CCDI Construction Industry Informational Brochure

www.ccdi.org

The CONSTRUCTION CAREER DEVELOPMENT INITIATIVE (CCDI) brings diversity to the Design and Construction industry by mentoring and exposing underrepresented students to career development.

* CCDI would like to thank our friends in the Labor Engagement Department at the United Way of Greater St. Louis for providing and allowing us to reproduce A Beginner’s Guide to the Skilled Trades and Union Apprenticeships booklet. Thank you for helping to #BuildThe FoundationForChange! We appreciate your partnership!

A BEGINNER’S GUIDE TO THE SKILLED TRADES AND UNION APPRENTICESHIPS If the idea of a career in construction appeals to you, this brochure contains useful information that will help guide you through your work search. Although there are many different occupations related to construction, such as an engineer, architect, contractor or building inspector, this brochure focuses on careers in the skilled trades. The majority of the St. Louis area’s highly skilled trades journey persons received their training through joint labor/ management apprenticeship programs, also known as the union apprenticeship programs.

WHAT JOBS ARE CONSIDERED SKILLED TRADE? Boilermaker Bricklayer Carpenter Cement Mason Construction Craft Laborer Electrician Elevator Construction Floorlayer Glazier Heat & Frost Insulator

Ironworker Operating Engineer Painter Plasterer Plumber Pipefitter Roofer Sheet Metal Worker Tilesetter Worker Terrazzo Worker

WHAT IS IT LIKE TO BE A CONSTRUCTION WORKER? Workers construct new buildings and structures and remodel existing ones using hand and power tools. Residential construction focuses on home building and remodeling, a very competitive and fast-paced market. The commercial construction industry includes building schools, hospitals, sports stadiums, office buildings, bridges, highways and more.

Working in any one of the building trades can be physically demanding. Workers in most trades are required to be on their feet or knees most of the day, and may work in awkward positions, at heights or in confined spaces. Much construction work occurs during periods of high heat, extreme cold, rain, and even snow.

Construction work can also be a dangerous activity that has potential to result in severe injury. It is very important that workers be alert, conscientious, work well with their coworkers and abide by safety rules. Workers must never work under the influence of drugs or alcohol since that poses even more risks for injury to themselves and their coworkers.

WHAT IS AN APPRENTICESHIP? An apprenticeship is a formal contract between an employer and an employee during which time the worker learns a trade. Union construction apprenticeships usually last between three and five year.

Apprenticeship wages usually start at about 50% that of an experienced worker.

Apprentices are paid on an increasing wage scale during the apprenticeship, and do not have to pay for the cost of their education.

GENERAL APPRENTICESHIP REQUIREMENTS (SPECIFIC REQUIREMENTS MAY VARY BY TRADE) A minimum of 18 years old High School Diploma or equivalent Pass an approved substance abuse test Math, measurement and reading skills WorkKeys Assessment Reliable transportation Dependable worker and able to start work by 7 a.m.

Apprentices are also required to provide some of their own hand tools and dress appropriate work clothes and shoes.

HOW ARE APPRENTICES TRAINED? On the jobsite, apprentices receive hands-on instruction from experienced journey-level workers. In the classroom, apprentices are taught technical theory and applied skills. Safety training is also required to prevent accident and injuries. Each apprentice is required to complete a set number of hours of on-the-job training and demonstrate knowledge of material taught at the training center. At the conclusion of the apprenticeship period, the worker receives an Apprenticeship Completion Certificate from the U.S. Department of Labor and is recognized nationwide as a credentialed journey-level tradesperson.

WHEN AND WHERE DO APPRENTICES GO FOR CLASSROOM AND SHOP TRAINING? This is different for each trade. Some programs have training during the day and others have evening classes. They can range from once a week during certain months of the year to one week every three months. The schooling takes place at the trade’s apprenticeship training center.

WHAT MAKES UNION APPRENTICESHIP PROGRAMS DIFFERENT FROM OTHER TRAINING PROGRAMS? In union apprenticeship programs, the training is provided FREE. In fact, apprentices are working during their apprenticeship so they actually EARN WHILE THEY LEARN! Funding for the program is negotiated during labormanagement contract negotiations, and is guaranteed in the collective bargaining agreement.

There is a higher completion rate and fewer dropouts in union programs.

The training period is generally longer and more comprehensive.

There are greater job opportunities without having to take a decrease in pay or benefits when changing employers within the same skilled trade.

On the average, union construction wages are substantially higher wages than nonunion and benefits are also better.

College credit at NO cost! At various apprenticeship programs, you receive substantial credit hours toward an associate’s degree upon completion of the apprentice training curriculum.

WHAT ABOUT UNION DUES? A one-time initiation fee and monthly membership dues are paid to the union to provide operating funds for the union to work in the best interests of its membership.

