Frequently Asked Questions
The Registered Apprenticeship system has been utilized to meet the needs of America’s skilled workforce since 1937. It is a unique, flexible training system that combines job-related technical instruction with on-the-job learning experiences. Registered Apprenticeship is a leader in preparing American workers to compete in a global, 21st-Century economy because the system keeps pace with advancing technologies and innovations in training and human-resource development.
It’s true! We’re NOT the only training provider for carpenters, millwrights, and pile drivers. The simple truth is that other programs don’t fully teach you a trade. They only teach you the basics to gain employment as a helper. They may offer a few weeks of training in a classroom or even some shop time. But if you want to be the best at your trade, no one can beat the training of a real Registered Apprenticeship Program.
Depending on the program specifics, the apprenticeship process is a three to four year commitment. As part of your Registered Apprenticeship, carpenter and pile-driver apprentices are required to complete a minimum of 640 contact hours at a training center. Millwright apprentices are required to complete a minimum of 800 contact hours. In addition, apprentices must complete 5,600 hours of on-the-job training to graduate to journey level.
Tuition is free. How’s that for financial aid? The only expense to you is an $80 textbook usage fee for the duration of your apprenticeship and $20 in monthly union dues. You will receive more than $30,000 worth of training over your 4 years of apprenticeship. It is estimated that the typical union carpenter receives $100,000 of training over the span of their career.
If you are regularly attending classes as scheduled and working consistently, you should be making top pay in three to four years. Even apprentices are paid well compared to entry-level pay of most other jobs.
Today, there are many women working in the trades. Did you know that women working full-time in the United States typically are paid just 82% of what men are paid? While carpenters, millwrights, and pile drivers have traditionally been assumed to be men, this isn’t the case in the United Brotherhood of Carpenters. The biggest union benefit for women is equal pay for equal work!
-A valid picture ID (state driver’s license or ID), Social Security card, and birth certificate.
-A high school diploma or GED equivalent, or verified 1,500 hours of work experience in a construction-related trade, or graduation from an approved pre-apprenticeship program.
-At least 18 years of age. There is no maximum age.
-Be in good health and physically able to perform all phases of the work.
-Pass a drug screening.
Contact the school board. If you no longer live in the area, search for the school name in the white pages or on the internet. Speak to someone who keeps track of paperwork within the facility. Request a copy of your transcripts. Ask them to send a copy of your transcripts to your address.
Fill out the short online application. You will be contacted about next steps, including paperwork and an interview at your local training center. If you don’t want to fill out the application online, you can also visit one of our training centers to complete an application.
Credit will be given depending on a combination of prior employment and knowledge. If you have prior experience, we will need to verify your past employment and work hours. You will also be required to participate in an evaluation with our instructors to test your knowledge.
Yes, the United Brotherhood of Carpenters and Joiners of America honors those who have served in the Armed Forces.
Two programs are available for veterans transitioning out of the military who are looking for good paying jobs with excellent benefits including healthcare and retirement. Click here to learn about the UBC Military Veterans Program and Helmets to Hardhats.
Veterans are asked to complete a Helmets to Hardhats application in addition to their apprenticeship application.
A criminal record does not prevent you from joining the apprenticeship program, however it may mean that you will not be eligible for certain jobs, such as contracts that require security clearance.
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