What is an Apprentice?
An apprentice is a worker who learns a skilled trade through planned, supervised on-the-job training and related classroom instruction. An apprentice is a regular part of the work force and earns wages while acquiring important skills. The length of an apprenticeship program ranges from three to five years. At the completion of the program, an apprentice becomes a journeyperson, fully qualified to perform the work of the trade and earns full pay for their skill.
How do I Prepare for Apprenticeship?
For those interested in becoming a skilled journeyperson, the importance of a well-rounded high school education cannot be over emphasized. A strong background in math and science is important. Good attendance is a necessity. Today’s competitive industry demands employees who can perform technical tasks, exercise good judgment and possess strong work ethics.
How do I Get Selected?
The Joint Apprenticeship and Training Committee (JATC) of each trade conduct the selection of apprentices. Member representatives of both management and labor organizations staff these committees. Each JATC seeks men and women who demonstrate the best character, aptitude, motivation and personality traits necessary for success in their trade. Apprentice candidates are considered under the Equal Employment Opportunity guidelines. They are required to participate in standardized testing and are personally interviewed by the JATC. It is their goal to select candidates who demonstrate reliability and sincere desire.
What About Training?
To be certain apprentices get proper training, both federal and state agencies establish rules, which supervise the progress of the apprentice. Each apprenticeship program must adhere to regulations and standards, which are registered with the Kentucky Labor Cabinet. The U. S. Department of Labor, Bureau of Apprenticeship and Training assists in the formulation of, and administration of these standards. Apprenticeship in construction has been described as “the doorway to opportunity.” Apprentices, at very little or no cost to themselves, learn skills they can use the rest of their lives. Training gained through apprenticeship has enabled many workers to advance to better jobs.
Carpenters
What is a Carpenter?
A carpenter today performs many tasks, from the builder of small residential homes, to the fabricator of the most complex industrial setting. The conditions they work in are as varied as the skills levels they possess. The weld metals, mold plastics, saw woods, form concrete, build scaffolds, layout the tallest buildings, and put the final key in the door. Their tools are hammers, saws, lasers, digital, and electronic devices and organizational skills.
How do I prepare for the trade?
The following course/training would be helpful: Good personal and social habits; Courses in math, science, and communication skills; Develop reasoning and problem solving skills; Acquire related work experience
Eligibility requirements
At least 18 years of age; Possess a high school diploma or GED; Desire to be the best; Have a valid driver’s license; Social Security Card & Birth Certificate
Program Specifics
Length of Program- 4 years
Four weeks of classroom related instruction each year
Starting Pay- 50% of Journeyman Wage
Where Do I Apply/Who Do I Contact?
Kentucky State District Council of Carpenters, AFL-CIO
Carpenters Local 64
4017 Dixie Highway
Louisville, KY 40216
(502) 448-3868 or 1-800-609-1057
Electricians
What is an Electrician?
Electrical construction is a dynamic and diverse industry with specialized skills. The electrician must be able to layout, assemble, install, repair, and test entire electrical and electronic systems. Along with their electrical training, journeyperson electricians must have a complete working knowledge of blueprint reading and know the National Electric Code and local codes. There is of course the hazard of electrical shock and burns from “live” wires. Therefore, safe work practice is a must. Electricians must be mechanically inclined, physically fit, and enjoy working with mathematical formulas.
How do I prepare for the trade?
The following course/training would be helpful: Above average reading ability; Algebra, Geometry, Trigonometry, Physical Science, Mechanical drawing, Blueprint reading
Eligibility requirements
At least 18 years of age; Possess a high school diploma or GED; Successfully completed Algebra I (transcripts required)
Program Specifics
Length of Program- 5 years
Minimum of 8000 hours of on-the-job training
Minimum of 900 hours of classroom related training
Apprenticeship program has six (6) scheduled pay increases
Where Do I Apply/Who Do I Contact?
Joint Apprentice Training Program
Electricians JATC Local 369
1021 S. Floyd St.
Louisville, KY 40203
(502) 581-9210
Plumbers
What is a Plumber?
A plumber is a skilled craftsperson that installs and repairs pipe systems that carry water, waste drainage, natural and medical gas in buildings. They join pipes and install fixtures like bathtubs, toilets, dishwashers, and water heaters. Often they design these systems or work from blueprints and drawings that show where pipes go. They have the very important job of helping to keep water safe for you to use for drinking and bathing.
How do I prepare for the trade?
The following course/training would be helpful: Good attendance, Algebra, Geometry, General math courses, Drafting, Blueprint reading, Science, English, Welding
Eligibility requirements
At least 18 years of age
Possess a high school diploma or GED
Have a valid driver’s license with a clean driving record
Program Specifics
Length of the program - 5 years
On-the-job and classroom related training
Where Do I Apply/Who Do I Contact?
Joint Apprentice Training Program
Plumbers Local 107
1235 Bardstown Rd.
Louisville, KY 40204
(502) 453-2410
