Apprenticeships 

An apprenticeship is an earn-as-you-learn workforce training model. You’ll receive classroom instruction and on-the-job training to provide the specific knowledge needed to enter an industry. Apprentices earn a salary as they learn, and you can have a healthy, work-life balance. At the end of the apprenticeship you’ll have the skills and training required in a high-demand industry.

An apprenticeship may be right for you if you learn by doing! You like to build things, create things, and want your studies to be a hands on experience. Perhaps you’re worried about taking out a lot of student loans or just aren’t interested in an educational experience that is mostly reading from books. They usually require early morning start times, physical labor, and a valid driver's license. Apprenticeships allow you to start working right away and build skills on the job.

Construction Careers Foundation has a very thorough description of what goes into an apprenticeship and the trades. Find it HERE. 

Each apprenticeship program has a different application process, and their applications will usually be listed on the union’s website. Prepare a resume, ask supervisors or teachers to be references for you, and get your driver's license before applying. You may have to take an aptitude test when you apply, but each program is different.

Visit the local unions' websites and the training centers directly to find out their application process. We have linked the common ones below, but most can be found on Trades Hub, Construction Careers, or Apprenticeship Minnesota.

• Minneapolis Electrical Training Center

• Minneapolis Plumbers Apprenticeship Program

• Carpenter's Training Institute

• Finishing Trades Institute of the Upper Midwest

• International Union of Operating Engineers

• Ironworkers Union

• Laborers Training Center