High school students should consider taking construction courses, and shop and trade classes to build mechanical knowledge. English and communication classes will help students build the skills needed to communicate with other industry workers while performing a service.

Completion of high school classes does not count toward an elevator constructor apprenticeship, but the experience and classes help build student’s skill set.

An elevator constructor apprenticeship is a paid, five-year program in which apprentices receive on-the-job practical training and classroom instruction.

The apprenticeship program includes at least 144 hours of classroom time each year with a total of 8,000 hours of on-the-job training. After joining the union, apprentices will be eligible for healthcare and dental insurance after 6 months of at least 100 hours of work.

When an apprentice can demonstrate competence in vital skills, the apprenticeship will be complete. Apprentices will graduate as journey-level construction trades workers when they have passed a cumulative mechanics test and the Minnesota Elevator Constructors License test.

Applications are only accepted for 21 days each year during an open recruitment period, usually closing on April 15 of each year. For open recruitment information, check the “Careers” section of the National Elevator Industry Educational Program website, which lists open recruitments, or visit the “Locations” page to contact the Local Area Coordinator for your region.

Interested individuals must submit an application and take an aptitude test and a tool assessment. The aptitude test is broken into three parts: basic math, reading and English, and mechanical comprehension, which is the ability to understand how different tools are used. There is a $25 fee to take the test, accepted by money order or cashier’s check.

Interviews are conducted by two members of the Joint Apprenticeship Committee (JAC), one from the International Union of Elevator Constructors (IUEC) and one from the employer side. All applicants will be asked the same series of questions. On average, interviews last about 20 minutes.

Elevator constructors must be able to understand general arithmetic and speak and write in a clear, understandable manner. The ability to focus and maintain concentration while installing, repairing or servicing for long periods of time is required to succeed in the position.

Elevator constructors must be in good physical shape as they stand or walk 90% of the time on the job. They also must be able to lift at least 100 lbs. and be willing to travel regularly. The NEIEP Minnesota union, Elevator Constructors Local 9, also covers Western Wisconsin.

Manual dexterity, and the ability to perform in field settings, sometimes with exposure to extreme weather conditions in and around cramped spaces, is also a requirement for the position.

For high school students preparing to enter an elevator constructor apprenticeship, Local 9 recommends taking on jobs and hobbies that require hands-on work such as building, reassembling and disassembling items, and working on cars or small engine repair projects. Being mechanically inclined, punctual, and focused is critical to becoming an elevator constructor.

NEIEP does not require a two-year diploma in a technical or related trade before a student applies for an apprenticeship. However, certificates and education in a construction-related field do help an applicant qualify for an apprenticeship, although the experience does not count toward credit hours. Applicants with a degree in electronics, a journey-level electrical work or master auto technicians may be able to test out of courses in the intro apprenticeship program. Contact Local 9 to learn more.

NEIEP partners with several colleges and universities around the United States to provide college credit for work completed in the NEIEP Apprenticeship Training Program. By taking advantage of these, elevator constructor apprentices can receive college credit for classroom-based course work as well as on-the-job learning hours – up to 45 credits toward an Associate’s Degree and up to 52 credits toward a Bachelor’s Degree. View the school list here.

If applying for an elevator constructor apprenticeship after spending time in a branch of the military, candidates can apply through Helmets 2 Hardhats Minnesota.