by the end. This ended up working for me ( STEM degree) but not for many others. This is a great option.
What was your STEM degree in? I’m 51 years old and currently in my first year of college for electrical engineering. At the lower division level, I’m considered a STEM major working for an associates degree. When I leave here, I’ll be going to Mississippi State University’s Bagley School Of Engineering for my electrical engineering degree. I was just curious?
@@OSAS726 Mechanical Engineering. Electrical engineering is tough, especially at 51. Wish you the best. Two of my sons chose to be electricians. Both getting paid while working towards their journeymen’s license. I worked in Facility Management before retiring. Hired many tradesmen to service my buildings, all very well compensated, especially those who had specialized: Elevator, bldg. automation, HVAC, boilers, HV electricians, generators….. Facility Management is now its own degree program, I highly recommend it. If you stick to electrical engineering, consider power engineering, a great sub-speciality in high demand as most students lean toward electronics.
One Huge Con I found with Commercial was parking i used to wake up 4:20 am for 3 month to get a parking spot and wear and tear for ur vehicle
Thanks! As an idea for future shows. Could you interview a few people in each; a new apprentice, almost - finished apprentice, and a journeyman or master?
I’ve thought about doing something like this! Thanks for the suggestion! ⚡️
I really appreciate all your videos brother, I changed an 8 year career because of your vids. I just started my first day as a apprentice, the inside wiring program. Here in Texas, rates are a lot lower but we have a lot less expensive state so it makes sense haha. Thank you so much, I couldn't have done it without the help from your videos. Hope all goes well for your career brotha
If I can ask, what were you doing before?
What’s the rate if you don’t mind asking
Start boot camp for Local 46's Inside wireman program at the beginning of March! Thanks for you videos, they are always super helpful.
LET’S FREAKING GO!!!!
Stoked to hear that!
Congratulations and I’m honored that I could be a part of your journey! ⚡️
hey jordan! congratulations! i have my aptitude test next monday for local 46’s inside wireman program. hope to see you there!
@@MadElectrician what do you mean by 10 term of school?
do i have to have prior knowledge of the trade before becoming an apprentice? i have no knowledge or experience in the trade but im ready to learn. I have the opportunity to go to a community college and take electrician courses but if possible i would like to earn as i learn through the apprenticeship off the bat. anything helps🙏🏾
@@ace1k56 I had zero knowledge when I went for my first interview. I ranked poorly so I became a stockman for 6 months. Came back to interview and ranked number 8.
This was the video I was waiting on!
I want to go into LEA/Low Voltage as a lot of my work experience falls in line with it and IT.
I've spoken with other Electricians and they recommend to go the full blown Electrician Apprenticeship since it will cover LEA/Low Voltage.
I passed my aptitude test ! Thanks a ton
LET’S FREAKING GO!!!! Congratulations my friend! ⚡️
I'm so rusty on my math, having been out of school since 1994. Did you use Khan Academy or any other resources? Or were you already quite proficient in all of the requisite math on the aptitude test? Any recommendations? Thanks.
Finally got accepted into the apprenticeship for local 112. Thanks for all the tips and advice broski
Very good information. My 22 year old son took the test for IBEW 150 in Illinois. He got to the interview process but wasn't chosen due to only a few positions available. I told him not to give up it may take a few years.
I'm 20 and am in local 494 in Milwaukee, it took me 2 tries to get in so tell him not to get frustrated, some get it 1st try, some get it 3rd or 4th, stick with it and it'll pay off in the end
@ianpapke804 Thank you. I will tell him
@@seanabernethy5345 tell him also to try the CW training program as well or even a 1 year electrical trade school program both of which I did and helped me immensely in the field and getting my apprenticeship
@@ianpapke804I’m applying for local 430 Racine
I just had my interview for local 48 yesterday and I think it went well. Just gotta wait to see my rank
I just submitted my application for my LEA hopefully it all goes well and thanks for the knowledge u drop in your content
UPDATE: everything worked out and i start boot camp this monday. Thanks for all the info it really helped!
Congrats! I'm about to finish my application now. How long did you wait after the interview?
