Just like colleges, many unions have deadlines to apply for their apprenticeship programs, so plan ahead! Use this chart to see the best month to apply for a Philadelphia union building trades apprenticeship. Remember, an apprenticeship is a full-time job from day one. Most trades apprenticeships take 4-5 years and you receive raises until you are fully trained as a journey worker making $60,000 – $90,000 per year plus benefits!
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- Contact information and website
- When to pick up and deliver applications
- Minimum qualifications
- Application or testing fees
- Information especially for women (maternity leave, women’s committees)
| Trade | Best Month to Apply |
| Boilermaker | Any |
| Bricklayer | Any |
| Carpenters (also includes floorlayers, millwrights, cabinet makers) | Any |
| Cement Mason | February – March |
| Commercial Painting | Any |
| Drywall Finishing | Any |
| Electrician (Electrical Wireman) | April |
| Electrician (Electrical Wireman) IBEW NORTH | Any |
| Electrician (Sound & Telecommunications) | Any |
| Elevator Constructors | TBD |
| Glazier | Any |
| HVAC & R Tech (Mechanical Equipment Service) | October and April |
| Industrial/Bridge Painting | Any |
| Insulators | Any |
| Iron Worker – Reinforcing | October |
| Iron Worker – Structural | March |
| Laborers District Council | Varies |
| Operating Engineer | October |
| Plasterer | February – March |
| Plumber | January |
| Roofer | Any |
| Sheet Metal Worker | Any |
| Sprinkler Fitter | TBD |
| Steamfitter/Pipefitting & Welding | October and April |
| Wall Covering | Any |
Learn more about each trade – choose your top three: https://www.apprentice.org/
Find more contact information and apprenticeship application details in this Philadelphia Apprenticeship Guide.
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