The International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBE) is an international labor union that constitute about 750,000 electrical workers and retirees from the electric industry in the US, Canada, Mexico, Guam, and many other countries. It also represents people who are interested in a career in electrical work or skilled trade workers. There are branches of the IBE in every state in the US, Canada and Puerto Rico. Because the IBE has branches throughout most states with large concentrations electrical power generators, it is the most powerful and largest union of electricians in the US. The IBE provides safety training as well as programs for cancer prevention and organizing wages.

What are the Different Types of Electrical Workers

To be a member of the IBE, one must join through an affiliate program. An affiliate program is required to allow applicants to join the IBE. Applicants must submit an application, a resume, and a cover letter. Many electricians first became members by becoming apprentice electricians. Apprentices learn valuable real-world experience while working under the supervision experienced electricians.

What are the Different Types of Electrical Workers

During the apprenticeship phase, electricians teach young beginners how to install and repair electrical systems. They also teach students how to wire and inspect different components. Many electricians who have completed an apprenticeship are referred to as journeymen, or journeymen. Journeymen usually have between two and four years of work experience with electricians and wiremen. They are licensed to install and fix electrical systems. This experience is what gives them all the knowledge and skills they need to be a journeyman.

What are the Different Types of Electrical Workers

Apprenticeships are a way for a journeyman to work as an electrician. Apprentice electricians are a common tool for tradesmen who are just starting out in their businesses. This allows them the opportunity to learn the trade without the financial risk associated with an apprenticeship program. Tradesman work allows you to learn the skills necessary for larger jobs later. Working for a contractor for a longer period of time also gives the electrician the experience that they need to find better employment later on.

What are the Different Types of Electrical Workers
  • An electrician must be a member of an established union in order to be eligible for work as a contractor. These requirements are very simple in most states. Before a person can apply to be a union member, they must have been a member for at least one calendar year. The union will conduct elections after a person becomes a member. Based on the party affiliation of each bargaining agent, they may run for office. If a majority of bargaining agents agrees to run for office at the end of each session, they will be voted upon and serve as bargaining agent for any future job offers.

In order to be a member of a union, the electrical workers must generally have been in the construction industry for five or more years. The electrician’s reputation has been built over the years and employers will consider them the best electrical worker available when they apply to jobs. When applying for construction industry jobs, many applicants fail to disclose that they are members of a union. Applicants may be rejected because they do not have enough experience in the field, or the employer will look elsewhere for a qualified electrician.

One of the two primary categories of electricians is a mover and shaker. These workers are the backbone for the construction industry. They do everything from installing different types equipment to designing the plans that will form the foundation of a building. A plumber, for example, is a mover and shaker who plans and builds a house. Some mover and shakers are highly sought after because of their abilities, but some have a difficult time getting ahead in this highly competitive field because of their unique backgrounds.

The last major category is the breaker or electrician. These are usually line electricians, who are responsible for maintaining and designing electric lines. These jobs are best for those with a combination of skills, as in all labor unions. You can gain experience by joining an apprenticeship program. However, in certain regions, electricians with previous experience working for a licensed business are preferred. Although certification is not required for most positions, the majority of these ballot measures don’t require it. One option is to join the Electrical Workers Union if you wish to work in a utility firm.