@@cryptocrandall5092 thank youmy interview was in april and i started boot camp july 15 just finished my first week
Just sent my application in 🤞, seems like my local has only a 5 year program which is want I want, the whole thing 😂. So happy I found out about this profession and it’s because of you, I’m super excited to pursue this career. Hopefully all goes well and I make it in 😅
Feedback I just signed up today in Dallas texas have you heard anything back
Did you make it?
I would love to know about the options for transitioning from one program to another at IBEW-48, such as starting as a Residential Wireman and switching to Inside Electrician, or vice versa.
Or LEA to inside electrician!
Switching programs once you've started is typically frowned upon, but people do it as long as you're still in 1st/2nd term. Often times people who switch from Resi to Inside do so after they've topped out in Resi seeing that the Resi program is only 2yrs.
This had helped me alot since I decided to enter into a trade school to be an electrician. Thanks man
I live in Idaho and I got my trade license to be an electrician and I I've been told by someone in my family who's also an electrician that I need to apply for jobs so they can pay for my schooling?
High level content! Spectacular job! From music to transitions to information quality. All top notch!
Thank you! I have a lot more in the works!
⚡️🤘🏼⚡️
Great job giving a rundown of options for folks! I'm a first year inside wirefella, LU 340! Keep up the videos, you were so helpful while I was going through the decision and lead up to my apprenticeship.
If you haven't yet discussed it, maybe a video about the opportunity and options for traveling as an electrician? I'm working with a lot of Tramps right now, and especially this day and age of van-lifers and such, could be helpful. Having previously lived in Seattle for 10+ years, my wife and I are definitely looking to spend some time near PDX and Seattle, so I'll look towards passing that OR state license after I turn out.
Oh, and for anyone looking to be an electrician. Be an Inside Wireperson (Electrician), hands down.
Has 340 gotten better as far as wages?
Hey brother, keep up the good work! I've been an Inside JW in Local 494 for 3 years and I traveled for about 8 months in 2022.
Best practices for traveling are:
1) be a good guest in the local you're working in.
That means conforming to and abiding by the local contract, and when layoff time comes, you should drag up before letting any local hands take a reduction-of-force layoff. You're in someone else's home local, don't take work from your Book 1 brothers and sisters. Take your slip and re-sign Book 2 or move onto another local. Also, keep bidding on Book 1 calls in your home local unless you're working Book 2 and intend to change home Locals.
2. Don't accept a foreman position working Book 2 until all Book 1 brothers and sisters have declined the offer. I've worked with one Book 2 foreman and he did it the right way. He refused the foreman position until he spoke to the GF and job steward to make sure there were no Book 1 hands looking to step up.
3) DON'T DOUBLE-BOOK! If you take a call off Book 2, you have a duty to call the locals youve signed on Book 2 and take your name off those books. Some locals have separate short-call Books and if you're working a short call out of one Hall I'd say its okay to keep your name on the long call Books in other Book 2 locals but when you go and sign it's always better to ask the BA if it's okay to take a short call on another locals Books
All 3 are great choices.
Thank you for this video. I’ve been really considering going for the Inside Electrician apprenticeship.
You’re very welcome, Tony!
It’s been one of the best decisions that I’ve ever made.
Thanks for watching! ⚡️
Hey Mad Electrician! I'm currently an LEA and am at the point where I need to decide whether to stay LE or transfer to inside. I like both but can't make up my mind! Could you make a video on the transfer process? Thank you for all your videos!
Transfer video would be great
Thanks man, I live here in Portland too and this has helped alot!
Thank you for uploading the best videos!! Scheduled for my test next week for Local 48. Stoked to be going for the LEA program.
You get in bruv?
Man this videos is so helpful and professional. Thank you!
Keep making videos your needed more than you know!
You got it! Thanks for the encouragement! ⚡️
I came into my commercial apprenticeship very much in shape and this sh$t’s still hard. We’ve been working 4 10’s, I walk 9-10 miles per day, lifting endless conduits, constant squatting, shoveling, blazing sun, no shelter… f$ck…
You’ve done a great job here
I've watched a few of your videos in the past couple of months, and I just wanted to say thanks- they've been really helpful! I'm applying to Local 48's LEA program- my interview is at the end of next month.
