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 physical 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 432 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 physical 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 Drexel J. Thrash Training Center.

Can I earn college credit?
Yes. The CCL Apprenticeship Program established a reciprocity agreement with the Cuyahoga Community College , Kent State and the University of Akron leading toward an associates 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.

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 450 hours have been paid into the health insurance fund.