How long is the program
6 weeks, classes are held 4 days a week, 9-hourdays.
Is the program all classroom time
NO. All the tools and materials will be provided to you while attend the Pre-Apprenticeship Program. There is no cost. Upon completion of the Six Week Program, you will be given a basic set of hand tools.
Do we need tools
NO. All the tools and materials will be provided to you while attend the Pre-Apprenticeship Program. There is no cost. Upon completion of the Six Week Program, you will be given a basic set of hand tools.
After attending orientation, what happens if I decide not to participate in the Six Week Program
You will be removed from our applicant list. You may reapply at any time. You will receive a new number on our list.
What happens if I fail the drug test
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.
Will I get paid
YES. You will receive a $75 stipend at the end of each week you complete. If you qualify, you may be eligible for unemployment benefits. We do not determine qualification.
What if I am almost completed with my minimum qualifications (eg.GED)
You are not qualified to participate until you meet the educational requirement.
Is there a guarantee of a job when Pre-Apprenticeship is completed
NO. 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.
Once I get a job, how long do they last
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.
where will i get trained and will i travel for work
YES. While participating in the pre-apprenticeship program, you will go to the same place for training for the six weeks. You wil take 4 years of apprenticeshipclasses at one of 4 training locationdependent of craftand location. 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.
Can I look for work on my own
YES. 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.
Upon becoming an apprentice, may I attend apprenticeship classes while I am waiting for work
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.
