We are making our way around the state, highlighting some of Ohio’s current apprenticeship opportunities. So far, we’ve covered Northeast Ohio and Southeast Ohio apprenticeship opportunities. In the upcoming weeks, we’ll focus on the west side of our state. But today, we travel to Central Ohio.
Home to our state capital and the hub of major highways, it’s no surprise that Central Ohio is teeming with opportunities. And, like the location of this region, apprenticeship programs within the construction industry are central to progress.
While there are many organizations that we recommend exploring when selecting an apprenticeship program in Central Ohio, the Ohio State Building and Construction Trades Council is a fantastic place to start. With a wide range of programs that train individuals for careers in everything from boiler makers to sheet metal workers and an impressive amount of affiliated members (10,500 apprentices and 100,000 trained professionals), this supportive organization has something for everyone in the construction industry.
Their Building Trades apprenticeships follow the typical combination of both classroom and on-the-job training and are personalized with the mentorship of an experienced journeyman. Their website links to various Building Trades apprenticeships, which are fully funded by local unions and partner contractors. This means that these apprenticeship programs are completely tuition-free and provide an opportunity to earn as you learn, whether that be through a regular paycheck or college credits.
One such program is through the National Elevator Industry Educational Program (NEIEP), which is a “joint labor-management educational trust fund serving the International Union of Elevator Constructors (IUEC) and the employers who employ its members.” Their apprenticeship program for a career as an Elevator Constructor supports their mission to improve the knowledge and skills of apprentices for the benefit of the individual and the industry as a whole.
Another apprenticeship program is through the International Union of Painters and Allied Trades, which represents active and retired industrial and commercial painters, drywall finishers, wall coverers, glaziers, glass workers, floor covering installers, sign makers, display workers, convention and show decorators and more. Their Finishing Trades Institute has everything industry hopefuls could need to prepare for a career in the high-demand, high-variety field of finishing trades that is sure to provide high earnings. In fact, according to their website, the average union construction worker earns more than the average college-educated computer worker and enjoys better benefits than the average corporate employee.
Apprentices are central to every project, no matter what role they have. These are just two possible routes you can take through the Ohio State Building and Construction Trades Council right now. There are even more awaiting you: explore them all on our website. Even if you don’t call Central Ohio home, start your search today. Now is the time to explore apprenticeship opportunities. Spring is coming soon, which means graduation is right around the corner. Students, are you preparing for your future? Check out our page dedicated to students or contact us with specific questions. Don’t forget to check back over the next few weeks for special highlights on Northwest and Southwest Ohio apprenticeship programs.
