Apprenticeship

What is Apprenticeship?
Apprenticeship combines classroom studies with OJT (on-the-job) training under the supervision of a journey-level craftsperson or trade professional. You earn a living wage with health care, retirement, and other benefits while learning skills. Wages increase progressively as your abilities increase. After completing an apprenticeship program your journey-level status provides an additional benefit of nationwide mobility at journey-level scale. Once you have decided on a trade, apply to the apprenticeship program in your area offering training in that specialty. There may not be immediate openings, so you may need to join a waiting list. Apprenticeship is a rewarding but demanding choice that requires determination, commitment, a good attitude and physical conditioning to succeed. For those who meet the challenges of apprenticeship, the rewards are substantial. He or she is a highly trained and skilled worker whose qualifications are recognized and respected throughout the industry.

A successful Apprentice
Apprenticeship is a valued system and an excellent way to learn skills and develop a career while making a good living wage with benefits. An apprentice chooses a trade that he or she really enjoys and wants to learn. A successful apprentice experience takes both patience and persistence. Apprentices make a commitment to a career and to “hang in there” which means completing the three year of the program regardless of layoffs.

Are you Apprentice ready?
You are excellent apprentice candidate if you have the following:

• Good work ethic
  
• Positive attitude
  
• Aptitude for the trade/occupation
  
• Ability to pass random drug and alcohol tests
  
• Valid driver’s license
  
• Reliable transportation
  
• Education required for the trade
  
• Basic knowledge of hand and power tools and how to use them safely
  
• Stable living situation and a phone
  
• Ability to meet the requirements for the chosen trade
  

Required Core Curriculum

• Orientation
  
• Reinforcing concrete
  
• Post tensioned reinforcing systems
  
• Rigging and cranes
  
• Cutting and Welding
  
• Blueprint reading
  
• Mathematics for Ironworkers
  
• History of the Ironworkers Union
  
• Fork lift
  
• 10-hour OSHA training
  
• Scaffold User – E/D
  
• OSHA sub-part R
  
• First Aid/CPR
  

Recommended to be added to the Core Curriculum (Extra Credit)

• Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA) Training for Ironworkers
  
• Metrics for Ironworkers
  

Supplemental Courses (As Needed)

• Hazardous material training
  
• Disaster response training for Ironworkers
  
• OSHA 30-hour safety course
  
• Lead hazard training for Ironworkers