UPDATED_Employer and Apprentice Handbook 2025-2026 by ABC Keystone

Apprentice and Employer Handbook

Grow and Develop Your Workforce with ABC Keystone.

The construction industry is constantly evolving. To stay relevant, companies must continually grow their talent. ABC Keystone understands that making employee development a priority within a company culture ensures the team remains well-informed on industry trends, recent developments, and best practices.

• Create your own workforce through formalized training.

• Increase productivity, safety & profits.

• Expand your workers' knowledge base.

• Bid work more competitively.

Associated Builders & Contractors, Keystone Chapter Apprenticeship and Training Trust

APPRENTICE & EMPLOYER HANDBOOK

To our members and apprentices:

This handbook will explain the policies and procedures of the ABC Keystone Chapter Apprenticeship and Craft Training program. Every situation is not and cannot be considered in this handbook. Situations and circumstances may arise that current policies do not address. In this event, ABC Keystone will address these issues on an individual basis, in a manner that is consistent with the high standards of the ABC Keystone Apprenticeship & Training Trust.

The successful completion of every apprentice’s training is the ultimate desire of each instructor, staff person and chapter member at ABC Keystone.

ABC Keystone: 717-653-8106

CONTACTS

Name Title Cell Number Email

Ira Berman Craft Labor Instructor

Junior Brown Sheet Metal Instructor

Dennis Comp Masonry Instructor

John Crum Electrical Instructor (Levels 1 & 3)

John Detwiler Roofing Instructor

Cindy DeWire Director of Apprenticeship

Randy Doxzon VP, Workforce & Apprenticeship

Tom Fasnacht Director of Carpentry & Craft Labor

Justin Findley Heavy Equipment Operator Instructor

Keegan Reed Director of Electrical (Levels 2 & 4) & Instructor Resources

Derek Robbins Director of HVAC

Melissa Turano Plumbing Instructor

8/15/2025)

717-376-5082 ira@abckeystone.org

717-487-7926 sheetmetal@jamescraftson.com

717-275-4826 dcomp@thewitmergroup.com

717-576-1903 johnc@abckeystone.org

717-917-1303 john@detwilerroofing.com

717-330-7385 cindyd@abckeystone.org

717-779-3090 randy@abckeystone.org

717-201-5289 tom@abckeystone.org

717-799-2288 jfindley@lancasterctc.edu

717-808-6138 keegan@abckeystone.org

774-757-2134 derek@abckeystone.org

717-419-4855 melissa@abckeystone.org

Associated Builders & Contractors, Keystone Chapter Apprenticeship and Training Trust

APPRENTICE & EMPLOYER HANDBOOK

WHAT IS ABC?

• ABC stands for Associated Builders & Contractors.

• ABC is not a “company” – it is a trade association.

• Apprentice sponsoring employers are members of the association.

• There are multiple reasons construction companies become members of ABC:

- Networking – for the opportunity to meet other contractors, with the goal of working together on projects. General contractors want to meet specialty contractors and vice versa – all for the purpose of building their businesses and expanding opportunities. This is important if a company is to grow and be successful.

- Legislative Issues – ABC has a full-time lobbyist on staff who monitors legislation in Harrisburg and helps our state legislators understand our member companies’ issues. ABC lobbies for legislation that will benefit members and the construction industry in general.

- Training – ABC offers a wide variety of career development and safety training.

• ABC is a national association representing construction and construction-related firms in 67 chapters across the United States.

• ABC’s mission is the advancement of the merit shop construction philosophy, which encourages open competition and a free-enterprise approach that awards contracts based solely on merit, regardless of labor affiliation.

• ABC was formed in 1950 when seven contractors gathered in Baltimore, Maryland to create an association based on the shared belief that construction projects should be awarded on merit to the most qualified and responsible low bidders. Their courage and dedication to the merit shop philosophy spread rapidly, and within time, ABC became the fasting-growing association in the United States. Today, ABC is one of the leading organizations representing the U.S. construction industry.

EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY AND AFFIRMATIVE ACTION STATEMENT

It is the policy of ABC Keystone Apprenticeship & Training Trust to provide equal training opportunity in full compliance with the Civil Rights Act of 1964, as amended, in the Age Discrimination in Employment Act of 1967, provisions of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, the Veterans Readjustment Act of 1974, the Presidential Orders, and the regulations of the office of Federal Contract Compliance Programs. This provides for equal employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, marital status, age, disability, or veteran status.

Associated Builders and Contractors Keystone Chapter has made a commitment to: (1) take affirmative action in our recruiting, training, upgrading, advertising and promotion practices to seek women and other minorities for our training program; (2) further the principle of equal training opportunity; (3) stand by that principle in our promotional selection and training decisions by measuring all candidates in a fair and equal manner; and (4) ensure that all opportunities are administered equally regardless of race, sex, color, national origin, age, religion, marital status, physical or mental disability, or veteran status. Sexual harassment whether physical, mental, or verbal will not be condoned under any circumstances.

VETERAN’S BENEFITS

1. Veterans are encouraged to fill out a benefits application using Form DD214 (Notice of Separation from the Armed Forces). The ABC Keystone Chapter apprenticeship office will provide forms. The U.S. Veteran’s Administration (VA) also requires a student to be registered with the PA Department of Labor & Industry. A copy of the agreement must be sent with the VA application packet.

8/15/2025)

Associated Builders & Contractors, Keystone Chapter Apprenticeship and Training Trust

2. ABC will forward applications to the VA. Students will be notified if benefits are approved or refused by notification via mail from the VA.

3. Apprentices must enter their monthly hours in the Flashpoint database and then ABC will complete the verification form and send it to the VA. The veteran will usually receive payment one month after the verification forms are submitted.

4. Attendance is a must, both at school and on the job. Both work and school performance must be satisfactory (academics must maintain a “C” or better). Failure of a veteran to comply with the above may result in delay or loss of eligibility for further assistance.

UNDERSTANDING RATIOS

The Ratio of Journeypersons to Apprentices Ratio is what determines the number of apprentices permitted in a company, as well as the number of apprentices a company can have on a specific job site.

The ABC Keystone Apprenticeship & Training Trust Program has a 3:1 ratio for assembler, pre-engineered metal buildings, carpentry, craft labor, electrical, heavy equipment operator, masonry, plumbing/pipefitting, roofing, and sheet metal trades. The HVAC program has a 1:1 ratio. (HVAC is primarily a service trade and the 1:1 ratio translates to a journeyman and an apprentice going out together in a service truck.).

Job Site Ratio

The ratio of apprentices to journeypersons on each job site must follow the same guidelines as those specified above. If a company has a greater number of apprentices on a work site than permitted by the above ratios, the company will be liable for all applicable fines and consequences. Apprentices may not be sent to a job site alone; there must also be a journeyman present on the jobsite.

For all trades except HVAC, this means:

• If a company has 1 journeyperson, they may have 1 apprentice.

• If they have 2 journeypersons, they may still have only 1 apprentice.

• If they have 3 journeypersons, they may still have only 1 apprentice.

• When they have 4 journeypersons, they may have 2 apprentices.

In other words, they may have an apprentice for every multiple of 3 journeypersons, or part thereof.

The pattern is as follows:

• If they employ 1, 2, or 3 journeypersons – they may have 1 apprentice.

• If they employ 4, 5, or 6 journeypersons – they may have 2 apprentices.

• If they employ 7, 8, or 9 journeypersons – they may have 3 apprentices.

• If they employ 10, 11, or 12 journeypersons – they may have 4 apprentices, and so on . . .

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APPRENTICE & EMPLOYER HANDBOOK

Every year, companies are asked to verify the number of journeypersons and apprentices within their company to ensure that ABC is following its ratio.

PAPERWORK AND DOCUMENTATION REQUIREMENTS

Required Paperwork

Every year, there is a substantial amount of paperwork that must be completed to fulfill the requirements of the PA Apprenticeship & Training Council and the Bureau of Apprenticeship Training. This paperwork must be completed and submitted to the ABC office before apprentices are permitted to begin attending classes.

