How often does a NEIEP recruitment area open?

Each of NEIEP’s recruitment areas opens roughly every 2 years. Windows run from a few days up to about 3 weeks, and some cap out in under 36 hours once open.

Do you track all NEIEP recruitment areas?

Not yet. NEIEP runs intake across 82 recruitment areas nationally, and we currently have confirmed dates for 2 of them. We alert our email list as soon as we verify a new window.

Where do I actually apply?

Applications go through NEIEP, not through the local union office directly. Confirm the current application process for your area at neiep.org before applying.

2 confirmed windows

NEIEP recruitment windows

✓ Written by a federally recognized pre-apprenticeship instructor · ✓ Updated August 2026 · ✓ Test facts verified against NEIEP’s official study guide

NEIEP opens intake for the elevator constructor apprenticeship area by area, not all at once. Below are the windows we currently have confirmed dates for.

Seattle, WA

IUEC Local 19

Opens: Tuesday, September 1, 2026 at 9:00 AM PT

Closes: Friday, September 18, 2026 at 5:00 PM PT

Chicago, IL

IUEC Local 2

Opens: Monday, October 5, 2026 at 9:00 AM CT

Closes: Monday, October 12, 2026 at 5:00 PM CT

We do not yet track all 82 NEIEP recruitment areas. NEIEP runs intake nationally across 82 areas (65 IUEC locals), each opening roughly every 2 years. We currently have confirmed dates for the 2 areas listed above. Join the alert list below and we will email you as soon as we verify a new window — for every other area, check neiep.org directly.

Get an alert when a window opens

Free. One email when a recruitment window opens near you, plus occasional prep tips. Unsubscribe anytime.

Why these windows matter

NEIEP does not run rolling applications. Outside of an open recruitment window for your area, there is no way to apply for the elevator constructor apprenticeship at all. When a window does open, it does not stay open long — windows run from a few days up to about three weeks, and some fill their application cap far sooner. Portland’s Local 23 window hit its 750-application cap in under 36 hours. Applying the day a window opens, not the week after, is the single biggest edge an applicant controls.

Applications are submitted through NEIEP, not to the local union office directly. Once you’re in, the process runs: application window, the 100-question EIAT entrance test, a hands-on tool assessment, and a JAC interview that alone sets your rank on the hiring list.

Get ready for the window

Free EIAT practice tests

Full-length tests in NEIEP’s real format — 100 questions, scored against the 70% pass mark.

What’s actually on the EIAT

Reading, mechanical aptitude, and math — verified against NEIEP’s own study guide.

Sources & methodology

Every fact on this page traced to NEIEP or BLS.

Facts on this page trace to primary sources (NEIEP’s official study guide, BLS data) — see sources & methodology. Independent — not affiliated with or endorsed by the IUEC, NEIEP, or any union or testing organization.