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 an 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 the safely
• Stable living situation and a phone
• Ability to meet the requirements for the chosen trade

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