Apprenticeships and Trades Work
How Do You Get an Apprenticeship?
An apprenticeship is a paid job where you learn a trade through on-the-job training and classroom instruction. Here are the key steps:
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Research Your Desired Trade: Explore options such as electrician, plumber, carpenter, HVAC technician, or welder. Each trade has its own requirements and certifications.
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Meet Basic Qualifications: Most apprenticeships require you to be at least 18 years old, have a high school diploma or GED, and pass a drug test. Some programs may have additional requirements like a valid driver’s license.
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Apply to an Apprenticeship Program:
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Visit union websites or apprenticeship program sites to find openings. In Washington State, check out the Washington State Department of Labor & Industries Apprenticeship Portal.
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Submit an application and prepare for any required tests or interviews.
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Consider Pre-Apprenticeship Programs: These are short-term training programs that help you build foundational skills and improve your chances of being accepted into an apprenticeship. Examples include ANEW (Apprenticeship & Nontraditional Employment for Women) and PACT (Pre-Apprenticeship Construction Training).
What Are the Best Programs?
Here are some top apprenticeship and trade programs available to Kirkland residents:
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Electrical:
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Puget Sound Electrical JATC (IBEW Local 46): Offers apprenticeships for electricians. Visit www.psejatc.org.
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Plumbing and Pipefitting:
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UA Local 32: Offers apprenticeships for plumbers, pipefitters, and HVAC technicians. Visit www.ualocal32.com.
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Carpentry:
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Pacific Northwest Carpenters Institute: Offers carpentry apprenticeships. Visit www.pnci.org.
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Welding:
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Tulsa Welding School (with campuses in Washington): Offers welding programs. Visit www.tws.edu.
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General Construction:
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ANEW: A pre-apprenticeship program with pathways to various trades. Visit www.anewcareer.org.
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Operating Engineers:
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IUOE Local 302: For heavy equipment operators. Visit www.iuoe302.org
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Explore apprenticeship opportunities
If you or someone you know is looking for a career that pays well, offers competitive benefits, and plenty of opportunities for advancement, an apprenticeship in the construction trades is a great place to start.
This guidebook produced by the City of Seattle and Sound Transit in partnership with other regional organizations includes details on how to:
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Get prepared for career success through pre-apprenticeship training.
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Find an apprenticeship program that will fit your career goals.
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Advance through apprenticeship into a career that will support you and your family.
What is a Union?
A union is an organized group of workers who come together to protect and promote their rights, wages, and working conditions. Unions in the trades play a crucial role in ensuring fair pay, safe work environments, and access to benefits such as healthcare and retirement plans. Being part of a union also often gives you access to top-tier training programs and job opportunities through apprenticeships. Examples include the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW) and the United Association of Plumbers and Pipefitters (UA).
The Washington State Construction Center of Excellence (CCoE) is a state-wide resource hub for laborers, education providers, job seekers, and employers in the construction industry. This Center provides access to agencies, training programs, career exploration opportunities, safety protocols, and general information about the industry. CCoE belongs to a system of twelve Centers across the state that work together to sustain a highly-skilled and competitive workforce and support the state's economic development. We strive to eliminate any barriers to entering the construction industry, while creating space for the rising generations to dream big and pursue career options that speak to their abilities.
Who does well in an apprenticeship?
What is Being an apprentice like?