Tuition andTextbook Invoice

Tuition and textbook invoices must be paid before apprentices are permitted to begin attending classes each year. The check or credit card payment must come from the apprentice’s sponsoring employer.

Apprentice Agreement

An apprentice is registered with the PA Department of Labor & Industry when ABC Keystone receives the signed Apprenticeship Agreement from the sponsoring employer. Upon receipt of confirmation from the PA Department of Labor & Industry:

• ABC’s office keeps a copy of the agreement.

• A copy of the agreement is sent to the sponsoring employer.

• A copy of the agreement is sent to the apprentice.

Apprentices do not receive a wallet card from the PA Department of Labor & Industry. If an apprentice is on a job site inspected by L & I, the inspector will ask the apprentice their name and level of apprenticeship and then the inspector will confirm the information via the department’s database.

COMPANY REPRESENTATIVE FOR APPRENTICESHIP

Communication is important in maintaining the quality of our program. Therefore, we ask that each sponsoring employer designate someone within the company to be their Apprenticeship Representative. This person receives attendance reports, on-the-job learning (OJL) wage level increase letters, and announcements. Upon missing class, an attendance letter will be mailed to the apprentice and emailed to the Apprenticeship Representative for company records.

Apprenticeship Representatives receive log-in credentials for Flashpoint, a cloud-based database. Through Flashpoint, grades, OJL hours and attendance can be monitored at any time.

ACADEMIC READINESS FOR APPRENTICESHIP

When candidates complete their initial application, they are scheduled for a math entrance exam. Those with a score below 70% on any of the three test areas will be required to take remedial math. The cost for remedial math is not part of the apprenticeship tuition.

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APPRENTICE & EMPLOYER HANDBOOK

Applicants with Learning Difficulties

If a sponsoring employer wants to register an applicant that has learning difficulties or language barriers, the employer must agree to provide the support necessary to assure the apprentice’s academic success. Please notify the Director of Apprenticeship, who will work with sponsoring employers to determine appropriate accommodation.

ADVANCED PLACEMENT (CREDIT FOR PREVIOUS EDUCATION)

ABC Keystone’s Standards of Apprenticeship allow the organization to grant credit to apprentices for previous training and/or experience.

There are two ways by which an apprentice may advance to the second- or third-year level of classroom-related instruction:

1. Test out of level 1 to advance to level 2.

2. Complete classroom work at an institution with an articulation agreement.

The sponsoring employer must complete an Application for Advanced Placement for either situation. The form can be obtained through the Director of Apprenticeship.

REGISTERED APPRENTICESHIP

Apprentices are registered with the Commonwealth of PA Department of Labor & Industry as a “registered apprentice.”

Ninety-five percent of ABC students are registered apprentices. If you are not registered with the Commonwealth of PA, you are a craft trainee, and some portions of this handbook will not apply to you. Not all ABC member firms that have apprentices choose to have them registered with the PA Department of Labor & Industry. Some companies have their own registered programs.

Registered apprentices are required to complete:

• A minimum of 144 hours of trade-related instruction (theory) each year.

• 2,000 hours of OJL (on-the-job learning) each year.

Apprentices must satisfactorily complete both requirements to receive journeymen credentials from the PA Department of Labor & Industry.

Registered apprentices will have a consistently increasing pay rate.

• Pay increases are based upon the OJL hours that the apprentice submits monthly.

• Every 1,000 hours of OJL could bring a 5% pay increase.

ON-THE-JOB LEARNING (OJL)

What is OJL and why must it be submitted each month?

1. OJL is on-the-job learning, a requirement of registered apprenticeship.

2. Each apprenticeship trade has a list of OJL requirements to be completed while working for a sponsoring employer during the apprenticeship training years.

Associated Builders & Contractors, Keystone Chapter Apprenticeship and Training Trust

APPRENTICE & EMPLOYER HANDBOOK

3. There are a specified number of hours for each category of work.

4. Only hours accrued while actively working count as OJL hours. For example: travel time, sick time, and paid vacation hours do not count towards required OJL hours.

