Available through members of the
Tri-City Building & Construction Trades Council
The construction trades person is a highly respected crafts person. Their work is among the most specialized and is in constant demand. Becoming a tradesperson means that you can utilize the most productive years of your life as part of the oldest and most respected of the skilled trades. It offers good income and world wide employment opportunities.
The construction industry enjoys a long history of close cooperation in apprenticeship and training. This important industry needs to attract the best possible apprentices on the basis of talent and aptitude. If you’re the kind of person who likes a challenge, who has the basic talent to move through an apprenticeship and emerge as a resourceful person of specialized training and skill, then you should be thinking about a future in the Construction trades.
There are opportunities waiting for you when you graduate from high school in good paying careers. Opportunities where you can make the most of your natural skills, opportunities that will give you a good boost up the ladder of success. Best of all the careers are open to you even if you do not go to college! You’ll need training, but the paychecks can start almost as soon as you graduate from high school. YOU WILL EARN WHILE YOU LEARN!!!
WHAT IS APPRENTICESHIP TRAINING
An apprentice is someone who is learning a trade by working under the guidance of skilled workers, called Journeymen. Its on-the-job training and valuable classroom instruction to achieve mastery of a special skill. It is based upon a written agreement between the apprentice and joint apprenticeship committee. This agreement is called an “indenture”.
You will receive compensation while you are training. You earn while you learn and are paid a wage from the first day that you are hired by a contractor. Apprentices usually start at about half of the skilled journeyman’s rate of pay. Your wages are increased at periodic levels until you reach the full journeyman scale at the end of the apprenticeship period. You are making money at no cost to you for training.
ENTRANCE REQUIREMENTS
Entrance requirements and selection procedures are formulated by local committees. The actual selection and supervision of an apprenticeship program in the skilled trades is done by members of an apprenticeship committee. This committee is made up of persons with considerable experience, representing both management and labor.
HOW TO PREPARE YOURSELF TO BECOME AN APPRENTICE
If you are still in school, you should take courses that will help you develop the practical skills you will need as an apprentice. Then, when you’re out of school, apply for apprenticeship training with the local programs. Many young people start out by telephoning, writing, or visiting a local union and asking for information on how they can become apprentices.
PAY AND BENEFITS
The rewards of learning through apprenticeship training are good wages and benefits you receive as a union member. You will be working under the protection of a union contract for a good contractor, which means you will have some form of health, pension and welfare benefits.
YOUR FUTURE
Upon mastering your apprenticeship requirements in the construction trades, you will be on your way to a satisfying and highly paid lifetime career as a Journeyman. Once you have learned the trade, the career possibilities are endless. You can advance to higher level positions such as a foreman, superintendent or contractor. THE CHOICE IS YOURS.
If you would like more information on these specific trades or crafts, please refer to the local trade union of which are enclosed with the address and phone numbers for your future reference.
US Department of Labor
Bureau of Apprenticeship & Training
131 E 4th Street – Room 364
Davenport, IA 52801
563-324-1339 FAX: 563-324-1330
Tri-City Building and Construction Trades Council
4602 46th Avenue
Rock Island, IL 61201
309-786-1115 FAX: 309-786-7292
BOILERMAKERS
The Boilermakers work includes repairing, fabricating and assembling, boilers, tanks vats, pressure vessels, heat exchanges and similar vessels made of metal plate. Boilermakers assemble and erect prefabricated parts and fitting at construction sites where the boilers or other pressure vessels are to be used after installation is completed, and make all necessary tests to check for defects. They also do repair work in the field. A variety of tools are used at times when assembling and erecting steel plate units at a building construction site.
Boilermakers Training Center
5666 West 95th Street
Oak Lawn, IL 60453
708-636-6656 FAX 708-636-6696
https://www.bnap.com/
BRICKLAYERS
Whether a Bricklayer works with brick, concrete blocks, structural tile or other masonry materials, the work is essentially the same. Bricklayers construct walls, partitions, fireplaces, chimneys and other structures from brick. They also use other masonry materials, such as concrete, cinder, or gypsum block; precast panels made of brick, cement, tile, stone, marble, structural tile, to terra cotta. They also install the brick linings of industrial kilns and furnaces.
