There really is no better way to train an unskilled workforce than by utilizing apprenticeships in North Dakota. Both workers and employers benefit from apprenticeship programs, with the employers gaining a new set of workers that are competent in the field and the workers gaining new skills that will lead to a lifelong career in a rewarding field. Apprentices typically gain the knowledge and experience they need to be successful in the trades without have to pay for educational expenses and also getting paid immediately.
Apprenticeship opportunities are excellent ways for new high school graduates to immediately enter the workforce without having any previous skills or experience in their trade of choice. Additionally, apprenticeships are excellent options for workers who are interested in a new career but still need to support their family and pay their bills. While apprentices usually start with a low pay rate, the rate typically increases at various times throughout the program. Likewise, many apprentice programs come with fringe benefits such as health insurance a pension.
A large number of fields are apprenticeable, with construction related trades being the most common. Likewise, construction-related fields are typically apprentices through local unions, which over high pay rates and excellent benefits. As a result, union-based apprenticeships are typically very competitive. But those are not the only careers that can be learned through an apprenticeship. Careers such as child care workers, teaching assistants, and early childhood education workers are also commonly apprenticed trades.
The state ofNorth Dakotaworks to help unskilled workers get matched up with a sponsoring employer by offering online tools to link up potential workers with employers looking for apprentices. Likewise, many apprenticed jobs require apprentice licenses to be held by all apprentices during their training. Here are just some of the apprenticeship programs that you will find inNorth Dakota.
Electrician
The IBEW (International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers) local union 714, serving Western North Dakota offers an electrical apprenticeship program for those wishing to become electricians. Apprentices are paid as soon as they start training. Both on the job training in real life projects and classroom instruction are required. In order to be eligible for the program, applicants must submit an application to the office in either Bismark or Minot, North Dakota. If selected, apprentices gain the knowledge and experience they need for a long-term electrical career.
Bricklayers
The Bricklayers and Allied Craftworkers (BAC) Local Union 1 offers training and experience to apprentices in the trade of bricklaying and other related crafts. This program is offered by the Minnesota & North Dakota Bricklayers and Allied Craftworkers Journeyman and Apprenticeship Training Trust Fund. For this program, apprentices earn wages from their sponsoring employers; however, apprentices are responsible for paying the tuition for the related classroom instruction. However, some sponsoring employers are willing to pay the tuition for their apprentices. Interested workers may bring an application in to the office in St. Paul, MN; however, North Dakota residents are also served here.
For the bricklaying program 6000 hours of on the job training are required as well as 432 hours related classroom instruction. Additional courses that must be taken include an OSHA safety certification course, a scaffold course, as well as first aid and CPR training courses. While on the job, apprentices may expect to receive training and experience in laying bricks, pointing and cleaning, laying concrete blocks, cutting brick, block and stone, and setting marble or granite. Pay rates for apprentices start at 50% of a full journeyman’s pay, which means pay starts between $17 and $18 per hour. As apprentices progress through the program, regular pay increases are scheduled.
Other programs are also available for pointers, cleaners and caulkers, tile workers and terrazzo finishers. These three programs vary between two and three year programs. The setup is similar with on the job training and classroom instruction both being required. However, the pay rates differ depending on the trade. What remains the same in all of the bricklaying related programs is the fringe package that each apprentice gets to benefit from. This includes things such as health insurance, pensions, and 401K’s.
Helpful Information
A lot of apprenticeships are offered through local unions and because of the great benefits that union apprenticeships offer, they are quite competitive. Only a certain number of applicants are accepted, leaving many applicants left on the waiting list. If you become one of those people left waiting, you can try to move your way up on the list by getting some education in the meantime. Many community colleges offer the related coursework for many apprenticeable trades and they do not require students to have sponsoring employees to sign up for classes. Make sure you add any coursework that you do to your applications so that your ranking on the waiting list can be moved up. Likewise, any related work experience and military experience will increase your chances of obtaining a spot in a union apprenticeship program.
Salary Information – Apprenticeship in North Dakota
The apprentice salaries in North Dakota will differ from occupation to occupation. An Electrician’s salary will vary widely from a Carpenter’s salary simply because they are two completely different occupations. Salaries may also differ depending on other important factors such as city, education, experience, certification and additional skills.
Electricians – earns averagely $44,600 annually.
Bricklayers – earns an average of $48,270 yearly.
Carpenter – earns an average salary of $51,290 per year.
Apprenticeship Program FAQs
How long are Registered Apprenticeship programs? The length of an apprenticeship program depends on the employer, complexity of the occupation and the type of program. Registered apprenticeship programs typically range from one year to six years.
Is an apprenticeship a Job? Yes, apprentices start working from day one with incremental raises as skill levels increase. The average starting wage of an apprentice is about $15.00 per hour.
How do I qualify for an apprenticeship program? The eligible starting age for an apprentice is at least 16 years, however, an apprentice in hazardous occupations must be 18 years of age. Additional qualifications required to apply include education, ability to physically perform essential functions of the occupation, proof of age etc. All applicants must meet the minimum requirements.
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