Construction Trades & Apprenticeships

Apprenticeships

An apprenticeship combines on-the-job training with related classroom instruction, all under the supervision of a journey-level professional. Apprentices get paid while they learn and develop knowledge, skills, and abilities in a new career field.

After completing a registered apprenticeship program, apprentices receive a professional credential that is recognized nationwide.

Apprenticeship is one of the best ways to get the experience and training you need to start your career. Often, starting an apprenticeship is similar to getting a job. You have to decide on a program you’re interested in, apply for the apprenticeship, interview with the program staff, and be accepted into the program.

Who can be an apprentice?

Anyone can be an apprentice. In general, apprentices must:
-Be at least 16 years or older, or in the case of hazardous occupations, 17 years or older.
-Be able to perform the work, with or without reasonable accommodation.
-Have the knowledge, skills, and abilities needed to learn the job.
-Provide proof of age, high school diploma or equivalency (GED), honorable military discharge, etc., to meet program requirements.

Who Offers Apprenticeship Programs?

Typically, employers, employer associations, and labor unions sponsor apprenticeship programs. To find a program you are interested in, use the Apprenticeship Registration Tracking System (ARTS). This database lists all registered apprenticeship programs available in Washington, and the requirements for each program. You should contact the program directly to see if they are accepting new apprentices.

NOTE: Be cautious. If a company hires you informally as an “apprentice,” and the apprenticeship is not officially registered with the state, you will not receive the benefits of a registered apprenticeship, including working as a journey-level professional.

Benefits of apprenticeship

Apprenticeship combines classroom studies with on-the-job training supervised by a trade professional. Much like a college education, it can take a few years to graduate. But unlike college, as an apprentice you’ll earn while you learn. Once you’ve mastered the occupation, you’ll earn the same wages as a professional.

Apprentices enrolled in a registered apprenticeship program:

Start earning right away.
Learn business and job skills for leadership and management opportunities.
Have no student loans to pay off when they graduate, and have a jump start in their career.

Union Apprenticeships

Once you are in an apprenticeship training program, you are working on a construction site, learning your trade and getting paid. You EARN while you LEARN. Apprentices get regular pay raises along the way, plus benefits and a pension

Boilermakers 104

www.local104apprenticeship.org

Boilermakers 502

http://www.boilermakers502.org/

Bricklayers and Allied Craftworkers

http://www.levelupnw.org/

Carpenters

http://www.nwci.org/

Cement Masons

http://www.cmpltraining.org/

Drywall Finishers

http://www.ftinw.org/