How to Create Portfolio For Electrician Apprenticeship

[@rf6612]

Vids helped a lot I ended getting rank two and signing my papers Friday to be classified as a apprentice class starts January !! Thanks

[@Data29th]

How many recommendation letter did you provide for them?

[@rf6612]

@@Data29th 3

[@bigbandz4036]

Nice bro! Do u mind if i email you? Whats ur email? I have 0 work experience and was just going to apply like that. I don’t know what to do. Seems like a difficult process to get in.

[@DS-zo8xs]

I do thank you for your channel. You are a God send. I would've bombed everything if hadn't found this. Thank God for people like you. I ended up scoring a 94.5 on my interview from ibew 665, I feel that the score is accurate to how I did.

[@MadElectrician]

Wow, that's so encouraging to hear! Thanks for leaving this comment! That's really the goal of this channel; so be a resource for people who are looking to get into the trade. Happy to hear that it serve its' purpose! Congrats on your great score! ⚡️

[@timothyjewett625]

Hey brother! I organized into the IBEW Local 99 as a journeyman in RI with the help of your videos. I got a job the first day and it has been the best decision of my career. Non union I was making like $8 less an hour with no benefits, and had to do emergency calls. Now I am in the union, I can RETIRE someday with the three pensions and annuity, guaranteed holidays off, flexibility, increased wages, HEALTH INSURANCE FOR MY FAMILY PROVIDED BY MY EMPLOYER AT NO CHARGE! It has been an absolute game changer. Plus I get breaks now and a guaranteed time frame for work and can start as early as 6AM. Thank you so much and your help definitely made me stand out!!

[@TerraTFT]

I think that one of my favorite things about going through and building my portfolio has been getting the letters of recommendation. Every job that I've had thus far has been just that -- a job, but I still worked my heart out at every one. Now that I am finally reaching out to all my contacts from those old jobs, it's showing the fruits of my labor, as I'm going to be able to provide 5 wonderful, rounded letters of rec from people who saw very different sides of me throughout the years. I feel that, even though I don't have work in electrical or construction, my experience in IT partnered with these references can pull me through. Only 5 days to go until my interview. Thank you so much for providing the insight you have. It might be the difference between me struggling and me getting the chance to find my place and purpose in the world.

[@dempower]

I have a Zoom interview in a week, I’m pretty nervous and I really appreciate you sharing all of your experience.

[@aitchbooth9732]

good luck

[@spacecowboy801]

Had my interview today. 4 questions. 1) what 3 traits are important in a job? 2) what hobbies or activities do you do besides work/school? 3) what have you done to prepare for a career as an electrician? 4) why should you be chosen. Hope that helps 👍

[@rachelcanterbury9322]

Good luck!

[@cravenmoorehead8366]

Update?

[@spacecowboy801]

@@cravenmoorehead8366 are you asking me or Dem power?

[@bromsherwood7739]

At the last stage of getting ready. I made the decision to apply several months ago after being fed up logging for awhile. Your videos have helped a ton. I've checked them out on every step of the way from making my application(including cover letters, resume, etc.) to passing my aptitude test. I actually bit the bullet and bought an online prep course. The great thing about that was it came with all the refresher material but also timed practice tests. A couple weeks before taking it I ended up in the emergency room because of a laceration to my kidney while logging. The first thought I had when I realized I wouldn't be going back to work for a couple days was that I had more time to study for the test. Now I've finally got the word on the interview appointment. I've got most of my materials together that I wanted to include in a portfolio but the thought of finally putting it all together and interviewing just terrifies me. I keep thinking of the what ifs of being rejected after all this hope and effort but I keep telling myself it will all be worth it in a couple years time. Thank you so much for everything you've done on your channel. I would've been totally lost otherwise.

[@Josiahking1996]

Did you ever have the interview? If so how did it go?

[@bromsherwood7739]

@@Josiahking1996 it went really good about 2 months ago. I only had to talk to three people and two of the people used to be loggers and the thirds husband retired as a logger so that worked in my favor a bit. I placed #1 and #2 in different zones in the same local so I'm just waiting for an apprenticeship to open up but I just applied for residential so that helped too. Thanks for asking!

