Trade Pathways

Basic Minimum Requirements Needed for Application:

• Age Requirement: You must be at least a high school senior and 17 years old to apply.
• Driving License: You must possess a valid driver’s license.
• Transportation: You must have reliable transportation to commute to various job sites.
• Education: You must hold a high school diploma or an equivalent qualification.
• Physical Fitness: You must be physically fit to handle the demands of the job.
• Drug Policy: You must be drug-free, as confirmed by pre-employment and random drug screening.

Key Qualities for Success in the Skilled Trades:

• Work Ethic: Demonstrate dedication by completing tasks efficiently and to the highest standards.
• Dependability: Be consistently reliable, always showing up on time and prepared.
• Positive Attitude: Keep a constructive outlook and a proactive approach to challenges.
• Teamwork: Work effectively with others to complete tasks and achieve team objectives.

Understanding the Apprenticeship Application Process:

The pathway to joining one of the 19 distinct construction apprenticeship programs involves a series of steps. Each program might have slight variations, so it's advisable to contact the specific apprenticeship school to confirm their requirements. Here’s what you can generally expect:

Step 1: Submit Application

• Complete the Application Form: Ensure you fill out all required sections of the application.
• Required Documents: Submit any documents the apprenticeship school requests, which may include high school transcripts, letters of recommendation, DD214 for veterans, resumes, etc.

Step 2: Take Required Testing

The testing requirements can vary by school. You might encounter tests that assess:

• General math skills and basic algebra
• Reading comprehension
• Mechanical aptitude
• Personality traits

Step 3: Interview

This stage is crucial for assessing your suitability for a career in skilled trades. It's your opportunity to showcase your skills, experiences, and motivation, and to ensure the apprenticeship aligns with your career goals.

Step 4: Selection

Selection is competitive; the apprenticeship program typically chooses the top candidates from each application class based on a scoring system. If not selected, don't be discouraged. Your persistence and commitment to reapplying can strengthen your chances in future rounds.

As part of the application process for certain trades, you may be required to complete a physical exam or attend a mandatory bootcamp to quickly evaluate your readiness for the role.

What is an Apprenticeship?

An Apprenticeship is where your journey towards learning a skilled trade begins.  Apprenticeship programs offer a blend of classroom instruction, hands-on training, and paid on-the-job experience, paving the way for you to master your craft.

What You Should Know About Apprenticeship Programs

• No Tuition: You will receive a debt-free education.
• Jointly Funded: The training fund is primarily funded through a combination of employer and employee contributions.
• Autonomous Operations: Trade school training programs can differ dramatically, as each school operates autonomously.
• Training Duration: Apprenticeship programs durations last between 3 and 5 years, depending on the trade.
• Work-to-School Ratio: As a rule of thumb, roughly 80% of your apprenticeship will be dedicated to paid on-the-job training, with the remaining 20% focused on classroom instruction and hands-on exercises.

What to Expect in Apprenticeship School

• Safety 1st: Apprenticeship schools prioritize safety, teaching you to understand construction hazards and how to mitigate them effectively.
• Standards of Excellence: As an apprentice, you are expected to maintain high standards by being punctual and present for all classroom sessions and on-site training throughout your program.
• Regular Assessment Testing: To ensure your are on track, you will receive regular assessments and tests to evaluate your progress toward essential training milestones.
• Regular Wage Increases: As you progress in your training and enhance your skills, your wages will increase accordingly.
• Graduation: Upon successful completion of the apprenticeship program, you will receive a journey-level certification, which qualifies you for journey-level pay and benefits.

What to Expect on the Jobsite

• Physical Work: Construction work is physically demanding, often requiring you to lift heavy materials, work at heights, maneuver on ladders and scaffolding, crouch in tight spaces, and stand for long periods.
• Diverse Jobsites: You'll engage in projects across diverse settings, from residential builds to major commercial, industrial, and infrastructure developments.
• Weather Elements: You may work in a range of environments, from outdoor sites in varying weather conditions to indoor settings that operate year-round.
• Skill Development: You may work for several different contractors throughout your apprenticeship program, allowing you to experience various aspects of your trade and develop a versatile set of skills.
• Schedule Variability: You may experience different work schedules, including standard daytime hours, night shifts, and possibly weekend work meet project deadlines.
• Employment Variability: Work opportunities in the skilled trades are not guaranteed and often depend on economic conditions in Northwest Indiana, with job availability fluctuating based on construction demand.

