Apprenticeships in the Construction Industry

Many high school students overlook a real opportunity for a successful long-term career, namely pursuing an apprenticeship in one of the construction trades. The Greater Philadelphia Metropolitan area is one of the nation's largest construction markets and apprentice programs have always been traditionally strong in this particular industry where, more so than in many fields, skills are learned on the job. Even in harsh economic times, skilled workers are always in demand. It is anticipated that the market will continue to face a shortage of people with solid construction skills into the foreseeable future. In other words, the demand will be there for those with the right background and skills. As the old saying goes," Nobody can ever take a skilled trade away from you".

In writing this article, I am particularly gearing my thoughts to those high school students who are not particularly drawn to following a college or university education but who wish to pursue a career path that promises good pay and benefits and an ongoing training program that constantly develops one's skills to facilitate career growth.

Just what is an apprenticeship?
The apprenticeship system dates back to the middle ages and can take numerous forms. Broadly speaking, it is a system where individuals can earn a decent wage while being given the opportunity to learn a trade through a combination of on-the-job experience and specific educational training. While learning skills on the job site, apprentices are paid a percentage of what their more experienced peers make. As the apprentice's skill level increases, so does his or her rate of pay. Typically, apprentices are "mentored" by experienced workers (called Journey Persons). When apprenticeships complete their training program (usually three to four years in duration), they will "graduate " to being a Journey Person.

Depending on the particular apprenticeship program in question, an apprentice may work four days a week on the job site and spend the fifth day at a Union training facility receiving specialized instruction from industry educators who, more often than not, will have years of experience behind them. In some programs, apprentices will spend longer periods at the training facility but on a less frequent basis. You will have noticed that the educational training (as opposed on the on-site experience) takes place at a Union training facility. The vast majority of formal apprentice programs are sponsored by Trade Unions and are in fact an "introduction" to pursuing a long term Union construction career. Indeed, one of the great benefits of joining an apprenticeship program is that one is taking the first step to becoming a Union member.

The important fact to remember is that the apprenticeship system is all about partnership—a partnership between the apprentice, the contractor, and the union.

In the Philadelphia area, there are several well-established apprentice programs including the Carpenters, Laborers, and Sheet Metal Workers, to name just a few. To apply to become an apprentice, you should contact the Trade Union in which you are interested; they can provide you with more specific information. Depending upon the program in question, an entrance exam may be required and also an interview with an apprentice committee, typically composed of construction industry representatives. Applicants usually have to be 18 years of age or older, physically fit, and able to pass a drug test.

But is a career in construction right for you, and what does it take to succeed? This field will probably appeal to people who like working with their hands and working outdoors in all kinds of weather, from the intense heat of the summer to the bone chilling cold of winter. Also, those students who have enjoyed, and have an aptitude for, shop courses at school will probably find themselves satisfied with a career in construction. Particularly in areas such as carpentry, math skills can also be very important.

Another important thing for a high school student to consider before exploring apprentice opportunities in the construction field is whether they are prepared to commit to the hours and working conditions that are part and parcel of this field.

The typical workday for a construction worker begins early. One often has to report to the work site before daybreak, particularly in the warm summer months. Also, there is no getting around the fact that a considerable amount of construction work is physically demanding and tiring, to say the least.

Because of the tremendous long-term benefits of a career in construction, it has to be said that entry into a formal union apprentice program tends to be very competitive. This is only to be expected in an industry where good pay and benefits go hand in hand with the opportunities to advance to a supervisory or project management level on the basis of on-the-job training and a solid work ethic. Make sure to fully investigate whether an apprenticeship training program is right for you.

Editorial provided by Michael Magee, Director of Education at General Building Contractors Association, Inc. in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.