Earn while you learn! Apprentices learn cutting-edge skills in a brand new, state-of-the-art facility and get paid to do it. The IBEW Local 349 apprenticeship program is one of the best in California, and you will be in high demand for employment if you are accepted. If you have few to no skills but want a hands-on career that also lets you can use your mind, consider becoming an apprentice.
As an inside wireman apprentice, your wages start at $36.08 per hour for the first period and go up twice per year to the top wage of $72.15 for the tenth period. When you turn out, you join the journeymen who make $121.03 per hour, with $80.17 going to wages and rest going to benefits, with another $5 contract raise in 2023. Additionally, for the entire five years of the apprenticeship and the rest of your career, you have the full union benefit package for you and your family.
We encourage you to learn more!
Q&A
Q: What happens once I turn in my application?
Your information is entered into our database. Once you have the minimum requirements, you are put on the waiting list to take the test.
Q: Can I apply for multiple programs?
Yes! You can apply for all the programs. If you get selected, you can only choose to pursue one of them.
Q: How do I find out when I am scheduled for an aptitude test?
You will receive a letter in the mail with your test date and time.
Q: I have hours in the field already; can I still apply?
Yes! You can still apply. Here is how we handle applicants with hours: You will need to submit proof of the hours you worked with a C-10 electrical contractor. If you have 4,000 or more hours and we accept your proof, you will be eligible to bypass the aptitude test once you apply. Your file goes onto a waiting list for the next available interview.
Q: What if I don’t pass the aptitude test on the first try?
You will have to wait six months before you can request to take the test again.
Q: What happens once I am eligible for an interview?
Once you have turned in your application and transcripts and have passed the aptitude test, you have an interview with the committee. Once an interview date has been selected, you will be notified by mail of your interview date and time.
Q: What does my interview score and rank mean?
Your interview score is the average score (out of 100) given to you by the committee. That score is then entered onto our ranking list, which we use to pull applicants for employment. The higher your interview score, the higher your ranking is on the ranking list. Example: Your score is a 94 and your rank is 5, which means you’d be the fifth person called for employment. Your rank can move up and down the list as people are placed for employment or as new applicants are interviewed.
Q: What can I do to re-apply to try and increase my interview score?
In order to apply for a re-interview, you must first wait one year from your original interview date. By then, you must have completed a minimum of 1,000 hours of electrical construction work or two or more college-credited classes since your last interview. Classes must be trade-related (e.g., math, electrical, welding, etc.) and at least one quarter in length.
Electrical construction clarification: This means working as a material handler, working for an electrical wholesale house (e.g., Platt, CED, Graybar, North Coast, B&W, Rainier Lighting are a few places) or even working in the field adding hours to an electrical trainee card.
Go to https://www.etasv.org/ for more information.
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