How to apply for an IUEC elevator apprenticeship

You apply for an IUEC elevator apprenticeship online through NEIEP, for a specific local, while that local's recruitment is open. Recruitments are not continuous: NEIEP says they are held after everyone on the current list has been hired, or when the list expires every two years. The most common way to miss out is simply not knowing a window has opened.

Step 1: find your local's recruitment

NEIEP's apprenticeship opportunities page explains the process and points to its recruitment portal, where open recruitments are listed. Each local recruits on its own schedule, so the question is not "is the IUEC hiring" but "when does my local next recruit". If you can reasonably travel, check neighboring locals too.

Step 2: check you meet the requirements

• At least 17 to apply (18 to be registered as an apprentice).
• High school diploma or equivalent (GED) at the time of hire.
• Authorized to work in the United States.

NEIEP says applications that are missing documentation will not be accepted. Have your diploma or GED documentation scanned and ready before the window opens.

Step 3: apply as soon as the window opens

Some locals cap the number of applications. The Northwest Labor Press reported that Local 23 in Portland usually takes applications for three weeks or until 750 are submitted; in July 2025 it reached 750 in less than 36 hours, the first time it had hit the limit.

Step 4: the EIAT and tool assessment

After you apply there are two more steps: the Elevator Industry Aptitude Test and an interview. NEIEP lists a $25 testing fee. The EIAT is pass/fail at 70%, and correct answers on the tool assessment count toward your interview score. Start preparing before the window opens, since the gap between applying and testing may be short. See the EIAT explained.

Step 5: the interview and ranked list

Pass the EIAT and you are interviewed by two Joint Apprenticeship Committee members. Your interview score sets your rank, and NEIEP says companies with open apprentice positions hire from the list in ranked order. See the interview guide.

Being on the list is not being hired

How quickly you are called depends on your rank and on how much work the local has. In Local 23's 2023 cycle, the Northwest Labor Press reported 713 applications, 224 applicants who made it through the review, test and interview, and about 65 hires.

If you do not pass

NEIEP says applicants who do not pass can re-apply in the next or a later recruitment period. With lists lasting up to two years, that is a strong argument for preparing properly the first time. Use the waiting time: free timed samples of every section are on our EIAT practice page.