Hey Randy!
I’m stoked to hear that! It’s a fantastic program. This is a solid local to be a part of too (great pay, benefits, etc). Wishing you the best of luck! ⚡️
@@MadElectrician thanks so much! I'll keep ya posted- if I get in, I owe you a cup of coffee. Least I can do!
Hey Randy, mind sharing with me how your interview goes, and what rank you get? I placed 51 on residential at LU48 and that might be too high for me to get into bootcamp. I'm thinking of applying to LEA and perhaps Inside next. Best of luck.
@@alexsanoff585 I had my interview last week- I think it went okay, although I was pretty nervous. I got a rank of 123, and I have no idea if that's good or bad or what- the whole process has been a bit of a black box for me, as they've given me zero context.
@@randyallaway4085 glad to hear you got in and finished your interview. It is hard to get exact information from them but I’ve heard they take about 18 apprentices a month on the Inside and possibly LEA as well. I’ve also heard they might have recently doubled their capacity to train new apprentices so it could be 36 per month but don’t quote me. On a livestream Mad Electrician mentioned his brother was admitted into the Inside program with a rank of 118 but that was around the cutoff point so you could definitely get started with your rank but I might not hold my breathe if I were you. You can also reinterview if you get 1,000 hours of trade related work or take two electrical/trade related classes if you don’t hear back in 6 months. I’m rooting for ya thought hopefully you get that call to start!
Hey Stephen, i'm dropping out of University of Oregon to pursue an electrician apprenticeship. I figured i wouldn't bother applying to the IBEW apprenticeship program because of how competitive it is. Im currently looking into applying to the inside electrical apprenticeship through IETC Salem. I was wondering if you had any thoughts on this particular program, or recommendations besides IBEW. While it seems like the best education no doubt, I figured getting started asap was better for me, and in the future I could join IBEW after my journeyman license anyway. Love your videos, they're a great insight into what being an electrician is like and an inspiration to me.
Hey man my recommendation is to stay in school or join the IBEW. We certainly don’t want you scabbing. Have some pride in yourself. Why would you work for less???
Trying to pay for electrical training doesn’t work in your benefit. You’ll end up making less and spending more than someone who just joined the inside apprenticeship. Plenty of people here get scammed by trade schools here, spend thousands to get their “training” only to find out that no one in the trade gives a single care about your education. They care about your hours; that’s it.
the hall told me get some non union experece till my name got called from the wait list. So i would bring in more value and not start as a level 1 and be less likely to get laid off. so it is not bad to start non union. just don't stay non union @@MrJahka
my test is next week. i've been watching as many videos as possible.😂
Right on! I appreciate all of the support! 😂
Wishing you the best of luck on your exam my friend! ⚡️
the tables are the best!
Anyone is going to apply for ibew soon, we can start together , I moved to USA last year and I loved your videos so much and hour advices for newbies , I really appreciate it ❤️
Trying to become an electrician in local 570 hopefully I do well in the interview which is in like 2 months barely passed the aptitude test as a 5 so Im probably gonna be pretty low in the queue but who knows lol
I just sent a mail today to my local IBEW (Toronto) to join Apprenticeship training program and here is the answer.
Please be advised that due to a backlog of candidates, and the current industry demand, we are not accepting applications for the apprenticeship program at this time.
Could you make a video about the aptitude test? Currently studying for it and want to make sure I’m ready to go when I take it.
It’s older so the quality isn’t very good, but here you go!
Taking the Aptitude Test - How to Become an Electrician Part 2
ruclips.net/video/k4QnIBCGGBQ/видео.html
@@MadElectrician thank you very much
Hey Stephen! Thank you so much for all the resources you put up. You videos really help me navigate my application process. I want to ask you a quick question. How old were you when you joined the apprenticeship? I am already 25 years old. Although the idea of becoming an electrician sounds amazing to me, I am still a bit scared of career change in my mid 20.
hahaha. mid 20's I'm mid 30's and considering
It's just to give a trial man, get started as soon as possible let's see how it goes...
