QUESTIONS

How Long has the IBEW been around?

The short answer is November 28, 1891. This YouTube link is a six-minute video on our heritage. (click here)

I HAVE WORKED FOR SEVERAL YEARS DOING NETWORK CABLING. MAY I CHALLENGE THE EXAM?

Yes. Allow us to help you navigate through the Trade Equivalency Assessment (TEA). We will enroll you into our pre-Certification of Qualification course to help you achieve your 631A License and advance your career.

I’ve heard that unions take a lot of money for membership dues. Is that true?

No. Depending on the local union in your area, dues will range between $39.66 - $50.00. Your monthly dues include several benefits: additional life insurance, an additional pension investment through our international office PLUS, a portion of it is tax deductible. That cost is easily offset by the increase in pay, benefits, insurance, and pension you’ll receive. You can view the breakdown for wages here.

Part of the union dues go to cover administration costs at your local office. The remainder goes to the international office, which provides the pension and accidental death benefit.

CAN I CHOOSE WHICH UNION I WISH TO BE WITH?

Yes. Typically, members join the Local in the area where they work or reside but the choice is yours.

I have no experience as a Network Cabling Specialist and I am not currently an IBEW electrician or powerline technician. Can I apply?

Each of our Local Unions have specific application requirements. Visit the Contact Us page to sibmit and inquiry to the Local Union in your area.

Some of our Local Unions offer a Job Readiness Training program. The Network Cabling Specialist (NCS) Job Readiness Training (JRT) is a four-week training program created to help advance the Network Cabling Specialist 631A trade apprenticeship and help promote the Certificate of Qualification.

The program is designed to ensure students are work-ready and provided the best path to obtain a Registered Training Agreement in the NCS 631A trade.

To learn more about the program and current offerings, visit www.ibewcomms.ca/JRT .