[@AnthonyBrown-bj3tk]

Hey thanks for the videos man, I just interviewed at Local 48 for the Inside apprenticeship with zero electrical/construction experience whatsoever, just machine shop classes in high school/college, and I ranked 13! THIRTEEN! Couldn't have done it without you!

[@AnthonyBrown-bj3tk]

@@sondabrown7373 Very similar.

[@dustinvaldeztv]

@@AnthonyBrown-bj3tk Hey Anthony, congratulations on your ranking! I recently passed my aptitude test, and have my interview at Local 48 in a couple days. If you don't mind, do you recall some of the questions they asked you? How was your experience during the interview? Thanks man!

[@AnthonyBrown-bj3tk]

@@dustinvaldeztv I don't remember any of the questions specifically. It was like a 10 minute interview. Be prepared to explain why you're a good fit for the apprenticeship and why the apprenticeship is a good fit for you as well as what relevant skills you have.

[@dustinvaldeztv]

@@AnthonyBrown-bj3tk Thanks Anthony! Copy that, no worries. Just worried I may not be able to recall well if asked a situational question. Been out of work for a while. Thanks again!

[@AnthonyBrown-bj3tk]

@@dustinvaldeztv They did not ask any situational questions, despite it saying so on the website.

[@steve-o5974]

Prepping for my interview for Local 40 in Los Angeles. I love your videos and thanks to you I am feeling super prepared and confident!

[@MadElectrician]

I’m so glad to hear that! Have you had your interview yet? Wishing you the best of luck! ⚡️

[@steve-o5974]

@@MadElectrician Thank you so much! I actually had it today and I think it went great. I can tell they liked a lot of my responses to their questions based on how they reacted. Also got a couple laughs out of them. The interview felt fluid and I wasn’t stumped by any questions.

[@MadElectrician]

Hey! That’s great to hear! Congrats on a good interview and I’ll keep my fingers crossed for you that you make it in! 🤞🏼

[@marcomenjivar9885]

Hey, how's it going? I hope you got good news. I'm actually getting ready for the aptitude test for the same local 40. Do you have any tips you can give me?

[@steve-o5974]

@@marcomenjivar9885 Hey, of course man! The math portion of my test involved a lot of number sequences, simplifying equations using the distributive property and just algebra in general. I definitely recommend studying hard because you don't want to get caught off guard with questions you don't remember how to solve.

[@maxcastillo8770]

Hey man, great info. I just recently started watching these and I also happen to live in Portland Oregon which is crazy convenient! Im finishing up my two year degree at pcc and then im going full throttle into trying to get the electrician ball rolling.

[@BadMagic6]

You should do a day in the life and also an explanation of types of electricians in different settings! Like hospital, warehouse, etc and how to get to those points.

[@MadElectrician]

I've thought about it! Eventually I want to do a lot more videos like that! Great suggestion!

[@sacrificetheory650]

I’m a Veteran and this gives me hope! Thank you 🙏

[@eliascervantes5004]

Thank you very much, very helpful. Keep posting videos even after you become journeyman. God bless you and your family

[@MadElectrician]

You're very welcome! God bless you and your family too!

[@LKBHD]

So glad you put this out right now. This is my bext step, thankyou So much Mad Electrician!

[@rjrosa2438]

Thank you for making and sharing this video!

[@MadElectrician]

It's my pleasure! Thanks for watching! ⚡️

[@stevenroberts3148]

The union I'm trying to join didn't say anything about bringing a portfolio. They just said to mail letters of recommendation to the training building. Should I still put one together?

[@Upstryve]

Thanks for always providing value!

[@MadElectrician]

Right back atcha! Thanks for supporting my channel! ⚡️

[@cristianluna4211]

you are so clutch, thank you!!