Inside wireman all day!
My Local IBEW only got inside 😂 Thank god I wanted to pursue this 😊😇
Haha! Some things just work out! ⚡️🤘🏼⚡️
Just got into 191 local start orientation
Thank you for providing such a good information!!
I applied to the inside wireman program here at local 48 and your videos helped a lot! I ranked 23rd back in December but I have yet to here back from them :/
Hey when you apply for the apprenticeship, do you have to have actual experience as a helper at a non union job in order to qualify? Or can you go in blind not knowing anything about electrical, but have a lot of experience with tools and other trades
23?! That’s awesome
Did you have any electrical experience before applying?
@@xRenegade_999 You don't need to have experience at LU48 to apply and receive an interview but it will help you receive a better rank and provide a stronger opportunity for you to start the apprenticeship rather than sit on the list.
@@alexsanoff585 thanks man. Ive been a helper to a lot of big projects like basement remodels and assisting in building a restaurant from the ground up so i got my hands on a ton of all different trades and can use almost every single tool with great experience. Just did new railings inside my house. I wonder if pictures of all my experiences will be enough or just quit my current warehouse job and go to a non union as a helper
@@xRenegade_999 I would definitely check out the website for your local union or call the union hall to get more information but I think the work you’ve done and are doing at your current job and home will be very helpful in getting a good rank. They want to know you have interest in and an aptitude for working with tools and figuring out problems so taking photos and documenting projects would be great and also trying to gather letters of recommendation from your employer/employers would be useful too. Watching more of Mad Electricians videos will be extremely valuable as well, he’s done a great job distilling all you need to know into a few videos about becoming an electrician at the IBEW
Hey buddy, hopefully I can get into the inside electrician apprenticeship. I live right over the bridge near Battleground
What are the pros and cons of just going to trade school to become an electrician over an apprenticeship program? After graduating trade school what does the pay and hours required in the field look like?
Trade school doesn’t offer you OTJ hours you’re just in school where as an apprenticeship program would give you school plus OTJ hours. If you find it different to get into an apprenticeship program trade school may be a good idea as some schools set you up after so you can get into an apprenticeship.
Thanks for making this video!
I'm really interested in the LEA Program. However you mentioned how the LEA and Inside are similar. Everytime I research the two. They seem very different. Could you explain more in how if you choose a inside wireman program. Be like the LEA Program? I really like dealing with technology and that interested me about the LEA program. However I'd like something that could teach me more broader knowledge if that could help me in the long run. When searching for inside wireman on RUclips there weren't many videos populating.
Thank you answered all my questions 👍🏻🚀
If choosing residential what would you highly recommend studying to stay ahead of the game?
Texas apprenticeship starts at 15.60 ish
Can you transfer Apprenticeships? For example, if you live in one state where they don't have a very good union do 3 years and later transfer to complete the 2 years in another state that has better unions? I know certain things will be different as codes vary from state to state. I just wanted to be certain or would it be best to just complete the entire Apprenticeship in one state, become a journeyman and then move and join that other union? Thanks.
This is truly informative and thought-provoking.
Are you able to apply to all three programs at the same time at Local 48 and would that be a bad look for admittance or seen as someone who is motivated to join the profession?
Thanks for the video, you’re the man.
Hi mate, what's the hardest part of the theory when doing an electrical apprenticeship? Do you have to learn off 'electrical code'? Thanks for your help 🙏🏼
Whats your thoughts on getting into service electric? I’m torn between residential service work and the union, which I interview for in a month. The money is great in both areas.
Hey AJ! That’s a good question. Service work is incredible because it teaches you to be really sharp. You have to know your stuff and be good at problem solving. Service work isn’t limited to residential or non-union though. As an inside electrician, you’re able to work for companies that do service work, and that can be on residential properties, commercial, industrial, etc. My advice would be to try to do service work with the IBEW if possible. Best of both worlds in my opinion ⚡️
IBEW local 100 wont even share ranks anymore. Very suspicious to me. Took a year to get to the interview stage, just go for the non-union jobs and cough up some cash for an online ET school. Or maybe a community college. If consider going union ever, apply now because they will give you a few years to make your mind up
I was an inside wireman apprentice when I started…
But ludvik electric kept sending me outside in the cold
Now I’ve got skin cancer and am looking for a good skin cancer lawyer
Well I'm going to Portland tomorrow, and I want to be an electrician
What would be a good response to the question: What knowledge do you have to what an electrical worker does on the job?