5. To obtain journeyman credentials an apprentice must complete the total number of OJL hours for their program.

6. OJL hours determine wage progression.

7. If an apprentice is laid off, they must continue to submit monthly OJL reports in Flashpoint by reporting zero hours worked for the month and entering “laid off” in the comment box.

8. Students are responsible for entering OJL hours monthly. If OJL hours have not been submitted in over 60 days, the database will lock, and apprentices will need to contact ABC staff.

If an apprentice contacts the ABC staff after 60 days to unlock the database, the apprentice’s employer will be invoiced a $50 administrative fee.

NOTE: The OJL guidelines do not apply to apprentices who work for one of the following companies, because these companies have their own registered programs, and apprentices report on their OJL hours according to their procedures:

• James Craft & Son (Electrical, Plumbing & Sheet Metal turn OJL hours into James Craft & Son)

• James Craft & Son (HVAC apprentices turn their OJL hours into the ABC Keystone office)

• TLC Construction & Renovations, LLC

• Vision Mechanical, Inc. (Plumbing)

• Walton & Co. (HVAC and Sheet Metal)

APPRENTICE WAGES

• Apprentice wages are based on percentages of the entry-level starting wage of a new journeyperson in their company.

• This entry-level wage for journeypersons will vary from company to company.

• The apprenticeship agreement states the percentage of journeyman rate an apprentice should receive as they accumulate OJL hours.

If a sponsoring employer is already paying the apprentice more than the minimum required in the apprenticeship agreement, the employer is not required to give the apprentice a raise after each 1,000 hours of OJL.

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4-year Program (8,000 Hours): Carpentry, Electrical, HVAC, Plumbing/Pipefitting and Sheet Metal

0-999 hours OJL

1,000 to 1,999 hours OJL

2,000 to 2,999 hours OJL

3,000 to 3,999 hours OJL

4,000 to 4,999 hours OJL

5,000 to 5,999 hours OJL

6,000 to 6,999 hours OJL

7,000 to 7,999 hours OJL

8,000 hours OJL

of Journeyman Wage

3-year Program (6,000 Hours): Heavy Equipment Operator and Masonry

0-999 hours OJL

1,000 to 1,999 hours OJL

2,000 to 2,999 hours OJL

of Journeyman

of Journeyman Wage 3,000 to 3,999 hours OJL

4,000 to 4,999 hours OJL

5,000 to 5,999 hours OJL

6,000 hours OJL

of Journeyman Wage

2-year Program (4,000 Hours): Construction Craft Labor & Assembler, Pre-Engineered Metal Buildings

0-999 hours OJL

of Journeyman Wage 1,000 to 1,999 hours OJL

2,000 to 2,999 hours OJL

3,000 to 3,999 hours OJL

4,000 hours OJL

2-year Program (4,200 Hours): Roofing

0-999 hours OJL

of Journeyman Wage

of Journeyman Wage 1,000 to 1,999 hours OJL

to 2,999 hours OJL

3,000 to 3,999 hours OJL

4,000 to 4,200 hours OJL

4,200 hours OJL

of Journeyman

of Journeyman Wage

Associated Builders & Contractors,

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APPRENTICE & EMPLOYER HANDBOOK

All apprentices will be set up in the ABC Flashpoint database at the beginning of the school year. The student will receive an email from “Postmaster ABC” with a temporary password and notification for the student to login and update their password. Upon creating their password in Flashpoint, the apprentice will have the ability to enter OJL hours and review class schedules, as well as check grades and attendance. Likewise, all Apprenticeship Representatives will be given user access to Flashpoint. This will allow the sponsoring employer to review and approve OJL submissions, as well as follow the student’s progress in attendance and grades.

SPONSORING EMPLOYERS ARE RESPONSIBLE FOR LOGGING IN AND VERIFYING OJL HOURS SUBMITTED BY THEIR APPRENTICE(S).