[@MadElectrician]

Stop, you're making me blush 😉 You're very welcome! Thanks for watching! ⚡️

[@ibewbro5614]

Good job brother... much love from 363 New York

[@MadElectrician]

Thank you! I appreciate the support! ⚡️

[@spacecadett222]

Do you think crochet or yarn projects would be beneficial

[@rachelcanterbury9322]

Hey, thanks for the solid content. I have an arduino kit that I bought for fun a while back, to mess around with. Would that be something suitable to feature, you think? I just took my aptitude exam last week too! Fingers crossed for me🤞

[@MadElectrician]

Hey Rachel! You're very welcome! Thanks for watching! I think that would be a great idea. Anything like that would be a great thing to include in your portfolio. Right on! I'll keep my fingers crossed. Wishing you the best of luck! 🤞🏼⚡️

[@matthewholsomback5442]

This comment is for the boot camp video.My local Training center Located here in Birmingham Alabama( Birmingham Electric JATC), doesn't have a boot camp, class is only 1 or 2 nights a week from 5pm to 9pm, and they don't provide tools you have to buy your own, they have a list of what u need. Also you have to pay for your books, so the only thing u pay for is books and tools. They are partners with 50+ contractors, and multiple unions

[@zachlindeman174]

You mentioned OSHA 10 hour training. I thought that would look real good on me to have. When I Google it a bunch of different sites come up that have it, is there one you would recommend? I’m in Canada if that changes anything. Thanks bud

[@Artecus]

OSHA Education Center is the official apparatus.

[@adamsalvione225]

Do electricians drive more vans or trucks? I want to become an electrician, but I'm a truck guy. Is it wise to drive a truck instead of a van?

[@MadElectrician]

Hey Adam! Typically it won’t matter what you drive for your personal vehicle as an electrician. If you were ever required to drive a van or truck then your employer should provide that for you as a company rig. 👍🏼

[@adamsalvione225]

@@MadElectrician Ok cool! Thanks for the reply! Keep up the good content brother.

[@mariohadad8071]

Great video, do you reckon an electrician apprentice can work 2 jobs?

[@MadElectrician]

Hey Mario! Thanks! I would say that it's possible, but maybe not the best idea in my opinion. You could definitely have a side hustle, but it might be difficult to have an actual second job where you have scheduled shifts.

[@miles3880]

Hey this might sound weird but I really enjoy building computers, Is this something I would want to include?

[@creekraft1850]

Hey man! I’m also trying to get into the local 48. I have my aptitude test next Wednesday and I’m ready to crush it! I was curious how long you had to wait on the list until you got in? And what rank you got ? If you don’t mind me asking. Thanks dude!

[@MadElectrician]

Hey, right on! Yeah you are! My interview was about a month after my aptitude test. Then I got my rank within a couple of weeks of my interview. From there it took about three months for them to call me to start my apprenticeship. I ranked number 65. My brother ranked 111 and he made it in too! It just took a few more months for them to call his name from the list. Hope that helps! ⚡️

[@dustinvaldeztv]

@@MadElectrician How does the ranking work? What is that number based on? You were 65 out of how many people? Is it based on how many people applied that month? Thanks in advance!

[@Artecus]

@@dustinvaldeztv Ranking is a rubric calculated from the aptitude test score and interview impression score. Combined, he was ranked 65th from the top among worthy applicants to consider. That could have come from his specific cohort or an amalgam of applicant pools across several cohorts.

[@vanessawilson5826]

Please do the video of being in the military

[@gavinmoore3615]

Should I have people writing my reference letter type it and sign it or hand write it?

[@CarlosVasquez-go9mw]

Hey Steven! I'd like to know if there are any college courses that would make me stand out if I would like to join a local union, an IBEW for example. Thanks!

[@MadElectrician]

Hey Carlos! Great question! Any college courses on electrical theory will really help increase your chances of getting accepted. I included a link in the video description for my training centers website. They actually have a list of recommended college classes that you can take to increase your chances of getting in. You can use that to get an idea of what types of classes would be a good idea to take. Hope that helps! ⚡️

[@CarlosVasquez-go9mw]

@@MadElectrician Thanks Steven! Much appreciated, man! Your videos have changed my life. Thank you!

[@212jakeg]

would you say providing pictures of light fixtures that you install look good for portfolio?

[@toughhaulingjunkremoval3303]

DId you read your cover letter to them or did you just say "this is my cover letter" and then they read over it themselves?