Being in the skilled trades is similar to being a free agent in professional sports. The ones who work the hardest, consistently showcase their skills, and prove themselves to be reliable team players are always in high demand. Just like top athletes, tradespeople who demonstrate talent, dedication, and a strong sense of teamwork are the ones who always have steady employment and earn top pay!

How Are Wages Negotiated?

In the construction industry, wages and benefits are typically negotiated between trade unions and employers through a collective bargaining process. This ensures that wages are fair and standardized across the industry while maintaining competitive benefits for workers.

Wage Package Components

1. Base Hourly Wage

This is the direct pay workers receive for each hour worked. The hourly wage is determined by the trade, experience, and job classification.

2. Fringe Benefits

Fringe benefits are additional benefits negotiated as part of the wage package. These typically cover:

• Health and Welfare Benefits: Employers contribute to health and welfare programs to provide comprehensive healthcare coverage, including medical, dental, and vision insurance, ensuring that workers and their families are protected.
• Retirement Benefits: Employers contribute to pension and retirement plans, helping construction workers plan for their financial future after years of service in the industry.
• Apprenticeship Training Fund: Employers and trade unions invest in training and apprenticeship programs to ensure workers have access to the latest skills and certifications.
• Industry Funds: Support a variety of initiatives that enhance the construction industry, including management and supervisory training programs, health and safety programs, workforce development, and community outreach efforts that contribute to the overall improvement of the industry.
• BCRC (Building Construction Resource Center): Offers a comprehensive support system, combining Employee Assistance Programs (EAPs) with Substance Abuse Testing. These services provide help for personal challenges like mental health, financial counseling, and work-life balance, while also ensuring job sites remain safe and productive through substance abuse prevention and testing.

Welcome to the World of Skilled Trades

Welcome to a career pathway that is built on the rich history and proud tradition of apprenticeship. Here, you’ll find opportunities to work with your hands, mastering the craftsmanship that is held in high regard across generations. As you learn and acquire valuable skills, you’ll open doors to incredible projects that shape the communities where we live—projects that you can take pride in.

The trades offer more than just a job; they provide a fulfilling career that pays a living wage, offers benefits, and ensures your health and prosperity, both now and into retirement. Explore the pathways ahead and discover how you can build a future of opportunity and success.

List of Construction Trade Careers

Strategies for Success in the Construction Industry

The construction industry offers rewarding career opportunities for those with the work ethic, skills, dedication, and drive to succeed. Whether you're in high school, out of school and exploring your career options, or looking to advance to leadership positions after earning your journey-level certification, there are strategic steps you can take to ensure success. Here's how:

Preparing for a Skilled Trade Pathway in High School

Starting early can give you a significant advantage when pursuing a career in the trades. Here are strategies to help you prepare while still in high school:

• Maintain a Strong Attendance Record: Trade selection committees review transcripts, and a solid attendance record reflects reliability. Minimizing tardies and absences shows you're committed, dependable, and ready for the demands of an apprenticeship.
• Take Advantage of CTE Programs: If your high school offers Career and Technical Education (CTE) programs like construction, welding, or manufacturing, participate! Students in these programs often have higher acceptance rates into apprenticeship programs.
• Enroll in STEM Courses: Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM) subjects are valuable in the construction industry. These courses provide foundational knowledge that can enhance your technical skills and boost your application to a skilled trade.

