Questions & Answers
1. Who can be a carpenter or floor mechanic?
Any man or woman that can meet the minimum entrance requirements. Women and Minorities are strongly encouraged to apply.

2. What does it mean to be an apprentice?
An apprentice is someone who is learning a trade by working under the guidance of an experienced and skilled worker known as a journeyman. As an apprentice you are earning a wage while you are learning a trade.

3. How long does an apprenticeship last?
The Apprenticeship Program consists of completing 640 classroom-training hours and 5200 on-the-job training hours over a four (4) year period. These hours are required by the U.S. Department of Labor and are governed by the Bureau of Apprenticeship and Training. After an apprentice has been accepted into the program and begins working for a union contractor, his/her classroom hours will begin. The apprentice attends class for a one (1) week period (40 hours) approximately every three (3) months for a four (4) year duration. During the training week, the apprentice receives unemployment benefits for that week (if qualify). After the training week is completed, the apprentice returns to work for his/her contractor. This process will repeat itself sixteen (16) times during the four (4) year period, at which time final tests are taken to achieve Journeyman status.

4. What programs of study are taught at the training center?
The Quad Cities campus offers two (2) programs of study in an apprenticeship format. The two (2) programs of study are: a. General Carpentry (commercial and residential) b. Floor Covering Mechanic (commercial and residential)

5. How are apprentices paid?
Pay scales are on a percentage basis and depend on a journeyman’s rate for that particular year. In other words, apprentices earn a percentage of journeyman scale depending on their apprentice classification (which is given in years). Those percentages are:

1st Year= 55%
2nd Year = 65%
3rd Year= 75%
4th Year= 85%

6. Can I pick up the application in advance of testing?
Yes, the application may be picked up at the training center Monday-Friday 7:00am-3:30pm excluding holidays.

7. Is there an application fee for applying for the apprenticeship program?
No, there are no application fees to pay when applying for an Apprenticeship program.

8. What type of special training will I receive as an apprentice?
Apprentices receive special training which includes: Scaffold Erection, First Aid/CPR/AED/Blood Borne Pathogens, Welding, OSHA 10, Powder Actuated Tools, Aerial Lift, Ergonomics, Communication, Organization and Leadership Skills.