[@MadElectrician]

Good question! They actually read it themselves, though I’m not sure if they took the time to really throughly read over it. I made sure to reference my cover letter and resume though during my interview so when I did I pointed them to the specific places in those that I was talking about. You shouldn’t have to read your cover letter out loud, but you will likely read your own interview questions out loud and then answer them.

[@kitkat12326]

Hey, do I absolutely have to go to IBEW? I mean, I really want to go. I'm just afraid of not scoring high enough on my test. Written tests are usually my arch nemesis, anything hands on though I'll ace :\ You mentioned you went to Local 48 was it? I'm also in Portland and I'm torn between attempting IBEW or going to PCC's Swan Island Trade Center, will they both result in a trade certification/apprenticeship?

[@sagetajr]

Oil change is good?

[@Beckybitch]

You’d probably say how working on cars gives you experience with hand tools

[@DavidGonzalez-yo2gj]

How long into the hiring process can I expect the drug test?

[@MadElectrician]

Hey David! My drug test was at the end of my two week boot camp/ basic skills class. This was about 6 months after I initially submitted my application.

[@chimenthao3047]

How many pages does the letter of recommendation have to be?

[@Artecus]

Recommendation letter is one page, per writer.

[@jesusromero9732]

Did u wear shine shoe to the interview??

[@MadElectrician]

Hey Jesus! No, I didn't. I did wear some dress shoes though. As long as you look like you put some effort into your appearance then you probably don't need to stress what you wear too much. Basically you just don't want to show up in dirty work clothes or something that gives the appearance of not really caring.

[@thisdude1286]

I've missed an interview for an apprenticeship because I wasn't sure I wanted to do it for the ibew is there anyway I can apply again?

[@chief5981]

Well I’ve been in since January and I think I’m going to resign at the end of this month (April) Has been a lousy experience thus far. Can’t stand my crew. Laid off about 50% of the time. 1 hour drive minimum so far. Next job will be 2 hours one way for several months. Piss poor leadership. No communication. Dudes getting high on the job and bitch about the littlest shit all day. Boss never tells me my schedule so I never know when to file unemployment. I don’t even ask him anymore cause he can’t answer basic questions. All this for a whopping $15 an hour and if I stick around for 5 years I can make $23 an hour as a 5th year. 🎉 Don’t really care to start complaining to anyone so I think it’s just not the right situation for me. I have definitely met several really good dudes so far but struck out with the company I went to. Not in the mood to tolerate it.

[@MadElectrician]

Hey Chief! I’m really sorry to hear all of that! To me that definitely sounds like an issue specifically with the company that you ended up working for though. I think if you could get sent to another company that you would have a much better experience. I know you said that you don’t want to complain to anyone, but if I were you I would bring this to the training centers attention and see what they can do for you. It would be really unfortunate if a bad company ruined your shot at a great career when good companies with much better leadership exist out there.

[@Artecus]

Please bring the issues up with the union.

[@XxSALTMINERxX]

So what you’re actually saying, cutting through all the BS, is that to get into the ENTRY point where I’m supposed to need no skill or knowledge because it’s the very introduction point… I need skill, knowledge and experience. No wonder no one is joining the treaded, the barrier to entry is ridiculous.

[@Beckybitch]

You don’t need skill or knowledge. Like any job of course it helps. But lean into you wanting to learn, be loyal to an employer, stay and grow etc

[@fishchikin]

dont forget to plug the discord

[@MadElectrician]

Thanks for the reminder, Dillon! I'll make sure to plug it in every video going forward. ⚡️

[@alvins504]

What kind of drug testing did they give you when joining the union? Liquid or hair follicle?

[@MadElectrician]

I don't know if it's the same across the board, but here at Local 48 it's a liquid test.

[@alvins504]

@@MadElectrician Awesome. Thank you for the response and your amazing videos ❤️

[@sagetajr]

Wer the vid for the vets lol?

[@rickastley3167]

What type of drug test did they give you?

[@MadElectrician]

Hey Rick! It was just a standard pee test here for Local 48.