Introduction

This information on apprenticeships in the Nebraska/Southwest Iowa area could be your best tool for maintaining the advantage needed in todays job market. The Council encourages you to consider a career in the construction industry.

Construction jobs provide excellent pay, and apprentices are paid graduated percentages of journeyworker’s wages. Construction jobs also come with excellent benefits (vacation, health insurance, pension, etc.).

The first step to a career in the construction industry is to consider a trade or craft that interests you; one you could perform and enjoy for a good part of your life. The second step is to examine the specifics of that trade or craft as listed here. Finally, contact any of the apprentice coordinators listed on this site and start the application process.

What is an Apprenticeship?

An apprenticeship is a formal method of training. Unlike other training methods apprentices learn a trade or craft through a program of on-the-job training and actual classroom work. Apprenticeships last from three to six years and during this time apprentices spend 2,000 to 10,000 hours in on-the-job training. By the end of the apprenticeship an apprentice has developed skills and knowledge that are applicable throughout an entire craft of trade.

Apprenticeship programs are operated as cooperative efforts: Employers and unions working together to develop a pool of qualified journeyworkers for the future. This cooperation between management and labor involves skilled journeyworkers who handle classroom and on-the-job training aspects, and management representatives who oversee the efficient operation of the program and assist in curriculum development.