Apprenticeship: How to Apply
(There are three application periods each year ending on the 3rd Friday of the following months; March, August, November)
**** Email to request an application at office@ibew159.org. Complete application and return it. Include: copy of high school transcript, GED/HSED certificate; copy of driver license, government-issued photo ID, or a copy of birth certificate.
If any additional document(s) is needed to verify the minimum math requirement has been met, include that as well.
(There is a $20 processing fee. It may be waived on request, in case of hardship.)
or
2. Apply in person M - F between 8:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m., at IBEW Local 159 office, 4903 Commerce Ct. McFarland, WI 53558.
(There is a $20 processing fee. It may be waived in case of hardship.)
Provide documents listed above.
Applicant must be at least 18 years of age at the time of assignment for an apprenticeship, and provide proof of age. Must be a high school graduate or have a GED/HSED. Provide copy of high school transcripts and GED/HSED certificate, if applicable. Must have completed one full year of high school Algebra, or one post-high school Algebra course, with a passing grade of C or better. If any additional document(s) is needed to verify the minimum math requirement has been met, include that as well.
If you do not meet the math requirement, there are resources to assist you.
The Process: After the application deadline, applicants will be contacted by US Mail to take an aptitude test. Everyone who scores above a certain level will be invited by US Mail to an interview with the Apprenticeship Committee. The testing/interview process takes a couple months.
Sample Test Questions for practice: The electricians have their own aptitude test. It is not the accuplacer test. Voice-Data-Video (VDV, aka Low Voltage) Apprenticeship (3 years): Apprentices are trained to work as Tele/Data Technicians on residential, commercial, and industrial locations. They work under direct supervision of a qualified VDV Technician doing Tele/Data installation and repair on office buildings, schools, hospitals, stores, apartment buildings, private homes, or any location where tele/data installation must be provided and maintained. Work includes: installing network, phone, security, and video cabling; terminating and testing twisted paired copper and Fiber Optic cabling; certifying the installation and testing of all cables.
Compensation
Apprentices earn a percentage of the Inside Journeyworker or VDV Technician wage.
VDV Apprentices begin at 50% of VDV Technician wage (equals $15.32/hour, plus benefits) They advance through six pay periods (from 50% through 85% of Technician scale)