Trades and Union Information





 

Bricklayers


Description: Bricklayers are skilled craftsmen responsible for constructing brickwork by laying bricks using the correct mortar mixture. They are knowledgeable in the different types of bricks available and how to construct or repair walls in accordance with industry standards.
Program Length: 3 years. Minimum 144 hours per year of classroom training and 4500 hours of on-the-job training. Other programs include: Tuckpointing, Tile Finisher, & Tile Setter
Requirements: Minimum18 years of age. Shall possess sufficient reading and math skills to satisfactorily complete on-the-job training & related technical instruction. High school diploma or GED is recommended. Physically capable of performing the essential functions of the apprenticeship program. Must pass a drug test.
How to Join: Applications are accepted throughout the year, Mondays through Fridays between 8:00 am to 3:00 pm, at the union office. Application MUST be submitted in person per U.S. Department of Labor requirements. The required documents are: Birth Certificate, Government Issued ID, Social Security Card and $20.00 Application Fee (Cash, Check or Money Order Payable to DCTC)
Journeyman Rate (According to most recent public info): $47.56 per hour.
Website: https://www.bac2school.org/




 

Carpenters


Description: Carpenters do the concrete forming needed for the high rises downtown; frame the interiors of office buildings; insulate the exterior walls of hospitals; apply drywall in college dorms; lay the flooring in high schools; create the woodwork for the restaurants, weld the heavy gauge framing for the exterior shell; rebuild the steam turbine in power plants; and drive the piles needed for the bridges.
Program Length: 4 years, with 11 different carpentry options.
Requirements: 17 years of age or older and reside in one of the eligible Illinois counties. Have a high school diploma or GED. Have a valid Driver's License or State ID. Have valid SS card. Pass a proficiency test. Be physically fit to work with no restrictions. Pass a drug test.
How to Join: When the Apprenticeship Program opens for registrations, the applicants must come to the Apprenticeship Program Office located at 1256 Estes Avenue, Elk Grove Village, IL 60007 to fill out an application and begin the registration process. The office hours are Monday through Friday from 9:30 A.M. to 4:00 P.M. At that time, applicants must meet the minimum qualifications and present the prescribed documents.
Journeyman Rate (According to most recent public info): $49.76 per hour.
Website: https://chicap.org/




 

Electricians


Description: Electricians install, maintain, and repair electrical power, communications, lighting, and control systems.
Program Length: 5 years for electrical construction program & 4 years for communictions program
Requirements: Be at least 17 years old at time of registration. Have valid diver's license. Be a high school graduate or have a GED. Current high school Seniors may register with acceptance contingent upon graduation. Have successfully completed 1-full year of high school Algebra with a passing grade of "C" or better.
How to Join: Electrical Program will take place at the IBEW-NECA Technical Institute 6201 W. 115th Street, Alsip, Illinois EVERY WEDNESDAY 9:00 A.M. until 11:00 A.M
Journeyman Rate (According to most recent public info): $50 per hour.
Website: https://ejatt.com/




 

Elevator Constructors


Description: Elevator constructors assemble, install, maintain, and replace elevators, escalators, chairlifts, moving walkways, and similar equipment in buildings. Elevator constructors usually specialize in installation, maintenance, or repair work. Maintenance and repair workers generally require greater knowledge of electronics, hydraulics, and electricity than do installers because a large part of maintenance and repair work is troubleshooting. Most elevators have computerized control systems, resulting
Program Length: 4 years. Program includes attainment of 8,000 hours supplemented by the required hours of related instruction (minimum 576 hours) and successful completion of the Elevators Constructors Mechanic Exam.
Requirements: Must be 18 years of age or older. Applicants must be high school graduates or provide proof of GED, by uploading documents with completed application. Musta take an aptitude test and tool assessment. Must be capable of performing physical requirements of the job. Must pass a drug test.
How to Join: During enrollment periods, applicants can apply online by visiting check the Careers section of the NEIEP website which lists open recruitments, or visit the locations page to contact the Local Area Coordinator for the Chicagoland region.
Journeyman Rate (According to most recent public info): $58.47 per hour.
Website: https://www.iuec2.com/index.cfm




