ABC - Associated Builders and Contractors, Northern California 

Description of ABC Norcal

"ABC NorCal's Apprenticeship Programs were developed to increase the number of highly skilled craftspeople in the construction industry. Accredited by the DAS and the DOL OA, our apprenticeship programs adhere to all industry standards and regulations. If you are considering a career in construction, here are the top 10 reasons why you should train with us: 

1. No experience is necessary, Really and truly.

2. We promote a diverse workforce. Our commitment to inclusion across race, gender, age, religion, identity, and experience drives us forward every day. 

3. We offer multiple trades. We offer apprenticeship programs in five trades: carpentry, construction craft laborer, electrical, painting and plumbing. 

4. Compared to a college education, there is no tuition or cost to enroll in our apprenticeship program. 

5. Paid on-the-job training. You are going to school, making good money, learning and building career experience all at the same time. The same cannot necessarily be said for full-time college students. 

6. No student loans to pay back. More than half of the college students in California have student loan debt of some kind. 

7. Health Benefits: Our benefits include medical, dental, vision, life insurance and an employee assistance program. 

8. Build your professional network. Our apprentice sponsors are some of the most talented constructed professionals in Northern California. 

9. We honor Post-9/11 GI Bill benefits. Eligible veterans can receive a tax-free stipend during their apprenticeship program. 

10. Become highly marketable. In committing to an apprenticeship program, you demonstrate drive and determination -- two qualities employers seek. The ABC NorCal program is recognized for turning out safe and highly skilled graduates. 

Read more here: www.abcnorcal.org/education-training/apprenticeship/apprentices/

Description of Program

• Carpentry Program

  • What Does a Carpenter Do? Carpenters are involved in many types of construction such as residential, commercial and industrial and work in diverse settings. 

    • Carpenters cut, shape, fit and assemble building materials using the latest power tools. 

    • Caprenters work with a variety of materials including wood, metal, concrete and plastics. 

• Laborer Program

  • Construction craft laborers (aka laborers) are the jacks-of-all-trades who work on almost all job sites.

  • They perform an array of tasks varying from simople to extremely difficult and hazardous. 

  • Laborers' responsibilities include environmental remediation, mixing, handling and placing concrete materials, preparing and maintaining construction sites to eliminate possible hazards, and setting up traffic diversion or warning signs to ensure safety of vehicles and their owners. 

• Electrical Program

  • Electricians install, connect, test and maintain electrical systems for residential, commercial, industrial and technical use. 

  • This craft is highly technical, requiring knowledge of the National Electrical Code (NEC), state and local building codes and the accurate use of blueprints to locate outlets and other equipment

  • In California, certified electricians must be licensed and pass the State Electrician Certification Exam

  • There are many opportunities to specialize including audio/visual, telecommunications and data, emergency backup, solar, wind and fire alarms (to name just a few). 

• Painting Program

  • Painters apply paint, stain, varnish and other finishes to the interior of a roughed-out surface.

  • The process often involves choosing appropriate applicators, mixing paints, matching colors and using mechanical and chemical processes to prepare surfaces. 

  • In an industrial setting, painters prepare and paint factories, bridges, girders, guardrails, sheds, storage tanks and more. 

• Plumbing Program

  • Plumbers are needed on just about every type of construction project. 

  • During the initia stages of a project, plumbers install and repair drainage, water and gas systems. 

  • Later they return to install and connect appliances and fixtures such as showers, toilets and water heaters. 

  • Plumbers work with a variety of piping material including copper, plastic, cast iron and stell and often need to cut or bend pipe to desired lengths. 

• Check out ABC's Informative Pamphlet here!