The demand for tradespeople today could not be higher. With more than 70 skilled trades in construction that need workers, there has been a huge push for men and women to take part in apprenticeship programs in order to move forward in filling these positions. Apprenticeships are used for recruiting, developing and retaining highly productive and skilled employees in the construction workplace. In the end, apprenticeships equip you with the knowledge and skills to become a master in that trade and be able to perform the job to its full potential, allowing you the opportunity for good pay and the ability to support yourself.
But what exactly does an apprenticeship in construction look like?
Once admitted into an apprenticeship program, you will spend a percentage of your time in the classroom learning the ins and outs of the job you will be doing and then the rest of your time on a job site implementing what you learned. Field and classroom training vary by apprenticeship.
On the job site, an apprentice is paired up with a “journeyperson,” or someone who has successfully completed a prior apprenticeship and is considered qualified to work as a fully qualified employee. These journeypersons show the apprentice exactly how to do the job they are training for. A typical apprenticeship can last anywhere from 2-5 years. The classroom time typically takes up six weeks of your year while the rest is spent on the field. And get this; you get paid for being there! Once you have completed your program, in order to earn your certification, you must pass an exam.
An apprenticeship program in construction has many benefits including the retention of skills and coveted work experience. Men and women who take part in apprenticeship programs have a higher chance of being hired onto a project prior to their completion and certification.
So how do you get started looking for an apprenticeship?
Many companies hire apprentices year round. One must go through an interview process in order to be admitted. The more tradesmen and women that take part in apprenticeships, the more spots they can fill on a team in order to build a better America. If you are interested in learning more about apprenticeship programs or want to explore programs in your area, visit our Apprenticeship page. You can narrow your results based on your region and view the companies and organizations who help to coordinate local programs.
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