fullTop
fullRight-01
fullBottom
fullLeft

Application Deadlines Coming Up for Construction Apprenticeship Programs

Not sure if you want to get a four-year college degree after college?

Don’t think military service would be a good fit either?

How about applying for an apprenticeship to become an electrician, a plumber, a pipefitter or a skilled professional in one of more than 30 skilled construction trades?

Just like college, there are application deadlines to be accepted into specific apprenticeship programs, some of which last up to five years and involve both classroom and on-the-job training under a highly experienced journeyperson.

Through a registered apprenticeship program, you will learn a skilled trade while being paid to work. In other words: no college debt. Apprenticeships are typically offered through a trade union, which also means that upon acceptance, you will realize other benefits, such as healthcare insurance and enrollment in a pension program.

While many programs allow online application submissions, some require you to apply in person, or require an in-person interview after passing an assessment test of your reading and math skills. Apprenticeship requirements may vary from one union to the next. Below are some general requirements listed by many apprenticeship programs:

  • Must be 18 years of age
  • Must have sufficient physical fitness to perform required work
  • Have a high school diploma or a G.E.D. certificate
  • Be a U.S. citizen or in the process of naturalization
  • Participate in a personal interview

Here is a compilation of registered apprenticeship programs offered throughout the State of Minnesota for those who would like to pursue a career in the skilled construction trades. For more information about apprenticeships, visit the Apprenticeship page of ConstructionCareers.org, a website by Construction Career Pathways designed to help high school students better understand careers in construction.

Please note: Apprenticeship application deadlines are constantly changing. Check back often for the latest information.

Approaching Apprenticeship Deadlines (2019)

February Deadlines:

Currently accepting applications. Now through February 15, 2019.

March Deadlines:

  • Minneapolis Plumbers Local 15 http://training15.com/future-applicant/. The Minneapolis Plumbers JJATC will be taking applications for both the Minneapolis and St Cloud apprenticeship programs between February 25 – March 8, 2019, 8:00 am – 3:30, Monday – Friday, at the Plumbing Technology Center located on the northeast corner of the Dunwoody College of Technology campus.

April Deadlines:

  • Steamfitters and Pipefitters Local 455 https://local455.com/join-us/. Accepts applications year round. After completing application, take assessment test at Saint Paul College, Monday – Thursday, 9 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. or Fridays, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Complete application and assessment test by April 19, 2019 to be eligible for training in 2019.

September Deadlines:

  • Paul Plumbers Local 34

http://www.plumberslocal34.org/training/apprentice. Application process must be submitted by September 30, 2019. Complete an assessment test on a walk-in basis at Saint Paul College. If applicant achieves a suficiente score, they will be invited for an interview in October. Pre-apprenticeship course starts in January of each year.

Open Apprenticeship Applications:

  • LIUNA! Laborers Training Center of Minnesota and North Dakota

https://www.ltcmn.org/apprenticeship.aspx. Apprentice orientation meetings are conducted on the third Thursday of every month @ 6 p.m. (this is the first step in the apprenticeship application process).

Cement Masons, Plasterers and Shophands, Local 633, JATC Training Center – www.training633.org. Apply online, year round. Apprenticeships offered after an apprentice is hired by a local contractor. List of contractors is available through the training633.org website, after an application is submitted online. Apprenticeship includes five week-long training sessions.

  • International Union of Operating Engineers, Local 49 http://local49.org/. Accepts applications year round. A mandatory orientation meeting is required as part of the application process.
  • Finishing Trades (glaziers, glassworking, drywall, painters, wall coverers), District Council 82 http://ftium.edu. Accepts applications year round.
  • International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers, IBEW 110 https://www.jatc110.org. Accepts applications year round.
  • International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers, IBEW 343 https://www.ibewlocal343.org/education/education-apprenticeship-info/. Accepts applications year round. Assessment tests are offered every 2-3 months, followed by an in-person interview.
  • Sheet Metal, Air, Rail and Transportation (Smart) Local 10 http://smw10.org/training_education. Accepts applications year round. Recommends high school students enter HVAC training program at Saint Paul College. After completing nine-month long program at Saint Paul College, students enter Local 10’s apprenticeship program as a third-year apprentice.
  • Minnesota Statewide Limited Energy JATC https://www.statewidelea.org/apprenticeship-info/. Accepts applications year round.
  • Sprinkler Fitters Local 417 https://www.local417training.com/. Application deadline: January of 2021.
  • Minneapolis LU 539 Pipefitters JATC – http://training539.com. Applications taken in January. To apply to apprenticeship program, applicants must complete a two-year technology college program in residential and commercial HVAC/R service.
  • North Central States Regional Council of Carpenters https://northcountrycarpenter.org/apprenticeships/. This program requires applicants to be hired by a contractor first. Contact Tim Stender at 651-341-4428 for details.
  • Roofers and Waterproofers, Local 96 – http://www.rooferslocal96.com/apprentice.html. Applicants must first be hired by a roofing or waterproofing firm and then they will be entered into the program. Contact Local 96 for a list of recommended roofing firms.
  • International Union of Elevator Constructors, Local 9 http://www.local9.com/. Accepts applicants to its education and training program every two years. Go to https://www.neiep.org for more details.

Other Organizations: 

  • Helmets to Hardhats Minnesota https://helmetstohardhats.org/explore-trades/. This program specifically helps military veterans and those serving in the Reserves and National Guard with transitioning to careers in construction. Accepts applications year round.

Trade Schools:

Trade schools and community colleges offer another path to learning construction skills. Some trade apprenticeship programs have partnerships with community colleges, too. 

  • Minnesota State Colleges and Universities

https://www.minnstate.edu A number of Minnesota state community colleges offer courses and degree programs in specific skilled trades, as a HVAC installation and maintenance. Applications for programs starting generally allow you to begin applying in the spring, right up to the beginning of the fall semester.

  • Dunwoody College of Technology

https://dunwoody.edu/admission-aid/apply/. Submit application by August 19, 2019 to enroll in fall courses.