Students that do not set up their Flashpoint accounts cannot enter OJL hours. OJL hours determine wage progression. If OJL hours have not been submitted in over 60 days, the database will lock, and apprentices will need to contact ABC staff. If an apprentice contacts the ABC staff after 60 days to unlock the database, the sponsoring employer will be invoiced a $50 administrative fee.

TARDINESS

Tardiness affects both the instructor and the class. ABC Keystone defines tardiness as:

• 15 minutes late without notifying the instructor.

• 30 minutes late with notification to the instructor.

• Three (3) tardies will equal one missed class (8 hours).

• More than 30 minutes late is a missed class (8 hours).

HOMEWORK/ONLINE POLICY

Both homework and online assignments count toward an apprentice’s related technical instruction time. Please note:

1. Apprentices will complete online registration as a group at the apprentice’s first class.

2. An absence from class does not excuse an incomplete online assignment.

3. Completion of online assignments is a requirement for the level/year completion.

4. Each student will be able to see the online module assignment dates as set by their instructor.

Homework and online assignments must be submitted before the start of class. Apprentices are given 6 hours credit at the end of each month for homework/online assignments. Homework that is not complete and/or late, will result in 0 hours credit. The student has 24 hours to make up the missed work. Once made up, late homework will be granted 3 hours credit. A maximum score of 70% will be given for homework turned in past the due date and time.

If more than 8 hours are missed, then makeup will be scheduled.

ABC Keystone’s registered apprenticeship program is time-based and the maximum number of hours that can be missed in a school year is 8. Regardless of why the class was missed, after 8 hours, the apprentice will need to make up any additional classes missed.

8/15/2025)

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APPRENTICE & EMPLOYER HANDBOOK

Electrical Trade: Homework is due before the start of class. At the start of class, any homework that is incomplete shows as a 0%. If homework is completed after the due date/time, ABC will not see the grade and the apprentice must send an email with a screenshot of their score/s to their instructor, Keegan Reed (keegan@abckeystone.org) or John Crum ( johnc@abckeystone.org).

Apprentices who do not have access to a computer have the following options:

• They may use a computer at ABC Keystone during office hours (M-F, 8am-5pm).

• They can check with their sponsoring employer to see if they will allow the use of a computer.

• The local public library will typically have computers open to the public.

MAKE UP OF ABSENCES

Apprentices must make up time during one of the scheduled make-up days as assigned by ABC staff. All makeup days will be scheduled during the work week.

One day a month will be set aside for students requiring makeup time to come to the ABC office and give a 15-minute presentation on missed material. Students must sign up and make their presentation within the month of the missed class.

All apprentices must make up missed time and assignments prior to graduation. If the sponsoring employer or the apprentice report extenuating circumstances requiring excess absences, they must make arrangements with the ABC Keystone office to facilitate keeping the apprentice on track with their class.

HOW ABSENCES ARE REPORTED TO SPONSORING EMPLOYERS

1. Instructors take attendance at the beginning of class and submit sign-in sheets to the apprenticeship office.

2. Attendance will be entered into the database and an automatic email regarding the absence will be sent to the student and the Apprenticeship Representative.

RESPONSIBILITY OF APPRENTICE REGARDING TESTS AND MISSED ASSIGNMENTS

1. Apprentices who miss class are to contact their instructor for assignments and upcoming test schedules to keep up with the class. Any assignments that were due when the apprentice was absent are automatically due upon the apprentice’s return to class.

2. Completion of online assignments is required regardless of absence from class.

3. Apprentices who are absent from a class in which a quiz or test was given are to contact their instructor to arrange to make up the quiz or test. Quizzes and tests should be made up either before or at the next class.

10-Hour OSHA,

First Aid/CPR/AED, Rough

Terrain Forklift,

and Mobile Elevated Work Platform certification are requirements for graduation. If an apprentice misses their assigned class, they will be responsible for arranging and paying for the training themselves.

Associated Builders & Contractors, Keystone Chapter Apprenticeship and Training Trust

APPRENTICE & EMPLOYER HANDBOOK

GRADING

All apprentices and sponsoring employers may review grades at any time using the Flashpoint database.

