The growing demand for trades jobs has opened new windows of opportunity. Apprenticeships provide expert, reputable training for young individuals looking for a career in construction.
An Apprenticeship is a combination of on-the-job training and related classroom instruction in which workers learn the practical and theoretical aspects of a highly skilled occupation. The demanding program, often referred to as “the other four-year degree,” usually requires 2-5 years of training.
Apprentices earn a percentage of the journeyman base wage with incremental increases based on satisfactory progress on the job and in the classroom. Journey wages in Michigan range from $18 - $33 per hour plus a generous benefits package that includes health care, pension and more. Many skilled trades apprenticeship programs have an articulation/matriculation agreement with community colleges. Apprentice classes transfer as credit toward an associates degree with additional core courses (example: communications, math, science) taken at the community college.
Bricklayers do heavy lifting combined with precise positioning of components. The work involves the placement of a wide variety of brick, masonry block, stone, marble, terra cotta, tile, and related materials. These are used in the construction of walls, partitions, fireplaces, chimneys, and other structures. They also install the fire brick linings of kilns and industrial furnaces.
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Carpenters measure, saw, level, and nail wood and other building materials. They also install tile and insulation, acoustical ceilings, cabinets, siding and more. A millwright is a skilled craftsman in the industrial construction industry. Their expertise is in the art of moving, installing, aligning, and leveling machinery and conveyor systems, in a safe, efficient, and precise manner.
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Cement masons smooth and finish the surfaces of poured concrete floors, walls, sidewalks, and curbs, using hand and power tools. Plasterers typically apply coats of plaster to interior walls, ceilings, and partitions in buildings to produce finished surfaces. They can install or produce decorative panels, cornices, and moldings. You’ll also find them restoring elaborate historic buildings, and even working on sets for video and theatrical productions.
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Iron Workers erect structural steel and precast concrete as well as place reinforcing steel bars and cables in concrete construction. They move, rig and erect machinery, and install fabricated building components. You’ll find them placing a variety of ornamental steel, aluminum, and other building components — such as stairways, catwalks, grating, grills, conveyors and screens — all the while maintaining tolerances specified in building plans.
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Construction Craft Laborers are members of the Laborers International Union of North America. They are skilled construction workers who work in one or more of four specific categories: Commercial construction, highway construction, underground construction and environmental remediation.
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Operating Engineers operate and maintain heavy and portable construction equipment. They are the men andwomen who run bulldozers and scrapers on highway projects, cranes on building projects, hydraulic backhoes on sewer and water line installations, as well as large machines like asphalt & plants. Their work is often seasonal in nature with considerable exposure to weather, especially when their machinery has an open cab.
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For more information on construction career opportunities with the Asbestos Workers, please click below.
For more information on construction career opportunities with the Boilermakers, please click below.
For more information on construction career opportunities with the Electricians, please click below.
For more information on construction career opportunities with the Elevator Constructors, please click below.
For more information on construction career opportunities with the Painters of Michigan, please click below.
For more information on construction career opportunities with the Plumbers & Pipefitters, please click below.
For more information on construction career opportunities with the Roofers, please click below.
For more information on construction career opportunities with the Sheet Metal Workers, please click below.
For more information on construction career opportunities with the Sprinkler Fitters, please click below.