Apprenticeship Journey

SKIP THE FOUR-YEAR DEGREE

LEARN ON THE JOB

Apprenticeship is an alternative to college that enables you to develop yourself and your career through a mixture of classroom learning and on-the-job training as a full-time employee.

BASIC REQUIREMENTS

LEGAL

18+ years old
High school diploma or GED
Ability to pass a drug test
Passing grades and test scores for respective trade

ATTITUDE

Respect for safety
Punctuality
Willingness to learn
Positivity

COMPETENCIES

Communication (written & verbal)
Problem-solving acumen
Basic math skills

CAREER PATHWAYS WITHIN THE SKILLED TRADES

Careers in the trades offer limitless opportunities for long-term success. Projects like schools, hospitals, and high-rises are being built every day—construction and manufacturing are not only in demand but also growing. These are the basic levels of skilled tradespeople:

APPRENTICE

Registered apprentices work a full-time, salaried job with benefits while training for their chosen trade through hybrid classroom and hands-on instruction—all while avoiding college debt. Anyone with a high school degree or an equivalent can apply to become an apprentice.

JOURNEYPERSON

A journeyperson is a seasoned, expert craftsperson who earns a full salary. Having completed their union apprenticeship, they are licensed to practice their trade unsupervised, although they can also complete continuing education to stay atop their field. Journeypersons can be job site managers, supervisors, or training center instructors, and they often oversee the work of apprentices.

FOREPERSON

A foreperson typically represents the top supervisory role on a job site; as such, they provide critical leadership to all workers. Forepersons are well-organized individuals responsible for supporting the goals of projects. They ensure the safe and efficient completion of jobs by constantly communicating, making proactive decisions, and maximizing the capabilities of their team.

PROJECT ESTIMATOR/OWNER

Project estimators and company owners are master craftspeople as well as confident self-starters. They have the passion and commitment needed to build a business, which includes maximizing their employee’s abilities. Project estimators and owners are responsible for everything in their businesses, including efficiency assessment, client relationship management, and finances.

READY TO WORK IN CONSTRUCTION?

STEPS FOR CONSTRUCTION APPRENTICESHIP

Think About the Right Trade for You

Research and find the trade that best suits your personality and skill set. Use our guide to learn about the responsibilities and wages for the most common fields.

LEARN MORE ABOUT THE TRADES.
Attend an Orientation with WRTP

We will help you contact the appropriate training centers for your trade of choice so you can start the application process.
Be Ready to Succeed

Gather the required documents (driver’s license, high school diploma/GED transcript) and study for the aptitude tests. We can assist you with all of this.

Realize that a drug test or pre-employment drug screening is likely.
CONTACT US

READY TO WORK IN MANUFACTURING?

STEPS FOR MANUFACTURING APPRENTICESHIP

Interview with WRTP Staff to Assess Your Employability and Enhance Your Skills

Employment with a high road employer who features apprenticeship programs is key. We can help you find the right occupation and employer match.
Be Ready to Succeed

Gather the required documents (driver’s license, high school diploma/GED transcript) and study for the aptitude tests. We can assist you with all of this.

Realize that a drug test or pre-employment drug screening is likely.

CONTACT US

WHY JOIN A UNION?

Labor unions form a beautiful and essential force that allows workers to band together in pursuit of solutions that will improve their jobs, lives, and communities.

COLLECTIVE BARGAINING

Unions amplify workers’ voices so they can offer opinions and concerns on the issues that matter to them. When workers unite in solidarity, contract negotiations become more successful.

BETTER WAGES & BENEFITS

On average, union workers earn significantly more than their non-union counterparts. Union members are also more likely to secure benefits like premium health insurance, paid time off, and retirement plans. All benefits are provided apart from hourly wages, so they don’t affect workers’ paychecks.

STRONGER ECONOMY

When union workers successfully secure a higher wage, non-union firms tend to follow suit in order to keep employment competitive. As a result, the economy benefits as a whole.

HIGHER SAFETY STANDARDS

Safety is a top priority in the construction industry, especially among unions. The labor movement fought for the Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970 to ensure safer working conditions and stronger protections for workers.

DIVERSITY

Unions make a concerted effort to represent and champion workers from all walks of life and identities—including workers of different races, ethnicities, orientations, and education levels. For the workforce of the future, inclusion and equal opportunity are the only way to go.

ALREADY A NON-UNION TRADESPERSON?

MAKE THE SWITCH

All the following advantages await you in unionized labor: guaranteed compensation, better benefits (above and beyond your hourly wage), safe working conditions, recognition for your work, and job security. You will also enjoy a richer on-the-job atmosphere due to the special bond between labor and management.

Ready to continue your career in a union? Get started with WRTP | BIG STEP today!

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INDUSTRY & ORGANIZATION NEWS

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