Strategies for Entering a Trade Career After High School

If you're out of high school and seeking entry into the construction industry, there are key steps you can take to improve your chances of success:

• Build a Solid Work History: Showing you can hold a job over time is important to apprenticeship selection committees. A consistent work history, especially in construction-related jobs, demonstrates reliability and a proven track record.
• Gain Construction Experience: If possible, get experience working in construction. Hands-on skills and familiarity with job sites will be advantageous during your application process.
• Pursue Additional Credentials: Consider enrolling in community college courses in construction-related fields or earning certifications like welding. This can strengthen your resume and give you a competitive edge when applying for apprenticeship programs.
• Serve Your Country: Military veterans often have streamlined pathways into the skilled trades. Many trades offer direct entry or guaranteed interviews to veterans, recognizing their skills and discipline while giving back to those who have served. If you are a veteran, this could be a valuable opportunity to transition into a trade career.

Preparing for Leadership Roles After Your Apprenticeship

After completing your apprenticeship, numerous opportunities for career advancement await. Here are strategies to help you prepare for leadership positions in construction:

• Utilize Apprenticeship Programs Offering Higher Education Pathways: Many apprenticeship programs provide associate degree opportunities that can accelerate your educational journey and open doors to leadership roles. Purdue University Northwest offers a specialized Bachelor of Science in Project Leadership, tailored for tradespeople with an associate degree. The program’s blend of Organizational Leadership and Supervision (OLS) and Construction Engineering and Management Technology (CEMT) equips graduates for higher-level supervisory and management positions.
• Pursue Industry Certifications: As you progress in your trade, pursue professional development opportunities that enhance your skill sets. Industry organizations such as the Construction Advancement Foundation (CAF) offer numerous professional development courses in areas like project management, construction law, bidding, estimating, and safety management. These certifications can prepare you for leadership roles within the construction industry.
• Diversify Your Experience: Working on a variety of projects exposes you to different types of work and builds a well-rounded skill set. Filling in gaps in your experience and understanding various aspects of your field can make you more versatile and better prepared for leadership opportunities.

Propel Your Career in Construction Leadership

Take the next step in your construction career with the Purdue Northwest Pathway Program. If you’ve earned an associate degree in applied science from Ivy Tech Community College through a qualifying apprenticeship program, this opportunity allows you to:

Apply 48 credit hours toward a Bachelor’s Degree in Construction Project Leadership through the Department of Construction Science and Organizational Leadership only at Purdue Northwest.

Build on your apprenticeship experience to advance into roles like:

• Crew leader
• Foreperson
• Assistant superintendent
• Superintendent

Key Benefits of the Program

• Earn while you work: Complete the program in as little as 3 years while continuing to work full-time.
• Flexibility: Attend afternoon/evening classes that accommodate your work schedule.
• Hybrid learning options: Choose between in-person or virtual attendance.
• Affordable: Total investment of approximately $20K.
• Scholarships and tuition reimbursement: Available through:
  • Construction Advancement Foundation (CAF) scholarship program
  • Purdue University Northwest scholarship program
  • Trade tuition reimbursement programs (Ironworkers)
  • Employer tuition reimbursement programs

What You’ll Learn

The degree program is a powerful blend of leadership and technical skills, ensuring you're prepared for critical aspects of construction supervision:

• Organizational Leadership and Supervision (OLS): Develop your leadership and supervisory skills.
• Construction Engineering and Management Technology (CEMT): Learn about critical topics like:
  • Construction operations
  • Planning and scheduling
  • Bidding and estimating
  • Cost control
  • Construction law
  • Safety
  • Quality control

Why This Program?

• Advance Quickly: Complete the program in 3 years or less.
• Grow Your Leadership Potential: Gain the qualifications you need to move into management roles.
• Join a Cohort: Learn alongside a group of other skilled trades professionals.

Qualifying Trades

This program is available to individuals who have completed their apprenticeship in the following trades and received their associate degree from Ivy Tech Community College:

• Carpenters
• Ironworkers
• Millwrights
• Electricians
• Plumbers
• Painters & Allied Trades
• Sheet Metal Workers
• Boilermakers
• Bricklayers

For More Information about the Purdue Pathway Degree Program:

Contact the Construction Advancement Foundation