Lea video would be really cool I was thinking of join that
Ditto! A lot of my work experience lies in LEA/Low Voltage, along with IT. Which Low Voltage seems to crossover a little into it.
After talking with others who have gone through the full blown Electrician Apprenticeship they recommend the full blown route.
They did however recommend that I apply for both. That way, if I don't get into the Electrician Apprenticeship I'm still half in the door and I can just take Continuing Education Classes...
Right on. I agree that a deeper dive into that specific program would be good information. I’ll put it on my list ⚡️
@@MadElectrician That would be awesome!
Why not do the inside electrician ? Youll still get oaid all the way through your apprentice. 👌
if you are an inside eléctrican, are you allowed to choose where you want to work, like let’s say if you prefer to work on houses only
This is fantastic thank you.
I just graduated high school and I'm going to trade school. My end going is to work for my IBEW local 164 (NJ). Do I need to finish trade school first or can I apply right away for the union job (I have no experience). Right now my plan is to work for a licensed electrician as an apprentice while going to trade school, but I'm curious if I could just apply for my local IBEW.
Anyone applied to ETI San Diego and know how long it takes to get in? I just applied and they rank you from 50-100. Im curious if that has to do with how many people are applying to the program
Great info, I've already had interviews for both the inside and LEA program, and ranked 52 and 50, so I'm guessing I'm going to have to re-interview. Do you know what the time frame looks like from getting your rank, to actually getting a date for bootcamp looks like, say, if you get a rank of 18? I am 19 and can reinterview probably later this year, and just want to get in a quickly as I possibly can. Thanks!
I ranked 23rd back in December for the inside wireman program and still haven’t gotten called. I’m planning on a re-interview this summer
Which license / apprentice program you need to work in a nuclear plant ?
I believe that’s just considered industrial work, which would be covered by a general journeyman’s license (what you would get by going through the inside electrician program).
At 55 thinking about a serious career change both for stability and a challenge. thinking of Doing the LEA program because 5 years is way too much time for the inside route - I'd be 60 before I was done. Has anyone started so late in life to be an electrician of some kind?
Nice hoodie, I like what it said. Where did you get that hoodie from?
Thanks! I got it from Troll Clothing!
Here's an affiliate link to their website: bit.ly/madelectricianofficial
Right now they actually have a St. Patricks Day sale where everything is 15% off! You can always use a discount code that they gave me too for 10% off any other time (MAD10) ⚡️
@@MadElectrician thanks
So if you get an inside wireman license, you actually can work as an LEA full stop? I'm interested in the inside license but I actually want to work as an LEA down the road as a Journyman, I know the trades are tough on your body I've done a little bit of it years ago with my cousin who did sheet metal work at the time. I want the knowledge and skills for it all, but not gonna lie I want the work that's more safe and not as taxing on the body. I already have issues from my time in the military.
Is becoming a lineman a different process?
Hey how’s work looking like ? I got ranked #10 for the inside electrician program last month and just wondering how long it takes. Awesome videos !
Thanks Steven!
Wow, #10 is an incredible rank! Congratulations!
Are you trying to start with Local 48 or somewhere else? Work here is lookin good, and I wouldn’t imagine that you’re wait will be much longer than a month.
Yes it’s with Local 48 ! I can’t wait to start !
@@stevenmartinez8634 Even more impressive considering how difficult it is to rank that well here! I remember the feeling! I’m sure we’ll run into each other someday. Maybe this summer at the union picnic 🤘🏼⚡️
@Mad Electrician Looking forward to it !
thank you
It’s my pleasure! Thanks for watching! ⚡️
I’m gonna be a inside electrician journeyman one day
Im going to uei im not sure. I wanna hear your feedback please and thank you. I live in cali and im not sure after seeing this 😅
Thank You for the video
If you do the residential license in texas and become a wireman can you keep continuing from there for 3 more years to get inside electrician journeyman license or do you have a whole 5 years to do still just because
Hey there!
