To enroll in our programs that are offered, you need to find a union employer that has signed a contract with the District Council and would be willing to sponsor you into the apprenticeship program. To find a list of employers you can stop in at the training center and write them down off of our list, or you can attend an informational meeting at the District Council every 2nd and 4th Wed. at 5:00 pm.
Training Center 651-646-7337
District Council 651-646-7207
2. Which apprenticeship program will be best for me?
We offer a number of apprentice programs: carpenter, millwrights, piledrivers and lathers. The best thing to do is to come to the Training Center and see what these crafts do and then decide on how that might fit into your needs as a career for the future.
3. Do I need to have a high school diploma to become an apprentice?
All apprentices need to be at least 17 years and have a high school diploma or (GED) equivalency.
4. Are there career opportunities in the trades for women?
Yes, there are many opportunities for women in the trades. Our contractors are always looking to hire interested females for the trades.
5. How much will this education cost me?
The cost for the training is as follows, once you have a sponsor you will need two money orders, one for $100 for the initiation fee, and one for $30 for the state apprenticeship fee. Once you start an apprenticeship program you will have to attend school one day every two weeks, and work the other nine days.
6. What is the best way to go about getting a job with a union contractor?
The best way to get a job from one of our contractors is to get a list fronm the informational meeting at the Council and call the office, or visit possible job sites and ask if they are hiring. You may also come to the training center and see if there are any job postings on our bulletin board or write down contractors off of our list.
7. How do I join a local union? What local union should I join?
Once you find a contractor to sponsor you and you sing an apprenticeship agreement and pay the $100 fee you will be signed to a local union which is closest to your place of residence. You may change which local you would like to belong after six months.
8. How much will I earn as an apprentice?
As an apprentice you earn 50% of a journey persons pay, which is currently $12.74. Your pay will increase with your on the job hours and skillblocks you finish in related training. Pay increases are every 1000 hours. In addition you will have the benefits payed in for health and welfare, pension, vacation and working dues.
9. As an apprentice what tools of the trade will I need to get started?
Please refer to the tool list on this site.
1. When do skill enhancement classes begin? What classes are scheduled for the summer?
Skill enhancement classes usually start in September and run thru April of each year. There are classes in the summer as well, these classes are set up by contractor needs or if we receive a high number of members needing a special class.
2. What health and safety classes are available through the training center?
Some of the certificates that members get are Red Cross CPR / First Aid, Confined Space, Forklift Operator, Ariel Lift, OSHA 10, Rigging and Scaffolding.
3. Can I attend classes in the evenings? During the day?
All members who contribute to our training fund are eligible to attend the skill enhancement classes. A journey level person may also come into the training center on any of the days that we hold regular classes to brush up on their skills as long as it is not taking the place of an apprentice for that day of training.
4. How much will this education cost me?
All skill enhancement and training is no cost to the members of the fund.
5. How do I enroll? Who do I contact?
To enroll in any of the classes you need to simply call the training center and get your name on the class list. If the class is full we will put you on the waiting list till we get enough people for another class and call you to inform you of the date.