APPLICANTS

The interview process can often cause stress and nervousness, this is very common and expected. Prior to the interview please take a few minutes to relax and settle in. The training director or the administrative assistant will escort you from the waiting room into the conference room where the interview will be conducted. You will be asked to take a seat at the head of the table. In the interview room there will be 6 people, 3 committee members representing management (NECA) and 3 committee members representing labor (IBEW). The chairman of the interview committee will do most of the moderating.

The committee will ask a number of questions, please draw off of real life experiences where possible and avoid “hypotheticals”. With each question we will want to know the situation, what you did and the result– whether at work, school or home (hobbies, recreational activities, etc.). The objective is to get to know you better and to better understand your interest, goals, and thought process. The applicant will be asked questions with the purpose in mind of determining as much as possible about them as an individual, and their capacity to become an apprentice and eventually a Journeyman electrician. We also want to ensure you understand the demands of the program for which you are applying. For example:

• This is a five year electrical training program – can you commit to meeting a five year obligation and willing to make the hard work and study commitment required of such a program?
• Our classes are held every other week for 9 hours- are there any issues which would prevent you from participating in class?
• Often Training Assignments (OJT) require you to travel many miles to report the jobsite location- this demands an investment in both time (commuting) and money (fuel).
• Are you aware that electricians work in extreme weather, both hot and cold, can you tolerate extreme temperatures. Construction workers often work various hours including holidays and endure lay off periods- do you have any issues with those circumstances?
• Each newly selected apprentice will be enrolled in our Tech Math course prior to the start of the curriculum year. The cost of this course is approximately $150.
• The South Texas Electrical JATC has an annual registration fee that ranges between $750-$850, due around August 31^st of each school year attended. There are no additional costs for tuition, books, web based licenses or materials. Advanced notice will be given as to exact cost and due date. So the question is whether you will be able to meet the financial obligations of the program moving forward.

After the interview you will dismissed. The committee will notify you of their decision by mail, typically within 2 weeks. Your interview score determines how well you rank and where you will be placed on the active ranking list. Your score and position on the ranked list is valid for 2 years. By virtue of holding position on the list, the JATC may expend a formal offer of apprenticeship. Offers are extended to the next available applicant on the ranked list. If you so desire, you may re-interview after 6 months from your original interview date.

• First Impression. The interview committee is invested in the future of their industry. Enthusiasm for the opportunity to interview will go a long way. Leave yourself plenty of time to arrive at the interview and to calm pre-interview nerves. A good first impression includes being calm and confident. Make your ten minutes count. Smile and practice good posture and eye contact. Avoid nervous gestures such as crossing your arms and tapping your fingers. A good way to avoid fidgeting is to fold your hands on the table.
• Attire. Nice pants and a button down shirt are appropriate. Avoid excessive cologne, perfume, jewellery and cosmetics. Practice good hygiene and be well-groomed.
• Application portfolio. The panel will review anything that you included with your application such as a cover letter, resume, letters of recommendation, photos and certificates.  If you have additional material to include you may bring those with you to the interview. Due to the rapid pace and the high volume of interviews, it is important to draw their attention to your application materials that emphasize your work ethic, ability to work under pressure, and any experience and skills that transfer to the construction industry.
• Behavioural Interview Questions. These are questions like “Why should we choose you?” There are no right or wrong answers to behavioural interview questions. The interviewers are getting a sense of your past experiences and how they will translate to your role as an apprentice. Do an internet search of behavioural interview questions – this will give you an idea of what to expect. Prior to your interview, think about life events or experiences that illustrate your knowledge of the construction and electrical industries, your interest in apprenticeship, your ability to work well with others as a team, and your ability to be self-motivated, responsible, and dependable. Now that you have a list of experiences, prepare a response for any questions that you may be asked about each one. Use the structure: Situation… Action… Result.
  • Situation or task – Describe the event or task, taking care to use enough detail for the interviewer to understand but not so much that you burn up a lot of time.
  • Action – Describe what you did to complete the task or to resolve the situation. If it was a team effort, keep the focus on what you did effectively.
  • Result – Conclude your answer with a description of the result of your efforts. Include lessons learned if you learned something from the situation.
• Be concise but not too concise.  Keep your answers positive and specific, and avoid rambling.  You have ten minutes –  make them count by being succinct, to the point, and focused. Avoid one or two word answers. Ask for clarification if you don’t know how to answer a question.
• IBEW Electrical Worker.  Explain why becoming a union IBEW electrician or technician is important to you.  The selection committee is looking for team players and leaders who have a strong desire and drive to be an asset to the IBEW workforce.
• Practice.  Practice interviewing with your family and friends as much as possible. The more you practice the more relaxed and confident you will be in the interview.

Re-Interview 

The committee shall consider, on an equitable basis, a request for re-interview from the Ranked Pool upon the following terms:

At least six months, 180-days, has passed since the date of the initial interview and in the interim the applicant has either

1. 1. Gained at least 1000 hours of trade-related work experience (trade-related work experience hours should not be a continuation of previous employment in a non-construction type of work) OR
   2. Successfully completed two or more 3-credit or more college-level trade-related classes, one of which must be electrical in nature.
   3. The applicant has submitted a completed re-interview request form, provided by the training centre.

The committee will consider the request and determine whether or not a re-interview is justified.  There is no guarantee that a re-interview will be granted. A re-interview is not guaranteed to improve your rank