What is Pre-Apprenticeship
It is like construction "boot camp." It's a fast-paced, intense, industry-driven program that allows you to start developing the skills you will need to succeed as a working Carpenter.
Graduates of our Apprenticeship Program are in demand and are the industry leaders of tomorrow.
PAT at a Glance
Q. How long is the program
Answer: 6 weeks, classes are held 4 days a week, 9 hour days.
Q. Is the program all classroom time
Answer: NO. The program combines both classroom and shop training. There is a strong emphasis on construction math and job readiness for the industry. Much of the time is spent in the shop building projects.
Q. Do we need tools
Answer: NO. All the tools and materials will be provided to you while attend the Pre-Apprenticeship Program. There is no cost. Upon completion of the Six Week Program, you will be given a basic set of hand tools.
Q. After attending orientation, what happens if I decide not to participate in the Six Week Program
Answer: You will be removed from our applicant list. You may reapply at any time. You will receive a new number on our list.
Q. What happens if I fail the drug test
Answer: You will not be allowed to participate in Pre-Apprenticeship at that time. You will be removed from the applicant list. If you feel that the test is wrong, you can get re-tested, on your own, at your cost. However; if the test is non-negative you will not be able to re-apply for one year.
Q. Will I get paid
Answer: YES. You will receive a $60 stipend at the end of each week you complete. If you qualify, you may be eligible for unemployment benefits. We do not determine qualification.
Q. What if I am almost completed with my minimum qualifications (eg.GED)
Answer: You are not qualified to participate until you meet the educational requirement.
Q. Is there a guarantee of a job when Pre-Apprenticeship is completed
Answer: NO. Successful completion of the program allows you to become an indentured apprentice. This means you have the right to sign the local union's hiring list and are eligible to be sent to work as it becomes available in your area.
Q. Once I get a job, how long do they last
Answer: Jobs may be for one day, several days, weeks, months and years. If the company likes how you work, they usually will try to keep you working as long as they can. You may have to travel to other jobs.
Q. Will I have to travel for work
Answer: YES. While participating in the Pre-Apprenticeship program, you will go to the same place for training for the six weeks. Once indentured into apprenticeship, you will join a Local Union in your area and be dispatched to work in the jurisdictional area of that Local Union. You will also have free movement for work throughout the Northern 46 California Counties area.
Q. Can I look for work on my own
Answer: YES. Once you become an apprentice, you may look for work on your own. If you find a Union Contractor that wants to hire you, the Union will determine if the contractor is eligible to request you. This relates to proper ratios of Journeymen and Apprentices.
Q. Upon becoming an apprentice, may I attend apprenticeship classes while I am waiting for work
Answer: YES. We highly encourage apprentices to attend classes whenever they are not working. You can check with the training center in your area for availability of classes.
It is like construction "boot camp." It's a fast-paced, intense, industry-driven program that allows you to start developing the skills you will need to succeed as a working Carpenter.
Graduates of our Apprenticeship Program are in demand and are the industry leaders of tomorrow.
PAT at a Glance
- Designed to help you decide if you're cut out to be a Carpenter
- Give you a competitive edge as you begin your career in the construction industry
- Six week intensive training course
- Sessions held at state-of-the-art training facilities throughout Northern California
- Training delivered by teachers/Instructors who are experts in their field
- Completion of PAT is required to enter the Carpenter's Apprenticeship Program
- Successful completion of PAT guarantees your acceptance into Apprenticeship
- PAT is free and you receive a stipend for participating!
- Graduates receive their own set of carpenter's tools
Q. How long is the program
Answer: 6 weeks, classes are held 4 days a week, 9 hour days.
Q. Is the program all classroom time
Answer: NO. The program combines both classroom and shop training. There is a strong emphasis on construction math and job readiness for the industry. Much of the time is spent in the shop building projects.
Q. Do we need tools
Answer: NO. All the tools and materials will be provided to you while attend the Pre-Apprenticeship Program. There is no cost. Upon completion of the Six Week Program, you will be given a basic set of hand tools.
Q. After attending orientation, what happens if I decide not to participate in the Six Week Program
Answer: You will be removed from our applicant list. You may reapply at any time. You will receive a new number on our list.
Q. What happens if I fail the drug test
Answer: You will not be allowed to participate in Pre-Apprenticeship at that time. You will be removed from the applicant list. If you feel that the test is wrong, you can get re-tested, on your own, at your cost. However; if the test is non-negative you will not be able to re-apply for one year.
Q. Will I get paid
Answer: YES. You will receive a $60 stipend at the end of each week you complete. If you qualify, you may be eligible for unemployment benefits. We do not determine qualification.
Q. What if I am almost completed with my minimum qualifications (eg.GED)
Answer: You are not qualified to participate until you meet the educational requirement.
Q. Is there a guarantee of a job when Pre-Apprenticeship is completed
Answer: NO. Successful completion of the program allows you to become an indentured apprentice. This means you have the right to sign the local union's hiring list and are eligible to be sent to work as it becomes available in your area.
Q. Once I get a job, how long do they last
Answer: Jobs may be for one day, several days, weeks, months and years. If the company likes how you work, they usually will try to keep you working as long as they can. You may have to travel to other jobs.
Q. Will I have to travel for work
Answer: YES. While participating in the Pre-Apprenticeship program, you will go to the same place for training for the six weeks. Once indentured into apprenticeship, you will join a Local Union in your area and be dispatched to work in the jurisdictional area of that Local Union. You will also have free movement for work throughout the Northern 46 California Counties area.
Q. Can I look for work on my own
Answer: YES. Once you become an apprentice, you may look for work on your own. If you find a Union Contractor that wants to hire you, the Union will determine if the contractor is eligible to request you. This relates to proper ratios of Journeymen and Apprentices.
Q. Upon becoming an apprentice, may I attend apprenticeship classes while I am waiting for work
Answer: YES. We highly encourage apprentices to attend classes whenever they are not working. You can check with the training center in your area for availability of classes.