 

Iron Workers


Description: Ironworkers install structural and reinforcing iron and steel to form and support buildings, bridges, and roads. Ironworkers perform physically demanding and dangerous work, often at great heights.
Program Length: 3-years. A school year consists of 40 weeks of training, that begins the last week of August and ends in June (10 months). School is closed for 2 weeks during Christmas and New Year holidays. Students attend class in the evenings, 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. or 9 p.m., depending on the course. Students attend a minimum of 2 evenings per week.
Requirements: N/A
How to Join: Applications are closed until June of 2022. Once approved, Mmore information on the entire application process will be posted on Union website.
Journeyman Rate (According to most recent public info): $52 per hour.
Website: http://www.iwlocal1.com/




 

Laborers


Description: Laborers are responsible for performing various tasks to aid daily operations at a construction site. Their duties include loading and unloading tools or raw materials, assembling scaffolding or other pieces of equipment and digging or filling in pits throughout the construction process.
Program Length: 2-year apprenticeship including 360 hours of classroom training & 2400 hours of on-the-job learning
Requirements: Must be 18 years or older. Have a valid ID & social security card. Minimum 10th grade education. Pass substance abuse test.
How to Join: Individuals interested in the Apprentice Program must be sponsored by a Signatory Contractor. Contact union directly for additional details
Journeyman Rate (According to most recent public info): $45.90 per hour.
Website: www.chicagolaborers.org




 

Operating Engineers


Description: Operating engineers have a variety of duties on construction sites, including controlling and driving heavy machinery, ensuring safety practices are followed, cleaning and maintaining equipment, using equipment pedals, turn valves and levers, and coordinating with crew members. These workers ensure the machinery is running smoothly and properly. Operating engineers work with many types of power equipment, including loading and excavation machines, bulldozers, road grinders, booms and trench exc
Program Length: 4+ years. Programs include 6000 or more hours of On-the-Job Learning, 240 or more hours of Classroom instruction, and 192 hours or more of Field Instruction.
Requirements: Must be 18 years of age. Must have graduated high school (high school transcripts need to be provided) or obtained a GED. Be a resident of the jurisdictional area of Local 150. Have a valid driver's license. Have a statement from a licensed physican stating physical abilty to perfrom the work of the trades will be required 30 days after being accepted into the program. Must be able to speak, write, and speak English language. Required to undergo drug testing.
How to Join: Applications for Heavy Equipment Operator, are available one month a year, typically in the fall. "Applying for the program". A $25 application fee per program will be required at the time of request in the form of a money order only, made payable to “Local 150 Apprenticeship Fund.” Check union website for program availability.
Journeyman Rate (According to most recent public info): $47.75+ per hour. Rate depends on equiptment operated.
Website: https://www.asiplocal150.org




 

Painters


Description: Applies various finishes to buildings, rooms, or other structures, including primers or sealers. Prepares, cleans, and tapes all jobsites. Removes old paint coating, if necessary. Mixes colors or oils to obtain desired color or consistency.
Program Length: 3 years. Includes 4 days per week of on-the-job training with 1 day per week of classroom training (960 hours)
Requirements: Must be 18 years old. Must pass drug test. Must speak English without an interpreter. Must have official high school diploma, birth certificate, social security card, and driver's license/state ID.
How to Join: Must make an appointment either through calling office at: 708-449-5282 or throught the union website.
Journeyman Rate (According to most recent public info): $49.30 per hour
Website: https://www.dc14apprenticeship.org/




 