I live in Portland and am still preparing my portfolio to apply but honestly, I just want to be an electrician.
Can you just apply for all three programs and see which one you get?
So can you make more doing Lea work if you have a journeyman license? What’s the pay difference
Hey man, I was wondering how big a deal is it to be color blind going into electrical work? I'm not black and white color blind, but some colors are hard to distinguish.
Is LEA the same as C card?
Hey mad electrician. What is your knowledge on people applying to apprenticeships out of their state? Is it possible? Is there anyone at local 48 who joined an apprenticeship from out of state?
Hey! I believe that there is no reason why you can’t apply from out of state. You will need to be there in person for your aptitude test and interview though. Also of course if you get accepted the apprenticeship is an in person thing so you’d likely have to move ⚡️
Is an inside wireman the same as an inside electrician? Looking at IBEW local 11 the greater Los Angeles area!! And also what are tunnel rates?
Hey! Right on!
Yes, they are the same thing ⚡️
What are tunnel rates?
@@MadElectrician on my local unions website in the contract section there’s a separate contract called the inside wireman’s agreement (tunnel rates). I’m assuming it’s for underground work?
So the starting rate is after you complete the 3-5years? Been thinking about doing it but I don’t wanna go broke while training
Hey Derek! No, the starting rate is day one of your apprenticeship. By the time you’re done your apprenticeship you’re receiving the full pay ⚡️
why is resedential less paying than lea? i think i saw somewhere else audio alarm etc electricians were paid less than resedential
I’m moving to castle rock WA next year. I’m attempting to get accepted into an apprenticeship program in NC rn. Would you recommend waiting until I move to start? I have no idea if I can do a transfer partway through classes
They pay apprentice that much in Michigan? I’m only making 15.50 in a non union company but they are like family tho I hate em and love em too they also care about me but not sure about making the switch.
is this same as Electrical engineering? I am thinking to study electrical tech or something, I want to attend a short term college or tech school, something like 6 to 8 months, any advice?
I don't want to be a electrician, working on buildings, but a tech that does diagnostics, any advice what schools are good or what I should study, I live in Los Angeles.
I’m currently a electrician at the Venetian expo here in Vegas do you know if the IBEW would honor my hours from working here in the apprenticeship
Hey all! I’m starting my apprenticeship for the Inside wireman program in July. Does anyone have any advice, what can I study to get ahead and make sure I keep my grades high? In my local we must keep above an 80% or we will be dropped from the program.
How should I join an inside electrician program?
do i have to have prior knowledge of the trade before becoming an apprentice? i have no knowledge or experience in the trade but im ready to learn. I have the opportunity to go to a community college and take electrician courses but if possible i would like to earn as i learn through the apprenticeship off the bat. anything helps🙏🏾
Very insightful, i like your content men!, I would wish we organize an online class
Thanks man! I appreciate it! I’m actually working on putting together a pretty comprehensive course right now for people just entering the trade that will help them go from knowing little to nothing about electrical work to hitting the ground running when they start their apprenticeship. People would also get a certificate at the end to show they took the course which would help boost their qualifications as they go to apply. It would also take a deep dive into ways to be the best candidate/ stand out and get accepted. It won’t be ready until probably the end of the year though. Do you see that as something that people would be interested in?
Very interested in this course!
Ok so when I finish my trade school with an electrician license do I still have to do an apprenticeship or can I just collect 8000 otj then go for my journeymen license I'm in northern California thanks
Hey my previous background was business and finance, and I'm living in oregon. Do u have any recommend program? So far I only found one in PCC.
Thank you.
Im 26 years old, with little electrical experience. How difficult is it to get and complete these programs?
I’m trying to get into IBEW local 357 but nowhere on earth am I get at math any advice?
Do y'all not do prevailing wage up there?
What about photovoltaic program?
If you do LEA can you still do residential work?