A trainee in the WRTP program practices wielding
(B. White Photo)

Becoming the Apprentice

by Barbara White
Two weeks ago, I reported on the home make over at the home of 69-year-old Georganna Bond where people in the trades and the apprenticeship programs came to assist Bond and her family fix-up the home, which was in great need of repair on all floors.

The builders faced many challenges in their attempt to rehab the Bond home, but they did not let that stop them.

During the makeover, all kinds of skills in the trades were used: carpenters, electricians, individuals who install heating and cooling systems, insulators, painters, plasterers, plumbers, roofers, window installers and landscapers.

There was also a team of support people who helped the trades persons with the little things that needed to be done. It was projected that the cost of materials and labor to rehab the Bond home was close to $25,000.

You've probably come to the realization upon reading the articles these last several weeks that the trades can be rewarding. A person in the trades has the opportunity to work with a group of skilled individuals, many of who are masters at their respective craft. Plus there's the money and benefits that allows a person to support themselves and their family.

There's also the self-satisfaction one gets knowing their work will last for years as a monument to the dedication, skill and pride they have and bring to their work.

So if you love building and fixing things, have a love for the outdoors and can handle working in all kinds of weather, don't mind working hard or long hours, can get up early and be at work on time, are in good physical shape, can read, have at least a GED, a drivers' license, are drug free, can follow directions and want others to marvel at their work, than perhaps the trades are for you.

There are over 800 welding jobs and construction jobs available right now throughout Milwaukee County.

The pay is great and as I traveled through the different projects I worked on for this series, I noticed the trades has an older work force and many of these guys will be retiring in the next five to seven years, opening even more opportunities for young people, particularly young men who want to start a family.

I-Witness the Apprentice

In order to become a construction worker or a trades person, you have to go through an apprentice program.

These jobs require some classroom training, as well as on the job training. You can bypass the apprentice program if you already work for a construction company and they have been hired to work on the project.

But this route is not advised because it limits where you can work and shortens your opportunities in the trades. The only way you can get away with not participating in an apprentice program is if you're the boss's son or daughter.

Once you have completed your apprenticeship, you will receive a "journeyman's card," which can take you all over the nation to work if you choose.
The "journeyman's card" shows you are a skilled trades worker trained in a particular area of expertise and understand all the rules and regulation, as well as the safety issues. A "journeyman's" card also guarantees you are paid whatever the union scale is.

The first step in the training process is are two programs, WRTP (Wisconsin Regional Training Partnership) and Big Step (the Building Industry Group).

This is where Martha Love and Associates became my host. Martha Love and Associates is the Public Relation Firm for WRTP and Big Step and does educational outreach in schools and colleges.

The firm also shows perspective trainees that the trades is an option to college.

Retired Police Lt. Detective Percy Dorsey was my host. He is the brother of Martha Love and is one of the associates with her firm. He scheduled my orientation with WRTP and Big Step.

WRTP is the lead training program for all trades. All building trades companies and unions work with WRTP and Big Step. It is here you get your first peek at what it will take to become a tradesman.

I met Dorsey at 7am in the morning, we chatted about Martha Love and Associates and some of the great things they have been doing since they became contracted with WRTP and Big Step.

Dorsey talked of the outreach they have been doing in the schools, churches, and organizations that weren't being tapped by WRTP and Big Step. "I put in 30-40 hours a week," Dorsey says laughing. "Of course, I am not paid for all those hours, but I work because I believe in the project.

"Everybody is looking for good employees," Dorsey continued. "It does not matter if you have a felony record or lack a few other things, employers are looking for people who want to work and pay good wages for their good work. Besides, we will work with you to make sure you are successful."

We continued to talk about the firm's outreach and marketing of the trades as a career option. "Working in the trades is not just a job, it is a career," Dorsey said. "People who choose trades as an option are choosing jobs that have family sustaining wages where a young man wanting to start a family can do it with a career in the trades."

It's 7:15 a.m. Joe Nicsia is with the International Truckers and Manufacturing has arrived. Joe stated that if you see him sitting at a desk two or three days a week, then "I'm not working or doing anything."

WRTP Intake specialist Kyle Ashley is the first person you would encounter if you were interested in the trades. Kyle is the one who will give you your forms to fill out, tell you what you will need to get in the program and the day of your orientation.

Things that are required to be in the apprentice program: You must be 18 years or older, have a high school diploma or it's equivalent (HSED, GED), have an ability to get to and from job sites (need transportation), have a drivers license, have a minimum sixth grade reading and math ability, the ability to pass a drug test, and be prepared to take a math and reading test.

Dorsey continues to show me around so that I could get a real feel of what would be expect of me as an apprentice.
Next week I-Witness goes to class and will show you the second trades graduating class.