Apprenticeship - FAQs

 

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ABOUT THE APPRENTICESHIP

1. What kind of work does a Construction Craft Laborer Apprenticeship do? A labor works on heavy construction projects that include roads, bridges, utilities, building, schools, shopping centers, etc.

2. Is this work physically demanding? Yes, laborers will be required to handle heavy materials including concrete and masonry, work with hand tools including shovels and wheel barrows and work with power tools such as jack hammers and utility saws.

3. What specific skills are utilized to be laborers? On heavy highway sites a laborer will install all types of pipes, handle and place concrete, lay asphalt, install utilities, control traffic and perform environmental remediation. On building sites, laborers install scaffolding, handle and place concrete, install all types of pipes, tend masons, do demolition and perform environmental remediation.

4. Will I be guaranteed full time work? No, unfortunately construction work is controlled by many factors such as the weather and economic conditions. This means that laborers are constantly being laid off and move from site to site.

5. What will happen when I get laid off? When a apprentice is laid off, they report back to their local Union Hall where their name is placed on the bottom of the out of work list. As other apprentices are dispatched out to work, your name will move up the list until you are dispatched out again.

6. How long does the average job last? There is no such thing as an average job. Every job site is different and the length of time is different. You may be dispatched to a job for one day or remain on the job for months.

7. How far will I have to travel? Laborers often travel distances of up to 100 miles for work. It is important for laborers to maintain their driver’s license and their vehicles.

8. How long will it take to complete the apprentice program? The apprentice program requires the apprentice to complete 4000 hours of on the job training (work) and an additional 400 hours of class time. Due to weather and job conditions, it may take approximately 3 years for an apprentice to complete the program.

9. Will I get paid in the apprentice program? An apprentice receives 60 percent of the journey workers rate when they begin the program. For every 1000 hours of on the job training and 80 hour class they complete, they will step up 10 percent of the journey workers rate.

10. Will I receive benefits while in the apprentice program? Yes, after required hours by your local union apprentices receive benefits such as medical and pension, paid by the contractor for the hours of work they perform.

11. I have no skills in construction. Will I be able to apply? Yes, the purpose of the apprentice program is to provide classroom and on the job training for unskilled workers. (OVER)

12. I have some skills in construction. Will I be able to apply? Yes, you will be required to provide documentation such as pay stubs and contractor letters. This information will be evaluated by the apprentice program to see if you qualify for advanced placement.

13. What Local Unions do the Apprentice Program represent? The Apprentice Program represents all construction Laborers Unions in the state of New Jersey.

14. Okay, I think I can do this. How do I apply? You must apply in person at any of the three training centers located in Aberdeen, Jamesburg or Folsom.

15. When do you take applications? We accept applications Monday thru Friday, 9 am till 1 pm.

16. What do I need to apply? You must be at least 18 years of age and possess a valid and current driver’s license.

17. What happens if I do not have a license? You must possess a valid and current driver’s license in order to complete an application. If you temporarily lost your license you must wait until you get it back.

18. Once I apply, how long will it take to get into the program? The Apprentice Program is regulated by the Federal and State Government. Applicants will have two years from the final selection process to be contacted to participate in the program.

19. What is the entry procedure? Once the Apprentice Program establishes that they can begin a new process, we will notify all applicants by mail of a two hour orientation class. Applicants that attend the orientation class will be scheduled for a work keys math and reading assessment test. Applicants that attend the work keys assessment test will be scheduled for an interview. Applicants will receive a score for their test and interview. Applicants that score over 70 will be considered to take a two week pre-apprentice (General Construction) class and be drug tested. Upon successful completion of the class and drug test, applicants will be referred to a Local Labors Union and be made available for work.

20. What happens if I miss part of the application process? Your name will be removed from the program and you will have to re-apply.

21. Is there any cost to me? The two work keys assessments will cost you $11.00. The drug test will cost you $50.00. There will be no further cost till you are initiated into a Local Union.

22. How hard are the work keys math and reading assessments test? If you haven’t done much math or reading recently, you may want to refresh yourself.

23. Realistically, what are my chances of being successful in this program? First, you must be patient. Everyone that applies, and is qualified will be sent a notice by mail to start with the orientation class. If you are successful with the work keys assessment test, interview, drug test and two week pre-apprentice class (Gen-Con) you will be given an opportunity for work. What you make of that opportunity is up to you.

24. What if I have more questions? The entire process will be explained in detail with an opportunity for questions at the orientation class.


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