WAGES AND BENEFITS Apprentice wages start at approximately one-half journey-level wage rate, with apprentices starting at about $15 per hour, and with progressive increases, can exceed $38 per hour (Annual salary will reflect periods of layoff and overtime worked) Journey-level workers are paid from $25 per hour to more than $45 per hour (Annual salary will reflect periods of layoff and overtime worked) Attractive fringe benefits package that includes health care coverage and pension Holidays and vacation pay Wages and benefits are negotiated by union and management representatives, and voted upon by union members.

DOES CONSTRUCTION WORK PROMISE A YEAR-ROUND WEEKLY PAYCHECK? No, construction workers are paid based on hours worked and subject to periods of layoff due to weather conditions or lack of work. Construction workers learn to manage their finances by putting aside savings during busy periods to compensate for periods of unemployment.

Construction workers are eligible to receive unemployment benefits during layoff periods. CCDI can help to provide financial education and resources.

HOW DO YOU GET STARTED PURSUING A FUTURE CAREER IN CONSTRUCTION? First, students should spend some time learning about the type of work performed by the various trades and the entry requirements for the programs. An excellent starting point is participation in the Construction Career Development Initiative (CCDI) program, which provides exposure to careers in the construction and design industry. The CCDI program can also help students get connected with employers and internship programs that could lead to permanent employment. CCDI is a proud partner of North Technical High School and the Construction Innovations programs with a construction career technical education (CTE) program like those at North Tech.

CCDI strongly suggests considering applying to a school. CTE programs allow students to step outside the traditional classroom setting to engage in hands-onlearning. Get one-step-ahead of the game in preparing for your future by considering a CTE program. Ask your school counselor or visit North Tech’s website for more information: www.ssdmo.org/Page/453

CCDI is also proud to partner with the St. Louis Job Corps Center located in the Pine Lawn neighborhood. Job Corps offers multiple construction career technical education programs for young people ages 16-24 and is a great option for those who do not have access to a CTE program in high school, not currently enrolled in school or even for post-high school graduates. You can find more information about St. Louis Job Corps at stlouis.jobcorps.gov/ or on the CCDI Resources Page.

HOW DO I APPLY FOR AN APPRENTICESHIP PROGRAM?

WOMEN AND MINORITIES IN THE TRADES

#1 APPLICATION/INTERVIEW SELECTION PROCESS

Like many other occupations, there was a time when union skilled trade jobs were largely filled by white males. This practice reflected the laws and prejudices of the times, and also the desire of fathers to secure these good-paying jobs for their sons and other male relatives. Today our values and laws have changed. The construction industry seeks to have a diverse workforce and is actively recruiting both minorities and women in the trades.

For all apprenticeship programs, there is an application procedure. Applicants must first fill out forms that are usually picked up at the trade’s training program office. Some programs require applicants to take entry tests, participate in a pre-apprenticeship program and take part in an interview process. Apprentices are assigned to a contractor who will be their employer. #2 LETTER OF INTENT A contractor’s letter of intent is a signed statement from a union contractor stating their willingness to employ the apprentice and to provide relevant on-the-job training hours. For these programs, the applicant must find a contractor willing to hire him/her. When filling out the program application, the office will give applicants a list of union contractors in their trade. Once the applicant obtains the letter of intent and returns to the program office, he/she will be enrolled immediately in the apprenticeship program and can begin work.

TIPS FOR OBTAINING LETTER OF INTENT Participating in programs like CCDI and BUD can increase your chances of getting a letter of intent.

Spring and early summer are usually the busiest hiring times, which winter is the slowest.

Don’t forget, networking is very important!

Always take internship opportunities seriously.

HOW CAN CCDI HELP YOU? CCDI prepares our students for success in the construction industry with our four guiding principles. The first is Real World Experience. We go beyond the classroom. We get students into real-world work environments for the most valuable career training. The second is Building Awareness. Jobs in construction span a diverse range of disciplines and applications. We work to raise awareness of the various trade apprentice programs. The third is Job Placement. With CCDI, training and mentorship are just the beginning.

We provide the support and direction students need to successfully find work and support their continued success and retention in the industry. And fourth is Academic Scholarship. We offer students opportunities to continue secondary education at universities and tech schools for degreed career pathways in construction.

INTERESTED IN JOINING CCDI? To learn more about CCDI and our impact in Saint Louis, visit our website ccdi.org.

Start your path to a fulfilling and lasting career by applying to CCDI by visiting the Get Involved page of our St. Louis program on our website.

Contact Rachel Boemer, CCDI Program Director, at rachelboemer@ccdi.org or at 314-258-2460 for additional information or questions. And stay connected by following us on social media!

For more information, contact: RACHEL BOEMER CCDI Program Director e Rachelboemer@ccdi.org p 314 258 2460

ST. LOUIS 2199 Innerbelt Business Center Dr. St. Louis, MO 63114 p 314 429 5100

ONLINE Stay connected with CCDI by visiting our website, ccdi.org, or follow us on Facebook, www.facebook.com/ccdicommunity, or Linkedin, www.linkedin.com/company/24601043

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