Bricklayers & Allied Craftworkers
Local Union #6
3691 Couger Drive
Peru, IL 61354
815-494-7743 FAX: 815-963-5311
John Lux, Coordinator
jlux@bac6il.org
BAC Local 8 Illinois
CARPENTERS
The trade of carpentry includes many phases of the construction industry, e.g. milling, fashioning, joining, assembly, erecting, fastening, or dismantling of all structural materials. The handling, cleaning, erecting, installing and dismantling of machinery, equipment and materials are all phases of the millwright area of carpentry. Carpenters in some cases specialize in one particular phase of the trade such as the installation of acoustical materials, driving pile, making cabinets, laying wood and resilient floor, laying carpet, or working in sawmills. Carpenters use blueprints and specifications to determine types of material and sizes to be used on the jobs.
Carpenters JATC
Local Union #4
479 27th Street
East Moline, IL 61244
309-755-3585 FAX: 309-752-1008
http://www.qcjatc.com/
CEMENT MASONS
The principal work of Cement Masons is finishing the exposed concrete surfaces on many types of construction projects. These projects range from small jobs, such as the finishing of patios, floors and sidewalks to work on huge dams, miles of concrete highways, foundations and walls of large buildings, airport runways, etc. Duties of a Cement Mason include:
- Screening, floating and troweling of cement surfaces;
- Work on concrete construction (buildings, floors, curbs, sidewalks, highways, etc);
- Laying, spreading and finishing of concrete;
- Setting of curb forms and expansion strips in buildings, sidewalks and driveways;
- Sawing and scoring all concrete;
- Operation of machinery (floats, troweling machines, cement guns, etc.)
Cement Masons Local Union #18
101 – 31st Avenue
Rock Island, IL 61201
309-786-2527 FAX: 309-786-2559
https://www.opcmia.org/training/
ELECTRICIANS
Construction Electricians layout, assemble, install and test electrical fixtures, apparatus, and wiring used in electrical systems on construction projects. These systems are used to provide power for heat, light and air conditioning and refrigeration. Construction Electricians also install and connect electrical machinery, electronic equipment controls, signals and communications systems. Follow blue prints and specifications for most installations.
Electricians JATC
Quad Cities Electrical Training Center
1700 52nd Avenue- Suite C
Moline, IL 61265
309-762-3270 FAX: 309-762-3357
www.knowwatt.org
GLAZIERS
Glaziers install all types of glass and substitutes for glass including, but not limited to: plate/float glass, window glass, structural glass, Plexiglas, and mirrors of all types. This also includes special items such as leaded glass panels. Such materials are installed in all types of windows, skylights, store fronts and display cases. Glaziers fabricate and install aluminum windows and doors/door frames into which glass panels are cut and fitted.
Glaziers JATC
Local Union #581
5738 N W 2nd Avenue
Des Moines, IA 50313
515-314-1756
www.iupat.org
HEAT & FROST INSULATORS & ASBESTOS WORKERS
The primary work of the trade involves the application of various insulating materials to hot and cold surfaces. Insulation work is generally associated with larger industrial or commercial projects, such as power plants, chemical plants, nuclear power houses, heavy manufacturing or processing installations including refrigeration. Smaller commercial work includes plumbing, heating and air conditioning insulation on such buildings as schools, churches, apartment complexes, shopping centers, hospitals and occasionally underground “tunnel” or “ditch” work.
Heat & Frost Insulators Local 81
4604 -46th Avenue
Rock Island, IL 61201
309-283-7470
local81-@hotmail.com
https://www.insulators.org/become-an-apprentice
IRONWORKERS
The trade of Ironwork involves working both at great heights and underground. It includes the fabrication, production, erection and construction of all iron, steel, ornamental metals, bronze, etc., and the application of all sealants. The trade includes working on structural, ornamental and reinforcing ironwork.
Ironworkers Local Union #111
8000 29th Street West
Rock Island, IL 61201
309-787-0141 FAX: 309-756-6615
http://www.ironworkers111.org/apprenticeship.html
LABORERS
Because they assist other tradesmen, the laborer is one of the most important employees in construction. Construction laborers work on trenching, footings and foundations and move most materials which must be moved by hand and by power equipment. They do the general housekeeping of the job and provide services to other trades.
Laborers Local Union #309
2835 7th Avenue
Rock Island, IL 61201
309-786-5479 FAX: 786-5486
Union309@aol.com
www.liuna.org
MILLWRIGHTS
The work of Millwrights involves the assembly, erection, installation and maintenance of all types of industrial machines and equipment. It includes presenting installations and moving production, equipment and machinery according to layout plans, blue prints and other schematic drawings. Millwrights have skills in the use of a variety of hand and power tools, welding and brazing of all types of metals and use of welding equipment, optic tooling, precision measuring tools, hoists and cranes.
Millwrights & Technical Engineers Local Union #2158
2707 62nd Street Ct.
