Apprenticeship Programs
Local 400 offers the following 5-Year Apprenticeship Training Programs:
The Apprenticeship Program combines formal job-related classroom learning with structured on-the-job learning from skilled tradespeople; it is a contract overseen by the Department of Workforce Development’s Bureau of Apprenticeship Standards. Approximately 90% of the training occurs on-the-job and only 10% occurs in the classroom. That being said, a job must exist at one of our Signatory Contractors for the Apprentice to be trained.
Per their State Contract, Apprentices are required to complete On-The-Job Training Hours: 8,000 hours, Paid Related Classroom Instruction: 500+ Hours, and Unpaid Related Classroom Instruction: 300+ Hours.
Paid related and unpaid related training topics include, but not limited to:
- Fabricator: Blueprint Reading, Pipe Trades Math, Rigging, Pipe Joining, Metallurgy, a significant amount of Welding, Construction OSHA 30 Certification
- HVAC/R Service Technician: Pipe Trades Math, Rigging, Refrigeration, Burners and Boilers, DDC Controls, Relay Logic and Program Logic Controls, Mechanical Equipment Service, Construction OSHA 30 Certification
- Plumber: Blueprint Reading, Pipe Trades Math, Rigging, Plumbing Installation/Service/Repair, Backflow Prevention, Virtual Construction/AutoCAD, Plumbing Code, Construction OSHA 30 Certification
- Steamfitter: Blueprint Reading, Pipe Trades Math, Rigging, Pipe and Fittings, Hydronics, Pipe Joining, Soldering and Brazing, Tube Bending, some Welding, Construction OSHA 30 Certification
Nearly all classroom instruction is held during the normal school year; typically, the school year starts in late August and finishes the following May. Apprentices attend one day of Paid Related, Day School every other week; Apprentices are paid their regular hourly wage and benefit package while attending their Paid Related Training. Apprentices are also required to fulfill their Unpaid Related Night School hours on their own time in the evenings after working their normal workday.
90% of an Apprentice’s training consists of on-the-job training; this training is designed for quality mentorship by skilled Journeyworkers. It supports a positive environment for the Apprentice to transfer their knowledge to practical application. Mentors provide thoughtful supervision and coaching throughout the Apprenticeship Program. Knowledge and skills are developed throughout years of experience, so it’s important to pass on that knowledge by teaching those skills to others to keep the industry thriving as future generations enter the workforce. This will include sharing work experiences, technical knowledge, specific skills for mastered tasks/processes, etc. Over the course of the program, Apprentices gain perspective, have reflective learning experiences, and develop good work habits in order to be fully proficient on the job. It is the responsibility of the current workforce to prepare the next generation of skilled tradespeople.
A career in the skilled trades gives an individual satisfaction of a job “well done”. Many years after finishing a construction project, craftspeople are proud of the fact that they played an important part in completing the project, whether that be a hospital, power plant, paper mill or residence. There is no limit to where this career may lead. You may even decide to own your own company someday.
If you are a military veteran, you may qualify for education benefits during the Apprenticeship Program. Eligibility is dependent on a few external factors (i.e. discharge status, tenure, etc.). Contact Sebastian Walters, Veterans Program Specialist at Wisconsin Department of Veterans Affairs, 608-261-8771, sebastian.walters@dva.wisconsin.gov, or your Local VA Office for additional details.
