Construction Apprenticeship Advantages

An apprenticeship in the construction industry is not a new idea. Apprenticeships have endured for centuries and they offer the same advantages for skilled workers today.

Many baby boomers have reached retirement age and new workers are needed to replace them. Skilled workers can benefit from on-the-job-learning and gain from the experience of those who have worked in the industry for many years. This type of training improves work quality and efficiency.

The Department of Labor (DOL) recommends that the “earn while you learn” model is a good way for young people to train in the craft without being saddled down with student loans.

There are registered apprenticeship programs that range anywhere from one to six years, and the time varies depending on the employer and the degree of complexity involved in learning the skills. Both state and government programs oversee apprenticeships to ensure high quality training and safe conditions. An average year of training typically provides 2,000 hours of on-the-job work and a minimum of 144 hours of relevant classroom instruction.

Advantages for Contractors

According to the North America’s Building Trades Unions (NABTU) an employer’s return on investment (ROI) for skilled training is three dollars for every dollar invested. The benefits include:

• Improved safety
• No need for rework
• More productive skilled workers

The NABTU has an infrastructure of more than 1,900 apprentice training centers throughout the United States and Canada and its private funding through collectively bargained contributions are more than $1.3 billion a year. These contributions enable young workers to become highly trained without having to take out student loans.

Looking for an Apprenticeship with an Employer?

A staffing company like Power Labor can help place you in an apprenticeship with an employer that offers the type of training program that meets your needs. Schedule an appointment with us today and find out how we can help.