Bettendorf, IA 52722
563-332-2158 FAX: 563-332-4486
https://www.millw2158.com/apprenticeships/
OPERATING ENGINEERS
Operating Engineers operate, assemble and maintain the power equipment used in the construction industry. This consists of roads, buildings, dams, highways, levees, industrial plants and other structures and projects requiring the use of equipment and machinery. Operating Engineers pilot tow boats, operate and maintain steam boilers and perform these duties on equipment in quarries and for highway departments.
Operating Engineers JATC
Local Union #150
3511 – 78th Avenue
Rock Island, IL 61201
309-787-4646 FAX: 309-787-7405
www.iuoe.org
PAINTERS
Painters prepare surfaces of buildings and other structures and then apply paint, varnish, enamel and lacquer and similar materials to these surfaces. Painters also prepare and cover room interiors with wallpaper, fabrics, vinyl, and other materials.
Painters JATC
520 – 12th Street
Rock Island, IL 61201
309-788-8080 FAX 309-788-8081
www.iupat.org
PLASTERERS
The principal work of Plasterers is finishing the exposed surfaces on many types of construction projects. Members or the Plasterer’s trade are engaged in house plastering, cement stucco, covering, plastering, repairing, texture plastering, fireproof construction, plastering on concrete, masonry, etc.
Operative Plasterers & Cement Masons Local Union #18
101 – 31st Avenue
Rock Island, IL 61201
309-786-2527 FAX: 309-786-2559
https://www.opcmia.org/training/
PLUMBERS & PIPEFITTERS
Plumbers & Pipefitters are craftsmen who install pipe systems that carry water, steam, air, or other liquids or gases needed for sanitation, industrial production or other uses. They also alter and repair existing pipe systems and install plumbing fixtures, appliances and heating and refrigeration units. Although plumbing and pipefitting are sometimes considered to be a single trade, there is distinction.
Plumbers & Pipefitters JATC
Local Union #25
4604 46th Avenue
Rock Island, IL 61201
309-788-4159 FAX: 309-788-5623
chuck@lu25.org
https://lu25.org/training-home.html
ROOFERS
Roofers use spray on, roll on, glue on, and mop on products ranging from hot asphalt to sheet rubber waterproofing foundations, walls and under floors. Roofers and waterproofers work on a variety of types of buildings, protecting those facilities against water intrusion and ultimate damage to the structure and its contents. Roofing in the commercial and industrial sector is generally of the built up type or the single ply category. Another area of roofing is the residential type. These applications can also be done in commercial and industrial sectors as well. They include composition shingles, slate and tile.
Roofers Local Union #32
101 31st Avenue
Rock Island, IL 61201
309-737-1890 office
https://www.unionroofers.com/Become-a-Member/Career-Opportunities.aspx
www.unionroofers.com
SHEET METAL WORKERS
Sheet metal workers fabricate and install ducts that are used in heating, ventilation and air conditioning. They also fabricate and install a wide variety of other products made from light or thin galvanized metals such as siding, metal decks, paint ovens, spray booths, gutters, flashing, and dust collecting systems. The trade also includes products made from heavy or thick metals which are welded (stainless steel, aluminum, black iron) column guards, conveyors, blow pipe systems, spouts, and many more items.
Sheet Metal Workers Local Union #91
8124 42nd Street West
Rock Island, IL 61201
309-787-0695 FAX: 309-787-0733
https://www.jatc91.org/
SPRINKLER FITTERS
Sprinkler Fitters are pipe fitters specializing in fire protection system piping of all kinds. They install, repair, and maintain all types of fixed extinguishing systems. While most of this work deals directly with automatic sprinkler systems, they also have the skill necessary to install and service a wide variety of other fire protection equipment such as standpipes, carbon dioxide systems, halon systems, foam systems and dry chemical systems.
Sprinkler Fitters Local Union #669
PO Box 9608
Peoria, IL 61612
309-693-1906 FAX: 309-693-2101
Sprinkler Fitters Local 669 JATC
7050 Oakland Mills Road
Suite 100
Columbia, MD 21046
1-800-638-0592
410-312-5202
contactus@jatc.org
http://www.sprinklerfitters669.org/jatc.aspx
TEAMSTERS
The Apprenticeship Program trains individuals to operate all construction equipment, including but not limited to, dump trucks, belly trucks, water trucks, cement trucks, road repair equipment.
Teamsters Local 371
101 – 31st Avenue
Rock Island, IL 61201
309-787-4456 FAX 309-787-4888
http://www.Illinoisteamsterstraining.org
www.teamsters.org