Applicant spots fill overnight at elevator workers union

People are lining up to join International Union of Elevator Constructors Local 23.

With 750 apprentice applications submitted in less than 36 hours, International Union of Elevator Constructors (IUEC) Local 23 hit its recruitment limit in record time.

Portland-based IUEC Local 23 typically opens up applications for new apprentices every other year, and accepts applications for three weeks or until 750 applications are submitted.

The 2025 application opened at 9 a.m. on July 1. 

For the first time, Local 23 reached the maximum 750 applications — and it took less than two days.

Local 23 Business Manager Rob Larzalere said he attributed the record number of applications to the union’s outreach efforts. Larzalere said he attends 40 to 50 career fairs each year to spread the word about the trade and what the union offers.

Elevator constructors build and maintain elevators, escalators, and moving walkways. It’s a licensed craft that combines electrical and mechanical skills and it’s the highest paid of any construction craft, with current journeyman wages of $67.89 an hour plus $43.87 an hour in fringe benefits. Starting wages are $33.95 an hour. 

“All in all, it’s a really great thing that the word is out about our trade and our industry, and there’s that much demand to want to get in and have a better life and a good union trade,” Larzalere said. 

In 2023, the union received 713 applications over the three week period. In past cycles, they received far fewer applications.

From the 2023 applications, 224 people made it through the application review, aptitude test, and interview process, onto the apprenticeship list. Around 65 of those were ultimately put to work.