Demand for apprentices growing in Western Pa.
PITTSBURGH – The Laborers District Council of Western Pennsylvania and its affiliated locals, which cover 33 counties in the western half of the state, are aggressively recruiting new apprentices for training classes at the Joint Apprenticeship Training Center in Saxonburg.
The LDC said in a news release Monday the need for apprentices has been heightened as commercial construction continues to ramp up in the Pittsburgh region, creating excellent employment opportunities in the construction trades generally, and specifically the Laborers Union.
All training is jointly paid for by the Laborers Council and the general and specialty contractors who employ Laborers tradesmen and women.
“This represents a tremendous opportunity for a variety of people – those just entering the workforce, stuck in a stagnant job situation or looking for a career change.” Phil Ameris, Laborers District Council of Western Pennsylvania president. “We offer a fulfilling long-term career that pays better than average wages plus health, welfare and pension benefits.
“In addition to the free training, all apprentices are paid and earn benefits, it’s truly a unique way to learn and earn family-sustaining wages and benefits.”
No construction experience is necessary. To be considered for the Laborers Council JATC program applicants must possess a valid drivers’ license, have access to reliable personal transportation, possess a high school diploma or GED, be 18 years old and pass a drug test.
To file an application or for more information, visit www.laborpa.org or call 800-442-8868.
The Laborers’ District Council of Western Pennsylvania represents more than 8,500 active tradesmen and women across 33 counties in Western Pennsylvania. Laborers help build and repair roads, highways, bridges and tunnels, construct residential and commercial buildings, clean up hazardous waste sites and perform many other scopes of critical construction.
The Laborers Apprenticeship Training Program is three years, encompassing 300 hours of classroom training and 4,000 hours of on-the-job-training. Apprentices are paid while on the job, with annual wage increases and on-going benefits.