Through a combination of classroom and on-the-job training, new members

gain the skills to become a Construction Craft Laborer. LIUNA requires

all new members to participate in a comprehensive apprenticeship

program, consisting of 4,000 hours of on the job training with an

additional 432 hours of classroom training. Through this program,

men and women gain the necessary skills to building a career.

All training is provided free of charge to qualified candidates, and

apprentices are paid according to a schedule based on training and

experience. Pay raises are given after each period of 1,000 hours of

work and 144 hours of training.

1. •First period at 60% of the journeyworker rate.
   

2. •Second period at 70% of the journeyworker rate
   

3. •Third period at 80% of the journeyworker rate
   

4. •Fourth period at 90% of the journeyworker rate
   

Already Have the Skills & Experience?

The primary means of joining the Laborers International Union of North America is to participate in the Ohio Laborers Apprenticeship Program. People with construction experience may also apply for an exemption or credit for previous work hours.

The minimum qualifications for applicants are:
1. Not less than 18 years of age. Proof of age may be required.
2. Physically able to perform the work of the trade.
3. Minimum of a 12th grade education, copy of a high school transcript or GED required. Applicants must be able to read and write in the English language.
4. Must possess a valid photo identification.
5. Must submit to a drug test in compliance with current drug testing standards.
6. Must have a reliable means of transportation.

Applicants will be required to complete an application form and provide substantiating evidence or claimed qualifications.

Ready To Get the Skills? Your Future Starts Here.

What is a Construction Craft Laborer?

A Construction Craft Laborer (CCL) is part of a team, working in North

America’s largest industry - the construction industry. The skills of the

CCL are diverse, requiring classroom instruction and hands-on training.

Because of this diversity, the CCL is often the first craft on the project

and the last to leave. To be a good CCL requires physical strength,

reading and math skills, and the ability to make decisions. The CCL

needs to be able to work on his or her own and on a team to get the

job done.

As a CCL, what kinds of work will I do?

The kinds of work you will do depends on your knowledge and skill

level and the type of work needed at a job site. You may be and

repair roads, highways, bridges, and tunnels, construct residential

and commercial buildings, clean up hazardous waste sites, or

perform other kinds of work. Among the tasks you may be doing

are drilling and blasting site areas, building scaffolds, preparing and cleaning up

a job site, laying pipe underground, placing concrete, flagging and controlling traffic on highways, and removing asbestos and lead from buildings, to name just a few.

How do I learn the skills of a CCL?

You enter the trade as an “apprentice”, learning skills in the classroom and on the job. While an apprentice, you learn many of the skills by attending a minimum of 144 hours a year of classroom training. Then you practice those skills with a skilled journey worker for 4,000 hours of on-the-job training - earning a wage while learning the trade.

What can I expect on the job?

You will work with a journey worker who mentors and instructs you on the various skills of the CCL trade. You will be expected to give a fair day’s work for a fair day’s pay and be at the job every workday on time. You will be working both indoors and outdoors in all weather conditions, performing physical tasks while using your technical skills.

What are the entry requirements for the CCL Apprenticeship Program?

All CCL Apprenticeship Programs require you to be at least 18 years of age and physically able to perform the work of the trade. you may also be required to have a high school diploma or GED equivalent because the classroom and on-the-job portion of the CCL Apprenticeship Program requires a certain degree of reading and math skills and science and physics knowledge.

Many programs require a valid driver’s license. Check with your local Joint Apprenticeship and Training Committee (JATC) representative for the minimum qualifications in your area.

Can I earn college credit?

Yes. The CCL Apprenticeship Program established a reciprocity agreement with the National Labor College of the George Meany Center leading toward an associate’s or bachelor’s degree. In addition, completion of the CCL Apprenticeship Program entitles a graduate to one to two years of college credits. These credits may be transferrable to a two or four year college in your area.

How much money can I expect to make?

Starting wages for journey workers can range from $10 to $25 an hour plus benefits, depending on the area in which you work. While you are learning the trade, you will earn a percentage of the journey worker wage and receive regular increases as you learn the skills of the CCL.

What are the benefits of becoming a LIUNA CCL apprentice?

Becoming a union CCL apprenticeship can be one of the most important decisions of your life; especially  in your working career. Joining LIUNA - the Laborers’ International Union of North America - will enable you to earn a good wage and receive the following benefits:

1. *Medical Insurance
   

2. *Job Training
   

3. *Lifelong Earning
   

4. *Retirement Pension Plan
   

Many LIUNA members also enjoy benefits under their local Member Assistance Program, which offers financial and legal assistance, reduced rates for mortgage loans and credit cards, personal and family counselors, and other benefits.