IBEW Local 3 Reviews

Pros

Extensive training program including full time work, college course 1/semester @ 1x/wk 430-630 and electrical theory which runs on a public school schedule 1x/wk from 430-830. Also have to do 1 wk of hands on training/year. (Each semester/class you can only have 3 absences, after which there will be a meeting on wether you can continue, depending on individual circumstances (reason for absences, overall progress in class up to that point, you can continue, 4th absence your dropped having to retake class, after 2/3 failed attempts, you can be dropped from program. Have to pass each semester to get a raise (small raise) and move through the program. Initiation/benefits begin after 6 mths. After 4th year, with successfully passing the MIJ test, you’re an “MIJ” for a year before taking your A test, where you’ll become a full A journeyman. So all together 5 1/2 yr apprenticeship. 3 pensions, benefits package is excellent, several clubs, and other “perks” like tuition reimbursement for you and your spouse after you finish apprenticeship, The program is strictly regimented and rigorous but not designed to make you fail. If you do what you have to do and keep up on your work (like any other schooling, it’s really not that difficult. It IS designed to weed out the individuals who are not willing to put the work in and actually learn the trade as one should. I know I don’t want to be working with, near, or by someone who doesn’t know what they’re doing! It is a true brotherhood that welcomes you and takes you under their wings, like everything in life, you get the same energy you put into it.

Cons

You get paid very little through your apprenticeship. Recommend getting in as young as you can. It’s a hard program to complete successfully having other responsibilities such as children and bills. But def worth it once you do. Other con, is the forced furlough and the dark cloud of possible lay offs which follow you. At which point you go to the bottom of the list at the union hall (usually mths long), collect unemployment, and have the option of taken up to a certain amount out of 401k (if you have it, and with penalties).

Pros

they give you great benefits

Cons

apprentice pay is lacking. not much pay until you complete the apprenticeship 5 years after you start

Pros

After 6 months you are covered with great benefits. You learn a trade with master electricians who want to teach you. You learn while you earn. The local pays for you to attend college, very appealing if you do not have a degree. If you make it through the apprenticeship, you can easily make more than $100,000/ year. You learn a trade that is extremely lucrative for free. There can be a brotherhood atmosphere, some guys believe in it more than others. The prospect of side work/ starting your own business.

Cons

Apprentice pay SUCKS, you can make more working at McDonalds. You are frequently hazed as an apprentice. You need to still attend college even if you have a Bachelor’s degree or higher. The potential for layoffs after topping out.

Pros

- You can make decent money, but it comes at a cost. This trade has one of the highest rates of divorce for a reason - Health benefits are acceptable, but aren't nearly as good they once were

Cons

- Poorly run apprenticeship. Most of the teachers are unqualified and should not be teaching. Students are not treated with respect an adult should receive - Very behind the times. E-mail is sparsely used and most communication with the hall must be done via fax or letter. This is extremely present in their website as any forms are difficult to find. Currently the only services available online are change of address and dues payment (for an extra fee). - Vast majority of benefits are tied into a 401k withdrawal. This includes vacation, holiday, and unemployment benefits. This results in early withdrawal penalties making tax time a nightmare - Unchanging leadership has continued to perpetuate stale ideas. The same families have been in charge for nearly a century. Any challenge to leadership ends up in blacklisting and/or threats - 3% assessment fee from every paycheck goes to the local. This is on top of bi-annual dues - Shop Stewards are not only rare, but more often than not they're unhelpful when needed - Poor work life balance for various reasons - Path to legitimate management blocked by mountains of paperwork, unnecessary classes (most of which must be done in person in a day and age where online courses are in abundance), and bureaucracy - If you are not in a club or related to someone in a position of power in the local or a shop you will likely struggle to maintain employment for any extended period of time.

Pros

Great place to get experience and benefits

Cons

Low starting pay for too long

Pros

The benefits provided are excellent

Cons

Low starting pay in apprenticeship

Pros

Ability to work various locations and different types of installations. Rate of pay, match 401K, benefits. Coworkers ability to work as a unit with goal intentions.

Cons

Working doesn't have a complete year, Layoffs come to frequently and still pay Union dues.

Pros

Lots of work in local area

Cons

Working in the weather isn’t the greatest

Pros

Great opportunity that seems almost endless. Paid training, vacation, 401k plans, HRA and more.

Cons

As times get hard people try to budget and cut cost. Due to our high standards to make sure that employees are safe in their work area and they get paid a fair days pay they look to cut on their professional trades leading to more guys on the bench.

Pros

Work on the best , high profile jobs Excellent training center , work with talented electricians, great wages and even better benefits. You are treated with respect and dignity.

Cons

Might end up in a bad shop. Might end up working with cut throat coworkers who will throw you under the bus to save their jobs. Long wait if you do get laid off.