Improving Your Qualifications - NECA-IBEW Electrical Training Center

Building your Skills and Experience

Improve your chances of success in an interview by developing your skillset beforehand. Here are some recommendations.

Entry-level Positions (Material Handling)
Construction Related Volunteer Work
Industry-Related Classes
Pre-Apprenticeships
Documentation of Hobbies

Entry-level Positions (Material Handling)

Only licensed electricians and registered apprentices may legally perform electrical work. Material Handling is an entry-level position that does not require a license. For information click Material Handling 2024.

IBEW 48 dispatches material handers:

IBEW 48 Dispatch

15937 NE Airport Way

Portland, OR 97230

503-251-8689

Construction Related Volunteer Work

Volunteerism shows your commitment to the community and your ability to work alongside others with tools. This is a great way to build the “hands-on” section of your resume if you do not have prior trade-related experience. Document your hours and request a letter of recommendation if you feel you have earned one.

Below is a list of organizations that perform construction-related volunteer work.

Industry-Related Classes

Many industry-related classes are available at local community colleges. Click here for suggestions.

Pre-Apprenticeships

Pre-Apprenticeships expose students to all the building trades and help students to become familiar with terminology, hand and power tool use, construction safety, and more. Click here for a list of adult and youth pre-apprenticeships that are approved by the Oregon State Apprenticeship and Training Council.

Click here for information about the Electrical Training Alliance Pre-Apprenticeship Program.

Documentation of Hobbies

Do you like to build and fix things? Do projects around the house? If so, take photos of your work, and add captions describing the work performed. Before and after photos are great.

You can get project ideas from these websites, or websites that are similar:

Most communities have tool libraries that allow you to check out tools. An internet search will yield some results. You can also check out localtools.org, although this site does not list all tool libraries.

Networking

The following IBEW organizations welcome pre-apprentice participation in their community volunteer events. Click here for a calendar of meeting dates.

EWMC (Electrical Workers Minority Caucus)
RENEW (Reach out and Engage Next-gen Electrical Workers)
IBEW Women of Local 48