Pipe Fitters


Description: A pipefitter lays out, assembles, installs, and maintains pipe systems, pipe supports, and related hydraulic and pneumatic equipment for steam, hot water, heating, cooling, lubricating, sprinkling, and industrial production and processing systems, applying knowledge of system operation, and following blueprints: selects type and size of pipe, and related materials and equipment, for example, supports, hangers, and hydraulic cylinders, according to specifications.
Program Length: 5-years. The apprenticeship period is divided into one-year segments, each of which includes 1,700 to 2,000 hours of on-the-job training and a minimum of 216 hours of related classroom instruction.
Requirements: Must be 17 years or older. Must be an American citizen or in the process of naturalization. Must submit a high school diploma or GED certificate (HS Seniors may submit an "on track" letter from their high school). Must submit a copy of their driver's license. Applicant will have to test an aptitude test. A study guide for the aptitude test may be purchased at the time of application for $15.
How to Join: Those interested in the apprenticeship must attend one of the "Application Days" held at the training center in Mokena (10850 W. 187th St). Those that test above the cut score on the aptitiude test are eligible for the apprenticeship program and will be placed into the eligibilty pool for selection into the apprenticeship program.
Journeyman Rate (According to most recent public info): $52 per hour.
Website: https://www.pftf597.org/




 

Plumbers


Description: Plumbers install and repair water, gas, and other piping systems in homes, businesses, and factories. They install plumbing fixtures, such as bathtubs and toilets, and appliances, such as dishwashers and water heaters. They clean drains, remove obstructions, and repair or replace broken pipes and fixtures.
Program Length: 5 years. Apprentices are paid to attend school for 8 hours, 1 day a week, for their first 3 years, with 3.5 hour night classes in the 4th & 5th years.
Requirements: Must be 18 years of age. Must have high school diploma or GED. Must have a valid Driver's license and birth certificate. Must read, write, and speak English. Must pass an aptitude test. Must pass a drug screening, including marijuana. Must pass a physical exam and agility test.
How to Join: Must apply in person, check union website for application period in 2022.
Journeyman Rate (According to most recent public info): $52 per hour.
Website: https://plumberslu130ua.com/




 

Roofers


Description: Roofers install a wide range of roofing and waterproofing products and systems. Each roofiong job is different and presents new challenges. Rooferes work outdoors in all kinds of weather and usually work at heights.
Program Length: 5 years. Must perform 5500 hours of on-the-job training within the 5 years and pass a written Journeyman's test to comlete the apprenticeship. Must attend all required classes, without pay.
Requirements: Must be at least 18 years old. Must show original high school diploma or GED certificate. Must be able to speak and understand English. Must show a valid driver's license and social security card. Must take an aptitude test, of which you will be ranked by score. You will be contacted for a position based on the test, and when a position becomes available. When contacted, you must take and pass the physical examination and drug screening within 24 hours of being called. Must pay an initiat
How to Join: Must apply in-person or at www.chicagoroofers.org
Journeyman Rate (According to most recent public info): $44.60 per hour.
Website: https://www.chicagoroofers.com/




 

Sheet Metal Workers


Description: Sheet metal workers are responsible for installing and sometimes fabricating thin metal sheets used in a variety of applications. They have daily duties such as fastening metal seams, welding, bolting, creating supportive frameworks, taking measurements and maneuvering material around. They install HVAC ducts, metal roofing, gutters and siding. Sheet metal workers can also work in factories and shops, creating metal sheets and operating the equipment used in the process.
Program Length: 4 years plus probationary period. Consists of 4 years of concentrated training (20 days per semester) in conjunction with on-the-job training
Requirements: Must be 17 years or older. Have a high school diploma or GED. Must submit a certified birth certificate. Must present photo ID. Applicants will take an aptitude test, of which they will be ranked by test scores. Must pass a drug test and physcial examination.
How to Join: Applications will be accepted at Union hall located at: 2701 Van Buren St, Bellwood, IL 60104, every Wednesday from 8:00am to 1:00pm during open application periods.
Journeyman Rate (According to most recent public info): $45.50 per hour.
Website: https://www.smw73.org/




 

Sprinkler Fitters


Description: Sprikler fitters install, repair, maintain, inspect, test, and service all types of fire suppression systems in commercial, residential, and industrial sites.
Program Length: 5-year
Requirements: Must be 17 years or older. Have a high school diploma or GED (GED certificate & scoes must be provided). Must pass a drug test.
How to Join: Applications will be accepted at Sprinkler Fitters Local 281, UA Members Hall 11900 South Laramie, Alsip, IL 60803 during open aplication periods.
Journeyman Rate (According to most recent public info): $50.15 per hour.
Website: http://www.sprinklerfitterchicago.org/