APPRENTICESHIPS

What does the Construction Craft Laborers Apprenticeship Program Entail?

Through a combination of classroom and on-the-job training, new members gain the skills to become a Construction Craft Laborer. LIUNA requires all new members to participate in a comprehensive apprenticeship program, consisting of 3,600 hours of on-the-job training with an additional 320 hours of classroom training. Through this program, men and women gain the necessary skills to building a career.

All training is provided free of charge to qualified candidates, and apprentices are paid according to a schedule based on training and experience. Pay raises are given after each period of approximately 1,800 hours of work and training.

  • First period 0-1,800 hours at 90% of the journey worker rate.
  • Second period 1801-3600 hours at 95% of the journey worker rate.

Apprenticeship Requirements

To join the Laborers International Union of North America, one must participate in Laborers Local #1140 Apprenticeship Program.

The minimum qualifications for applicants are:

  • Not less than 18 years of age. Proof of age may be required.
  • Physically able to perform the work of the trade.
  • Must possess a valid driver’s license.
  • Must submit to a drug test in compliance with current drug testing standards.

Applicants will be required to complete an application form and provide substantiating evidence or claimed qualifications.

Applications are taken the first Wednesday of every month from 9am-2pm. You must bring the required documents at the time of application.

Contractors – Laborers Training Fund will not discriminate against apprenticeship applicants or apprentices based on RACE, COLOR, RELIGION, NATIONAL ORIGIN, SEX (INCLUDING PREGNANCY AND GENDER IDENTITY), SEXUAL ORIENTATION, GENETIC INFORMATION, OR BECAUSE THEY ARE AN INDIVIDUAL WITH A DISABILITY OR A PERSON 40 YEARS OLD OR OLDER.

Contractors – Laborers Training Fund will take affirmative action to provide equal opportunity in apprenticeship and will operate the apprenticeship program as required under Title 29 of the Code of Federal Regulations, part 30.

Complaint Procedure

Contractor Requirements

The Laborers Local #1140 Apprenticeship Program is committed to providing the necessary skills to LIUNA’s newest members, the apprentices. Through a combination of classroom and on-the-job training, new members will be fully prepared to meet the needs of the Union Construction industry. Contractors need to be aware of the pay and benefit rules as they pertain to apprenticeship.

Apprentice Wages and Progression

Apprentices shall be paid an increasingly progressive schedule of wages consistent with skills and knowledge acquired. The rate for each period of the apprenticeship is expressed as a percentage of the skill Construction Craft Laborer journey worker rate specified in the collective bargaining agreement. The schedule that follows provides for four equal periods of approximately 1800 hours of work and 320 hours of training.

  • First period at 90% of the journey worker rate.
  • Second period at 95% of the journey worker rate.

Apprentice Benefits

Apprentices will not be eligible for, and employers shall not be required to pay on behalf of apprentice’s contributions into annuity, defined contribution, vacation or supplemental employment benefit funds. Apprentices shall be eligible for, and employers shall be required to pay on behalf of apprentice’s contributions to health and welfare, training, and pension funds.

Apprenticeship Training

1st Year 90% of Journey worker rate

  • Week #1 General Construction #1
  • Week #2 General Construction #2
  • Week #3 Concrete
  • Week #4 Mason Tending

2nd Year 95% of Journey Worker Rate

  • Week #5 Construction Math
  • Week #6 Blueprint Reading
  • Week #7 Line and Grade Control
  • Week #8 Pipeline Safety

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

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 in a team to get the job done.

As a CCL, what kinds of work will I do?

The kinds of work you will do depend 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 320 hours of classroom training. Then you practice those skills with a skilled journey worker for 3,600 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.

What are the entry requirements for the CCL Apprenticeship Program?

All CCL Apprenticeship Programs require you to be at least 18 years of age and physically able to perform the work of the trade. You are also required to have a high school diploma or GED equivalent because the classroom and on-the-job portion of the CCL Apprenticeship Program requires a certain degree of reading and math skills and science and physics knowledge. We also require a valid driver’s license.

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.

How much money can I expect to make?

Current wages for apprentices, 1st year $21.60 per hour, 2nd year $22.80 per hour.

Journeymen $24.00 per hour.

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 enables 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.