Apprenticeship Program
How Do I Join the Apprenticeship?
The primary means of joining the Laborers International Union of North America Local Union No. 894 is by applying for acceptance and then participating in the Ohio Laborers Apprenticeship Program. LIUNA requires all new members to participate in a comprehensive apprenticeship program, consisting of 4,000 hours of on-the-job training with an additional 432 hours of classroom training.
The minimum qualifications for applicants are:
1. Must be 18 years of age or older.
2. Must have a High School Diploma or GED (a copy is required for our records).
3. Must possess a valid driver’s license (a copy is required for our records).
4. Physically able to perform the work of the trade.
5. Must submit to and pass a drug test (in compliance with current drug testing standards).
If you meet the above minimum qualifications to participate in the program, please fill out the application online at www.oltapp.com. Click on Apply Now at the top of the menu bar to begin the application process. All applicants will be required to upload a copy of your H.S. Diploma, GED or Transcripts and a valid Driver’s License. Applications will not be considered unless all information is received. All applications will be kept on file for two (2) years.
Applicants with construction experience may apply for an exemption or credit for previous work hours.
What’s Next?
After you have submitted your application, you will need to find a signatory Union Contractor to sponsor you into the Apprenticeship program. Once you find a sponsoring Union Contractor and before you begin working, please contact Cordell Brooks at 740-501-4922 or email cordellb@oltc.org to complete the application process.
On-the-Job Training
Once hired by a sponsoring Union Contractor, apprentices will begin accumulating on the job training hours. Per program requirements, apprentices must accomplish a total of 4,000 hours of on the job training.
Classroom Training
In addition to achieving 4,000 hours of on-the-job training, apprentices are required to obtain 432 hours of classroom training. The Drexel J. Thrash Training Center, located in Millwood, Ohio, offers a comprehensive skill and safety training curriculum and facilities with seven classrooms, three training laboratories, and a 56-room dormitory with dining facilities. The Training Center offers no-cost classes between October and May. Attendees receive free room and board, as well as paid mileage and a daily living expense allowance. All Local Union No. 894 apprentices must contact Cordell Brooks, Regional Apprentice Coordinator, to schedule, cancel, or change a class schedule. Please contact Cordell Brooks at 740-501-4922 or e-mail cordellb@oltc.org.
Apprentice FAQ’s
Do I need to have experience in construction to apply?
No, the purpose of the apprenticeship program is to teach unskilled workers the skills and safety requirements needed to become a Construction Craft Laborer.
What is a Construction Craft Laborer?
A Construction Craft Laborer (CCL) is part of a team, working in North America’s largest industry-the construction industry. The skills of the CCL are diverse, requiring classroom instruction and hands-on-training. Because of this diversity, the CCL is often the first craft on the project and the last to leave. To be a good CCL requires psychical strength, reading and math skills, and the ability to make decisions. The CCL needs to be able to work on his or her own and on a team to get the job done.
As a CCL, what kinds of work will I do?
The kinds of work you will do depends on your knowledge and skill level and the type of work needed at a job site. You may build and repair roads, highways, bridges, and tunnels, construct residential and commercial buildings, clean up hazardous waste sites, or perform other kinds of work. Among the tasks you may be doing are drilling and blasting site areas, building scaffolds, preparing and cleaning up a job site, laying pipe underground, placing concrete, flagging and controlling traffic on highways, and removing asbestos and lead from buildings, to name just a few.
How do I learn the skills of a CCL?
You enter the trade as an “apprentice,” learning skills in the classroom and on the job. While an apprentice, you learn many of the skills by attending a minimum of 432 hours of classroom training. Then you practice those skills with a skilled journey worker for 4,000 hours of on-the-job training – earning a wage while learning the trade.
What can I expect on the job?
You will work with a journey worker who mentors and instructs you on the various skills of the CCL trade. You will be expected to give a fair day’s work for a fair day’s pay and be at the job every workday and on time. You will be working both indoors and outdoors in all weather conditions, performing psychical tasks using your technical skills.
Can I continue my education after I complete the CCL Apprenticeship Program?
Yes. After you complete the CCL Apprenticeship Program, you may take additional courses at Drexel J. Thrash Training Center.
Can I earn college credit?
Yes. The CCL Apprenticeship Program has established a reciprocity agreement with the Cuyahoga Community College , Kent State and the University of Akron with credit counting toward an associate degree. In addition, completion of the CCL Apprenticeship Program entitles a graduate to one of two years of college credits. These credits may be transferable to a two-or-four year college in your area.
How much will I get paid?
Apprentices are paid according to the following classroom and on the job training schedule;
1st Period Apprentice:144 hours of classroom training + 1,000 hours of on the job training = 60% Journeyman Rate
2nd Period Apprentice:144 hours of classroom training + 1,000 hours of on the job training = 70% Journeyman Rate
3rd Period Apprentice:144 hours of classroom training + 1,000 hours of on the job training = 80% Journeyman Rate
4th Period Apprentice:144 hours of classroom training + 1,000 hours of on the job training = 90% Journeyman Rate
Am I guaranteed work?
No, apprentices are referred out to work through Local Unions. Like all Construction Craft Laborers, there may be times when an appropriate job assignment is not immediately available.
When do I start receiving health care benefits?
After 450 hours have been reported and paid into the health insurance fund.
What are the benefits of becoming a LIUNA CCL apprentice?
Becoming a union CCL apprentice can be one of the most important decisions of your life-especially in your working career. Joining LIUNA - the Laborers’ International Union of North America - will enable you to earn a good wage and receive the following benefits:
Medical Insurance
Job Training
Lifelong Learning
Retirement Pension Plan
Please contact Cordell Brooks, Regional Apprenticeship Coordinator at 740-501-4922 or email cordellb@oltc.org or Vern Floyd, Business Manager Laborers Local 894 at 330-535-6145 for additional information.