ATTITUDE GRADES

Instructors will give attitude grades which cover an apprentice’s readiness for class, respectfulness during class, and responsibility for homework, among other things. Grades will be reported monthly and will appear in the Flashpoint database where they can be viewed by sponsoring employers. An Attitude Grades Rubric is below:

A highly motivated and self-disciplined student who always completes work to their best ability, and is…

Ready Always on time, ready and willing to learn with correct equipment; always taking pride in the way they present their work.

Respectful Always polite and respectful to staff and peers; following program rules without exception; a positive example and role model to others

Responsible Highly motivated and self-disciplined who always completes homework to their best ability; exceeding expected effort and contributes to learning in a positive way.

A committed student who is determined to achieve and who completes work to a standard that reflects their ability; and is…

Punctual, ready and willing to learn with the correct equipment; presenting their work to a consistently high standard.

Polite and respectful to staff and peers; consistently following program rules

Committed and determined to achieve; always on task and working with a high level of effort, completing work and homework to a good standard.

A student who is sometimes unprepared, who generally acts with politeness and consideration, but can behave inappropriately causing the disruption of learning; and is…

Sometimes late and may need support to settle, often lacks the correct equipment; presenting work that does not meet the minimum level of expectation.

Not consistently polite and respectful to staff and peers and needs reminders of how to respond appropriately

Occasionally lacking in motivation to achieve their best; sometimes off task leading to a lack of effort in their classwork. Sometimes not completing homework to the expected level or submitting beyond deadlines, or not at all.

A student whose attitude to learning is not yet at the expected level for a student at ABC Keystone; and is…

Persistently late for lessons without equipment; presenting their work to a substandard level.

Often disruptive with inappropriate actions that affect the learning of others; persistently breaking program rules and not following instructions.

Failing to make appropriate effort or engagement; completing tasks poorly and well below what is acceptable. Persistently not completing homework on time or it is well below their expected level of ability.

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RE-TEST POLICY

Apprentices who receive a grade of 69% or lower (failing) on a test have ONE opportunity to re-take the test. Apprentices are encouraged to take the time to study before re-testing. A retest may not be taken on the same day as the original test. All re-tests must be completed at the next class. Failure to take a re-test will result in the student maintaining the failing grade received on the original test. The highest grade a student can receive on a re-test is 70%. If the apprentice scores a lower grade than the initial exam, the original test score will remain on record.

Apprenticeship Representatives have access to the Flashpoint database. They can review grades and attendance at any time.

PROBATION AND REMOVAL

The first six months of an apprenticeship (equivalent to the first 1,000 hours of OJL) are a probation period. During this time, either the sponsoring employer or the apprentice may nullify the apprenticeship agreement, with or without cause. This is different from employment probation; it is strictly related to apprenticeship status. It is important that the sponsoring employer uses this probation time to carefully evaluate whether apprenticeship is a good fit for the employee.

Apprentices will be placed on Academic Probation, and a letter will be sent to their sponsoring employer, if any of the following occur:

1. If the first semester average is a grade of F (a grade below 70%).

2. If first semester attitude is graded “poor” by the instructor.

3. If the student has not completed online requirements.

4. If OJL hours have not been submitted.

5. If attendance has become an issue.

This probation status is a warning to both the apprentice and sponsoring employer.

Students placed on Academic Probation in the first 1,000 hours of OJL can be removed from the program at the discretion of ABC Keystone.

END OF YEAR ACADEMIC FAILURE AND REMOVAL FROM PROGRAM

Except for extreme extenuating circumstances beyond the control of the apprentice (such as an extended illness), a yearly grade average of 69% or below will require that the entire academic year be re-taken.

CLASSROOM CONDUCT

1. All apprentices will conduct themselves in an appropriate and respectful manner.

2. Always bring the textbook, code book, and a writing utensil to class.

3. Always bring PPE.

4. Dress Code (provided at the end of this handbook)

• Shorts and open-toed shoes are prohibited.

• Long pants and sleeved shirts are required.

• Work boots meeting ANSI or ASTM standards are required.

