Apprentice FAQs

Do I need to have experience in construction to apply?
No, the purpose of the apprenticeship program is to teach unskilled workers the skills and safety requirements needed to become a Construction Craft Laborer.

What is a Construction Craft Laborer?
A Construction Craft Laborer (CCL) is part of a team, working in North America's largest industry-the construction industry. The skills of the CCL are diverse, requiring classroom instruction and hands-on-training. Because of this diversity, the CCL is often the first craft on the project and the last to leave. To be a good CCL requires psychical strength, reading and math skills, and the ability to make decisions. The CCL needs to be able to work on his or her own and on a team to get the job done.

As a CCL, what kinds of work will I do?
The kinds of work you will do depends on your knowledge and skill level and the type of work needed at a job site. You may build and repair roads, highways, bridges, and tunnels, construct residential and commercial buildings, clean up hazardous waste sites, or perform other kinds of work. Among the tasks you may be doing are drilling and blasting site areas, building scaffolds, preparing and cleaning up a job site, laying pipe underground, placing concrete, flagging and controlling traffic on highways, and removing asbestos and lead from buildings, to name just a few.

How do I learn the skills of a CCL?
You enter the trade as an "apprentice," learning skills in the classroom and on the job. While an apprentice, you learn many of the skills by attending a minimum of 390 hours of classroom training. Then you practice those skills with a skilled journey worker for 4,000 hours of on-the-job training – earning a wage while learning the trade.

What can I expect on the job?
You will work with a journey worker who mentors and instructs you on the various skills of the CCL trade. You will be expected to give a fair day's work for a fair day's pay and be at the job every workday and on time. You will be working both indoors and outdoors in all weather conditions, performing psychical tasks using your technical skills.

Can I continue my education after I complete the CCL Apprenticeship Program?
Yes. After you complete the CCL Apprenticeship Program, you may take additional courses at a Laborers' Training Center.

Can I earn college credit?
Yes. The CCL Apprenticeship Program established a reciprocity agreement with the National Labor College of the George Meany Center leading toward an associates or bachelor's degree. In addition, completion of the CCL Apprenticeship Program entitles a graduate to one of two years of college credits. These credits may be transferable to a two-or-four year college in your area.

What will it cost me to join the New Jersey Construction Craft Laborers Apprenticeship Program?
The apprentice program and training are provided for free, but applicants must pay $12 for a math and reading test, and $50 for a drug screening. Once accepted into the program, apprentices pay a $200 initiation fee to the local union and $12 a month in dues.

How much will I get paid?
You will start at 60% of a journeyworkers' rate and then receive 10% increases after every 1,000 hours of work and attending classes.

Am I guaranteed work?
No, apprentices are referred out to work through Local Unions. Like all Construction Craft Laborers, there may be times when an appropriate job assignment is not immediately available.

When do I start receiving health care benefits?
After 800 hours for Building Laborers
After 1,000 hours for General, Heavy and highway Laborers

Will I have to travel?
Yes, you may be required to work anywhere in the state of New Jersey.

What are the benefits of becoming a LIUNA CCL apprentice?
Becoming a union CCL apprentice can be one of the most important decisions of your life-especially in your working career. Joining LIUNA-the Laborers' International Union of North America-will enable you to earn a good wage and receive the following benefits:

• Medical Insurance
• Job Training
• Lifelong Learning
• Retirement Pension Plan

Many LIUNA members also enjoy benefits under their local Member Assistance Program, which offers financial and legal assistance, reduced rates for mortgage loans and credit cards, personal and family counselors and other benefits.

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