Apprenticeship Program Descriptions - Construction Teamsters

Construction Teamsters

CONSTRUCTION TEAMSTER

The Work
The Washington Construction Teamsters Apprenticeship Program is a 2100-hour on-the-job training program covering a variety of Teamster Construction Equipment, including truck and pup dump trucks, belly dumps, and booms trucks. During the apprenticeship you will work on construction sites – learning the trade from qualified journey level Teamsters. Construction Teamsters work all over the state, many times in remote areas, on road construction projects, and may be away from home for extended periods of time. The work can be seasonal, (March through November) depending on the weather. Employment is somewhat different with the Construction Teamsters than in most industries. A contractor hires only enough construction hands to complete a project. Upon completion of a job, and during layoff, the apprentice must sign the out-of-work list at the union hall.

Working Conditions
Construction Teamsters work outside in the cold, sun, rain, dirt, and snow. The work can require considerable sitting, standing, bending and reaching as well as extensive driving.

The Apprenticeship
The Washington Construction Teamsters Apprenticeship Program consists of 2,100 hours of on the job training. 144 hours of supplemental classroom instruction is also required per year. Note: You must attend six weeks of training at the Training Center in Pasco. During the initial training you learn the basics of the trade and prepare for the required tests to obtain a Commercial Driver’s License (CDL). You are not paid for the six weeks of initial training.

Apprenticeship Entry Requirements
At least 21 years old (birth certificate or reliable proof of age) Be able to read and speak the English language sufficiently to talk with the general public, understand traffic signs and signals, and make entries on reports and records. Reading and language comprehension sufficient to perform the work of the Teamsters. Must be physically able to meet the requirements of the trade. Must have a valid driver’s license (DOL report) with ability to obtain CDL (DOT physical). Applicants being accepted into the program will be required to take and pass a drug screen. (The cost of the drug screen will be paid by the JATC)