Part Two of Becoming an Apprentice
Apprenticeship classes shows students the in’s and out’s of the skilled trades
Welding is just one of the many skilled trades that can be learned at WRTP and Big Step’s apprenticeship programs that pay well and help sustain a family and build a future. (photo by B. White)
by Barbara White
During my day as a construction worker for the Gilbane Building Company working on the Potawatomi Expansion Project and the newly constructed Manpower Building, I noticed that many of the trades’ people I was working with were quite mature.
In other words, they looked to be close to retirement age. This observation got me to thinking...
If construction trades don’t begin to bring on board younger workers within the next seven years, many of the developers here may have to begin importing workers from where ever they can get them, which means they’ll go outside the city and county of Milwaukee to find young people who may be interested in the building and construction trades.
Young men and women who want a good paying job that they can take pride in and be able to start and support a family should seriously consider career in construction.
The entry point for such a future is the apprenticeship programs such as the ones I reported on last week: Wisconsin Regional Training Partnership (WRTP) and Big Step (the Building Industry Group).
In order to get into an apprenticeship program (WRTP, Big Step or other), you must be 18 years or older, have a high school diploma or its Equivalent (HSED, GED).
You have to be able to get to and from job sites (which means you must have transportation), have a valid driver’s license. A minimum 6th grade reading and math ability, pass a drug test and be prepared to take a math and reading test.
Felons are not excluded. Don’t let a felony conviction hold you back. This may be the very thing to bring you fully back into society, as well as create for yourself a career.
If you don’t meet any or all of the aforementioned requirements, don’t give up. Talk to one of the apprenticeship program’s representatives to find out what you need to do and if they can refer you to a program that will assist you in attaining the skills to pass the required tests.
Once you have gone through and 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" card shows you are a skilled trades’ worker proficient in your area of expertise and understand all the rules and regulation as well as the safety requirements. A "Journeyman’s Card" also protects you, allowing you to receive union scale pay, meaning you will be paid whatever the union scale is. Last week I introduced you to the Martha Love Association B. LLC the Public Relation Firm for WRTP and Big Step.
WRTP and Big Step are the lead training programs. All the building trades, companies and unions work with these two programs when they need individuals for construction jobs and their companies.
Martha Love Association B. LLC does educational outreach in schools, colleges, as well as recruiting young men and women for the skilled trades apprenticeship programs. Martha Love Association revealed that the trades are a viable option to college. The trades are promoted as a career option with good wages.
We ended last week’s article with Percy Dorsey of Martha Love Association showing me around so that I could get a real feel of what would be expected of me as an apprentice. Pre-registration is required. As I noted earlier, you must be 18, pass a drug screen, bring a picture ID, and bring any certificates, GED etc., resume, or any other documents relevant to training and job placement. Remember, you must have reliable transportation.
WRTP intake specialist Kyle Ashley gave me a folder with different forms to fill out. He then set a date for me to come in for orientation. Each orientation overview is approximately one and a half-hours. You must arrive on time because the doors are closed 15 minutes after your starting time. The orientation will include:
o A brief overview of the WRTP/Big Step apprenticeship programs.
o A description of all current training and qualifications by the trades sector.
oA review checklist of tasks that you--the candidate--need to complete prior to entering training and a timeline.
o A review of the WIA registration process and distribution of information sheets.
o Be prepared for a TABE (Test of Adult Basic Education)
o A question and answer period, if necessary.
At this point, Percy took me to a classroom and training area that they’re expanding. It was there I met Devery Sherman of TMC Commercial Drywall, a subcontractor working on the classroom expansion. Working with him was a young Black male named David Finner, a carpenter and journeyman who attended Bradley Technical High School. Here again we see work ready students upon graduating from high school.
Percy then took me over to the trailer where Tracy Griffith, a tutor at WRTP/Big Step. She helps students who may need extra help in reading, math, mechanicals and special attitudes. Griffith told a story about a guy who came here from Germany as an intern for the apprentice program. "Many times, they do not think they will ever get it," Griffith said. "However, the best part is when they do not believe they can do it. Then they call you and say I made it! When doing this you have to make sure that the trades are for you. If not, there are other jobs one can do to support the trades."
After saying our goodbyes to Griffith, Percy and I moved on to my classroom where I met my instructor, Julie Gehling, who has worked in the trades for 20 years and she knows her stuff. She teaches how to read blueprints, what tools to use for what jobs, trades terminology. I was in a class with 12 other individuals, five of the students were women (including myself). Women are beginning to make their mark in the trades.
Again, teaching safety is a major part of the apprenticeship program. One has to know how to safely use the tools in his box, handle scalping, elevation etc. You are taught to inspect your tools every day, as well as the foreman checking work platforms every day.
Dave Finner, who I met earlier working on the classroom expansion, came into the classroom I and the other students were in to share information and answer any questions we might have.
Dave gave us a how-to on how to become a journeyman. Those in the class could not believe he was a journeyman at 23-years-old. He shared with us that when he left Bradley Tech after graduating he was what is called "work ready."
"I graduated in June and had a job waiting," Dave said, adding that a large percentage do not make it to journeymen level. "Because I was work ready, I was taken right into the apprentice program," he said.
To become a journeyman you have to be in the apprentice program for five years (to become a plumber) or four years (to become a carpenter). Your pay increases every 780 hours. In four months, you are paid 55% of what a journeyman makes.
In six months, you are paid 60% of what a journeyman makes until you reach full benefits. Once you reach the four- or five-year period, you can go and take a state-regulated test to become a journeyman. If you pass, you get your journeyman’s card and can work anywhere. However, you must belong to a union.
Dave said having the right attitude and paying attention are the two best tools you can have. It can all but guarantee that you will be asked to stick around. At 23, Dave was an excellent teacher and he was quite articulate as well. Most of those in the class were his peers (except for you-know-who).
Julie chimed in stating you have to prove yourself. "They will not take you serious at first. But when you show you are serious, they will accept you. They will help, but ask questions, questions, questions."
Dave added, "Always show up to work, let them send you home if you are sick. It will keep showing them you are serious about the trades."
Many in the class of 12 were going into different parts of the trades: sprinklers, steamfitters, and plumbers. One of the students had a job already. Another student, Keith Tyler, is going to work as a plumber.
"As a carpenter hanging out with my boss I get to touch all phases of this job," Dave noted.
One of the students asked Dave if he had encountered racism. "I have encountered racism. I look at people as individuals. I am here to do my job, just as they are. You will face more politics than racism."
Next Week: The conclusion and the apprentice class graduation.