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Failure to have/wear PPE or wear appropriate clothing and/or shoes will result in dismissal from class and a reported absence.

5. Apprentices are to follow all the rules of the training facility and instructor.

6. Classrooms should be tidy and clean upon exit. Dirt/mud is to be swept, chairs are to be pushed in, trash is to be disposed of, and tables are to be wiped if necessary.

7. Wages are a confidential topic. Apprentices are discouraged from discussing wages.

8. Apprentices should not solicit classmates for employment at their company.

9. ABC Keystone will not tolerate behaviors or attitudes which are not appropriate for the classroom:

• Sleeping during class.

• Talking on cell phones or texting during class. Cell phones should be out of sight during class and during exams, unless required by the instructor.

• Personal conversations while the instructor is speaking.

• Radios, iPods, or other electronic music devices.

10. The destruction of ABC property is not acceptable, including marking on tables, chairs, and tent cards.

Failure to have/wear PPE or wear appropriate clothing and/or shoes will result in dismissal from class and a reported absence.

REPORTING INJURIES AND INCIDENTS

Apprentices must immediately notify an instructor or another ABC Keystone staff person if they are injured during class. ABC will conduct an Accident Investigation, and the apprentice will be provided appropriate medical care. If an apprentice has an accident while at the ABC Keystone training facility, they are under their sponsoring employer’s Workers’ Compensation policy. The employer will be notified and any policies under the employer’s Workers’ Compensation policy will be followed.

If an apprentice damages ABC Keystone equipment (tools, machinery, iPads), they are to notify the instructor immediately. ABC will complete an Equipment Failure/Damage report.

DRUG AND ALCOHOL POLICY

ABC Keystone values a safe learning environment and is committed to student well-being. Therefore, ABC Keystone does not condone, and will not tolerate, someone being under the influence of illicit drugs or alcoholic beverages while on the premises. Drugs and alcohol cause impairment which could lead to injury or death. The facility is classified as a job site by OSHA and can be inspected at any time.

Reasonable suspicion helps identify and address potential safety risks caused by impairment. Signs of impairment include the smell of alcoholic beverages or illicit drugs, erratic behavior, or physical signs of impairment (slurred speech, an unsteady gate, bloodshot eyes, confusion, sweating, etc.).

An ABC Keystone instructor who has reasonable suspicion a student is under the influence of illicit drugs or alcoholic beverages will notify the Director of Apprenticeship, who will notify the sponsoring employer. The sponsoring employer will then retrieve the student from ABC. Classroom or training facility hours missed due to apprentice impairment will result in reporting the missed hours as an absence.

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Furthermore, the use, possession, distribution or concealment of drugs, controlled substances, and/or alcoholic beverages, or being under the influence while on premises where instruction is conducted will be cause for immediate dismissal from the program.

REMOVAL FROM CLASS

1. Instructors will report any apprentice creating a disturbance, creating a safety hazard, or interfering with the learning of others in the class to the Director of Apprenticeship.

2. If necessary, instructors may dismiss any apprentice creating a disturbance, creating a safety hazard, or interfering with the learning of others in the class.

3. In either of these two situations, attendance by this apprentice at future classes will be permitted only after the sponsoring employer gives assurance that they have addressed the situation, and that the behavior will not occur again.

CAUSES FOR DISMISSAL FROM THE PROGRAM

1. An apprentice who quits their sponsoring employer is no longer an apprentice in the ABC Keystone Apprenticeship Program. They may be re-enrolled if hired by another ABC member firm and the new sponsoring employer agrees to sponsor the apprentice and pay the tuition costs.

2. An apprentice who is fired by their sponsoring employer is no longer an apprentice in the ABC Keystone Apprenticeship Program. However, if the apprentice (not the employer) has paid the apprenticeship tuition, the apprentice may continue in class as a craft trainee.

3. The use, possession, concealment or sale of illicit drugs, controlled substances, alcoholic beverages, or firearms, or being under the influence while on premises where instruction is conducted.

