Local 144 Apprenticeship Program

The Union Apprenticeship Program is an opportunity for men and women to acquire skills related to a particular craft -- and to earn while they learn. Providing classroom instruction and whenever possible on-the-job training , a union apprenticeship prepares members for careers in the union construction industry.

Our programs are registered through The Department of Labor with The Bureau of Apprenticeship and Training. Each new apprentice is registered with the DOL and upon graduation is entered into the roles of The National Apprenticeship Program. Each graduate receives a Certificate of Completion from the Department of Labor and from the United Brotherhood of Carpenters and Joiners of America.

Testing and Application for the apprenticeship program is held on selected Tuesday mornings at 8 AM. The test usually takes two or more hours, it is a multiple choice test based on knowledge of the crafts of Carpentery or Millwrighting. Placement in the program depends on test scores. Placement begins at Step 1 or a higher level depending on test results. There are eight steps of advancement from Step 1 Apprentice to Journeyman. By attending classes the apprentice advances from one step to another in 6 month increments until reaching Journeyman level. The whole process from Step 1 Apprentice to Journeyman takes four years. If the member starts at a higher level it will take less time for example Step 2 is 3 1/2 years, Step 3 is 3 years, Step 4 is 2 & 1/2 years and so on.