Start A Career In The Union
Building Trades
Apprenticeship is one of the best ways to begin a career in the skilled trades. Through union apprenticeship programs, workers can earn a paycheck while learning hands-on skills that lead to long-term careers in construction. The Western Wisconsin Building & Construction Trades Council helps connect prospective apprentices with affiliated unions and training opportunities across the region.
Earn While You Learn
Union apprenticeship programs combine paid on-the-job training with classroom instruction. Instead of taking on student debt to guess at a career path, apprentices build skills while working toward a recognized trade career.
Apprenticeship can be a strong fit for people who want a hands-on career, paid training, a pathway into skilled construction work, industry-recognized credentials, a long-term career with advancement potential, and work that helps build local communities.
Apprenticeship Benefits
A Practical Path
Into The Trades
While each trade has its own application process, apprenticeship generally follows a simple path: Learn about the trades and decide which path interests you; Review requirements for the affiliated union or apprenticeship program; Apply through the appropriate program; Complete interviews, testing, or other application steps if required; Begin paid on-the-job training and related classroom instruction; Build skills toward journeyworker status.
Find The Trade That Fits You
The building trades include many different career paths. Some trades focus on electrical systems, plumbing, pipefitting, roofing, operating heavy equipment, concrete, masonry, ironwork, sheet metal, painting, finishing, carpentry, and more. The right path depends on your interests, strengths, location, and the opportunities available through affiliated programs.
Recommended Apprenticeship Links
A Career Path
Worth Taking Seriously
The skilled trades offer a practical career pathway for students who want to work with their hands, build technical skills, avoid unnecessary debt, and move toward a stable career. For parents, educators, and career counselors, union apprenticeship programs can be an important option to present alongside college, military service, and other post-high-school pathways.
FAQs
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A union apprenticeship is a paid training pathway that combines on-the-job experience with related classroom instruction. Apprentices work while learning the skills needed to advance in a construction trade.
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Yes. Apprentices earn wages while they train. Pay, benefits, and progression vary by trade and program.
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Not always. Requirements vary by trade and program. Some programs may require a high school diploma or equivalent, a valid driver’s license, math skills, physical ability, testing, or interviews. Nearly all unions require applicants to have a high school diploma or GED.
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The length varies by trade and program. Many construction apprenticeships take multiple years and include both jobsite training and classroom instruction.
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Applications are usually handled by the specific trade, local union, training center, or joint apprenticeship program. Use the links on this page to find the right place to start.
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Yes. Apprenticeship programs are open to qualified applicants, and the building trades need skilled workers from many backgrounds.
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Contact the Council or reach out directly to affiliated unions to learn more about different trades, application requirements, and career paths.