A. NO. The program combines both classroom and shop training. There is a strong emphasis on construction math and job readiness for the industry. Much of the time is spent in the shop building projects.
A. All the tools and materials will be provided to you while attend the Pre-Apprenticeship Program. There is no cost. Upon completion of the Nine Week Program, you will be given a basic set of hand tools.
A. You will not be allowed to participate in Pre-Apprenticeship at that time. You will be removed from the applicant list. If you feel that the test is wrong, you can get re-tested, on your own, at your cost. However; if the test is non-negative you will not be able to re-apply for one year.
A. There is a stipend of $30 for the first 4 weeks, then $60 for the remaining 5 weeks. If you qualify, you may be eligible for unemployment benefits. We do not determine qualification.
Q. Is there a guarantee of a job when Pre-Apprenticeship is completed?
A. Successful completion of the program allows you to become an indentured apprentice.
This means you have the right to sign the local union’s hiring list and are eligible to be
sent to work as it becomes available in your area.
A. Jobs may be for one day, several days, weeks, months and years. If the company likes how you work, they usually will try to keep you working as long as they can. You may have to travel to other jobs.
A. While participating in the Pre-Apprenticeship program, you will go to the same place for training for the nine weeks. Once indentured into apprenticeship, you will join a Local Union in your area and be dispatched to work in the jurisdictional area of that Local Union. You will also have free movement for work throughout the Northern 46 California Counties area.
A. Once you become an apprentice, you may look for work on your own. If you find a Union Contractor that wants to hire you, the Union will determine if the contractor is eligible to request you. This relates to proper ratios of Journeymen and Apprentices.
Q. Upon becoming an apprentice, may I attend apprenticeship classes while I am waiting for work?
A. YES. We highly encourage apprentices to attend classes whenever they are not working. You can check with the training center in your area for availability of classes.