How to Join

Apprenticeship Minimum Entry Requirements

To become an apprentice, you must meet all of the following requirements:

• Be at least eighteen (18) years old (or 17 with parent/guardian approval),
• For certain trades and in certain states, have a high school diploma or GED,
• Be able to perform the work of the trade,
• Have your own transportation or a reliable way to get to job sites and apprenticeship classes.

You do not need prior experience working on a job site or with hand tools or machinery.

Applying for an Apprenticeship

You may receive an application for the craft apprenticeship program in which you are interested at any training center. To apply, complete and return the application with all required documents. You will be placed on the eligible applicant list and receive a copy of the program’s rules and regulations. Once you are selected for apprenticeship, sign an Apprenticeship Agreement and apply for membership in a union local.

Documents to bring to the training center

You’ll need to provide all of the following:

• A valid government-issued photo ID (for example, a driver’s license or passport)
• Your Social Security card or, if you don’t have one, a Permanent Resident Card or Alien Registration Receipt Card
• A copy of your high school diploma or GED, if required by your trade and/or State. (Contact your training center for details.)

Prior-Experience Documents

If you have work or school experience in the trade that is related to the apprenticeship program for which you are applying, you must provide proof of your experience—a letter from a previous contractor or school transcripts, as applicable.

If You are A Military Veteran

If you are a military veteran and would like your service to be considered as part of your application, you must submit a DD Form 214 (“Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty”) or similar documentation that verifies your military training and/or experience.

Contact your local Union

Contact a union local before you visit a training center. The local can tell you about job availability for the trade in which you’re interested and about contractors that may need an apprentice.