Apprenticeship

It is through our International and Local Unions’ apprenticeship training programs that we are able to maintain a skilled, diverse workforce for construction projects of the Coalition.

What is an Apprentice?
An apprentice is a training-level employee who works in the building and construction trades while also attending classes to learn industry skills and safety techniques. Wages for an apprentice increase over the course of this training, which lasts from two to five years depending on the trade. An apprentice who graduates to journey-person is recognized as a well-qualified worker who can command the best wages and benefits.

What are the qualifications to become an apprentice?
Qualifications to become an apprentice include a strong foundation of math and literacy skills, a high school diploma or an equivalency diploma, and the ability to successfully complete an aptitude test. Additionally a qualified candidate will be physically fit, drug-free, have access to reliable transportation, and have proof of citizenship or the legal right to work in the U.S.

What are the benefits of Apprenticeship Training and Union Membership?
Apprenticeship training provides individuals with the skills needed to compete economically and work safely. Union construction workers receive higher wages and better benefits than those employed by non-union contractors.

Information about how to apply to various apprenticeship programs in the building trades can be found on the NYS Department of Labor’s website at:
http://www.labor.state.ny.us/pressreleases/ApprenticeshipArchive.shtm

APPRENTICESHIP - EARN WHILE YOU LEARN

Where do skilled, quality trained craftsmen come from? From the various apprenticeship training programs that are operated by each coalition craft.

These elaborate training programs continually produce the skilled craftsmen who enter the union workforce as a “journeyman” or “journeywoman” after completing 3-4 years of training, depending on the craft. And, while learning the “tools of the trade,” an apprenticeship is paid.

You can enter a training program as a first year apprentice or later, depending on your skill level in the craft you are apprenticing.

Lastly, union training programs are fully funded by our unions and the contractors. No federal or state funds are used to train union apprentices.

Should you have any questions regarding apprenticeship training just contact any of the Coalition’s Apprenticeship Directors listed here.