4. Excessive absenteeism, tardiness, or falsification of excuses for absences.

5. Dishonesty on a quiz, test, or exam.

6. Classroom misconduct was not resolved after the sponsoring employer was notified.

Any violation of absence policy, classroom conduct, or placement on Academic Probation will be reported to the apprentice’s sponsoring employer.

LAY-OFFS

1. Any apprentice who is laid off is to contact the Director of Apprenticeship immediately.

2. ABC will assist the apprentice with employment with another ABC Keystone member employer in order that they may continue their training and schooling without interruption.

3. Apprentices should continue to attend all scheduled training classes at ABC.

4. The ABC Keystone Chapter apprenticeship office will not assist any apprentice in finding another job if are is currently employed by an ABC member company.

RIGHT OF AN APPRENTICE TO A HEARING

Any apprentice who feels that they have been wronged in any aspect of the ABC Keystone apprentice/training program may appeal to the Apprenticeship Committee for a hearing. The request for a hearing must be in writing and submitted to the Director of Apprenticeship. In the request, the apprentice must state the nature of their grievance.

Associated Builders & Contractors, Keystone Chapter Apprenticeship and Training Trust

APPRENTICE & EMPLOYER HANDBOOK

CANCELLATION OF CLASSES

Classes will be cancelled or postponed only in cases of extreme inclement weather conditions, instructor illness or uncontrollable circumstances.

1. All students and their sponsoring employers will be notified via text and email if classes are cancelled.

2. Text messages and emails will be sent through the Flashpoint Database.

3. Apprentice must ensure ABC has the apprentice’s current cell phone number.

4. Apprentices can opt-in for text messages.

5. Cancelled classes will be rescheduled as the instructor and the facility are available.

REQUIRED CLASSES

The following certification training courses are included as part of apprenticeship tuition: OSHA 10-Hour Construction, Rough Terrain Forklift, Adult First Aid CPR/AED, and Mobile Elevating Work Platform (MEWP). ABC Keystone provides 10-Hour OSHA class during the apprentice’s first year. Rough Terrain Forklift and MEWP training will be scheduled during the second year. First Aid/CPR is during the trainee’s third year. The First Aid certification must be current at the date of graduation.

Attendance and Rescheduling:

1. Pre-Certification Notification: If an apprentice has already obtained any of these certifications prior to their scheduled class date, they must notify the Director of Apprenticeship at least seven (7) days in advance to avoid unnecessary charges.

2. No Call, No Show: If an apprentice does not inform the Director of Apprenticeship within seven (7) days that they cannot attend their scheduled class, their company will receive an invoice for the full price of the missed training.

3. Emergency Rescheduling: In the event of a verified emergency that requires rescheduling within seven (7) days of the training, a rescheduling fee will be applied to the apprentice’s company.

Apprentices may not graduate, and no certificates of completion will be issued without verification of certification in all required classes. If an apprentice has previously been certified in any of the required classes, they must provide a copy of the certification card to the Director of Apprenticeship 7 days prior to the scheduled training.

Commitment to these training sessions is crucial to maintaining an apprentice’s standing in the apprenticeship program and ensuring workplace safety.

COMPLETION OF THE APPRENTICESHIP PROGRAM

To satisfactorily complete this apprenticeship program, the apprentice must:

1. Have submitted OJL hours monthly through the database to verify the number of hours worked.

2. Complete, with a passing grade, the required class work in related instruction (the minimum passing grade is 70%).

3. Hold a current certification in First Aid/CPR/AED, 10-Hour OSHA, Rough Terrain Forklift, and Mobile Elevated Work Platform at completion of the program.

Associated Builders & Contractors, Keystone Chapter Apprenticeship and Training Trust

APPRENTICE & EMPLOYER HANDBOOK

The ABC Keystone Chapter issues a Certificate of Academic Completion once an apprentice meets the requirements of the ABC Keystone apprenticeship classroom program. Additional credentials verifying the completion of the apprenticeship (Journeyperson’s papers) will be issued by the PA Department of Labor & Industry once an apprentice completes their corresponding number of OJL hours necessary for their trade.