Apprenticeship Programs in West Virginia

There are many apprenticeship opportunities in West Virginia.  Many of these opportunities are in the construction related trades.  An apprenticeship is a program allowing individuals to earn a wage while they receive direct on the job training for a career.  Today, most  programs will also include classroom training. Individuals are sometimes provided with the opportunity to earn their degree in a particular field upon completion of all requirements for the apprenticeship.

 Construction Laborer

 Construction laborers are semi-skilled individuals who complete various tasks around a construction site.  They will complete various tasks including helping more skilled construction workers.  West Virginia has a Laborer’s Training Union which is located in Mineral Wells.  It is necessary for apprentices to complete 160 hours of training at the facility after which they can begin the on the job training.  A total of 4000 hours must be spent on the job to complete a laborer apprenticeship.

Many different aspects of the construction and building trades use laborers as part of their team.  Therefore, other laborer  programs in addition to the one mentioned above can be found throughout the state.  Individuals must find a company employer that is a registered apprenticeship sponsor.

Ironworker

 The Local Union 549 Ironworker union offers an iron worker apprenticeship in West Virginia.  An applicant cannot have problems with drug or alcohol use and must be 18 years old or older.  An ironworker will need to work in various settings.  The training programs will take at least 3 years to complete and can be as long as four years.  Those who are training for this field will need to complete classes in addition to the training they receive while employed.

The Joint Apprenticeship and Training Committee in West Virginia

 This committee has four different programs for apprentices.  There is a painting training program.  There is also a program for those who want to work in the drywall industry.  There is training for glaziers.  Additionally there is a Hydro-Blaster/Vacuum technician apprenticeship program.

Individuals can apply for one of these programs at the District office on 115 Spring Street in Charleston.  The length of a program will depend on the program itself.  All apprentices will receive wages that are increased every so often during their apprentice training program.  Classroom instruction is also part of the process to complete a program in its entirety.

Carpentry

 There are various opportunities in West Virginia to apprentice in carpentry.  The West Virginia Carpenter Apprenticeship program lasts for four years.  It prepares trainees for various aspects of the carpentry profession.  Those who are accepted to the program will receive an income while they train on the job for the career.  Apprentices will also be provided with classroom training that does not cost them anything.  Students will not be paid for the hours they spend in the classroom.

Heat and Frost Insulators

 The Heat and Frost Insulators and Allied Workers Local 80 JATC will be having an open application process for apprentices on January 19^th and 20^th in the year 2012 for new apprentices.  Individuals must be at least 18 years old in order to qualify.  This profession involves work with the insulation used on heating and cooling systems. They will learn to safely handle the insulation and to properly install it for the safe use of the heating and cooling systems.

Electrical

 There are many opportunities to train for electrical careers though apprenticeship programs in West Virginia.  One of the programs is offered through the Clarksburg Electrical Joint Apprenticeship Training Committee which is located in the city of Clarksburg.  This is a five year program where individuals will receive hands on training and classroom instruction.  Men and women will receive a regular income for their work.  Individuals will learn various aspects of the electrical trades.

There are many electrical companies throughout the state that participate in apprenticeship programs.  This allows individuals to have the option to work in many different settings and environments.  They can look to find a company that is closest to home for which they can complete the training program.  Individuals will be provided with related classroom courses for any electrical program.  They can often complete at least an Associate’s Degree with their hands on experience and classroom instruction.

Salary Information – Apprenticeship in West Virginia

The apprentice salaries in West Virginia 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.

Construction Laborer – earns averagely $31,800 per year.

Iron worker – earns an average of $42,700 annually.

Carpentry – the average Carpenter salary in West Virginia is $55,150 per year.

Electrician – earns averagely $48,000 per year.

Apprenticeship Program FAQs

Is class attendance compulsory? Yes. If you miss class more than your allowable absences you will be punished.

Can I attend Journeyman Classes if I am an apprentice? Yes, if they aren’t full. These classes will also be available in your apprenticeship but if you feel the need, you can attend earlier. Call the Training Center office if you would like to attend one of these classes.

Do I need experience? Not necessarily, but if you do have experience, it will be acknowledged.