Earn and Learn
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Become an Apprentice
- Apprenticeship can be seen as an opportunity multiplier.
- Allows one to gain a transferable industry recognized credential (journey workers card), without having the cost that a college degree comes with.
- You don’t have to wait until high school graduation to start working in your desired field, if you know what you really want to do.
- Apprentices are paid during their on-the-job training and classroom hours.
- Apprenticeships are not just for the skilled trades! UPMW has apprenticeships in healthcare, education, and technology.
- Competency-based programs rather than time-based allow apprentices who are excelling to finish sooner than their time-based counterparts.
- Every apprentice is paired with both a UPMW case manager and a journey worker / supervisor on the job ensuring that they have as much support as they need to succeed.
- We offer an array of supportive services to apprentices who may need help with gas money, work attire, or tools.
- Job seekers can visit any UPMW office and ask to talk to a case manager about apprenticeships and any other services we may be able to offer.
- They can also email apprentice@upmichiganworks.org
- With apprenticeships you get paid to learn, rather than paying to learn.
- Apprenticeships tend to be more hands on than typical training or education paths.
- Can start working towards desired career pathway while in high school
- Many people associate the word apprenticeship with skilled trades or unions. The truth is that there are more that 950 occupations that the Department of Labor recognizes as being apprenticeable.
- Some industries that you may not realize are apprenticeable:
- Accommodation and Food
- Services
- Agriculture
- Educational Services
- Finance
- Health Care
- Information Technologies
- Management
Upper Peninsula Apprenticeship Unions
IBEW Local 906
Internal Electricians install and maintain all the various types of electrical systems found in commercial and industrial facilities. Equipment used may include lighting, receptacles, motors, heating equipment, and systems that control the operation of all of a facility’s energy usage.
Program length is 5,200 work hours and 640 instruction hours.
IBEW Local 906
Apply any time! Pick up an application at the training center or request one by mail. Reach out to (906) 346-2717 or 906jatcoffice@gmail.com.
- High School Diploma or GED
- Valid Drivers License
- Drug Test
- 18+ Years Old
- 1 Year of High School Algebra or Equivalent
- Upper Peninsula Resident
- Testing and Exam
U.P. Plumbers &
Pipefitters 111
Pipefitters handle the installation of piping systems that carry hot water, steam, air, or other liquids or gases needed for industrial production, or other uses. Pipefitters lay out, fabricate and assemble pipes from drawings, blueprints and specifications. Plumbers measure, cut, thread, bend, install and test pipes and pipefittings. The work is completed according to blueprints, specifications and working drawings.
Program length is 5 years.
U.P. Plumbers &
& Pipefitters
Apply during open enrollment dates. Start the process by calling your local U.P. Michigan Works! office.
- High School Diploma or GED
- Reliable Transportation
- Valid Drivers License
- Drug Test
- 18+ Years Old
- Subject to Background Check
- WorkKeys Scores: Graphic Literacy, Workplace Documents, Applied Math ($13/test)
Bricklayers & Allied Craftworkers Local 2
Bricklayers construct walls, partitions, fireplaces, chimneys, and other structures from brick. They use other masonry materials such as concrete, cinder, or gypsum block, pre-cast panels made of brick, cement, tile, stone, marble, structural tile, or terra cotta. They also install the brick linings of individual kilns and furnaces. They understand and work from blueprints. They also use measuring, leveling and aligning tools to check their work.
Program length is 3-4 years.
Bricklayers & Allied Craftworkers Local 2
Apply any time! Visit www.michiganbricklayers.org.
- High School Diploma or GED
- Reliable Transportation
- Valid Drivers License
- Drug Test
- 17+ Years Old
- Panel Interview
- WorkKeys Scores: Reading Level 4, Applied Math Level 5, Locating Information Level 4
Boilermakers Local 169
A boilermaker constructs, assembles, maintains, and repairs stationary steam boilers and boiler auxiliaries. They align structures or plate sections to assemble boiler frame tanks or vats.
Program length is approximately 4 years.
Boilermakers Local 169
Looking to apply? Call (313) 584-8520 or follow the link below.
- High School Diploma or GED
- Reliable Transportation
- 18+ Years Old
- Valid Driver's License
- Drug Test
Painters & Allied Trades Local 1011
Local 1011 is the paint local in the U.P. Centered around the Escananba area, Local 1011 covers 15 counties. Local 1011 holds its monthly meeting the second Monday of each month at the Gladstone, Michigan, Painters Training Center, 707 Clark Drive, Gladstone, Michigan at 5:30 pm(Eastern time).
Length of program is 2-4 years.
Painters & Allied Trades Local 1011
Apply online any time!
- High School Diploma or GED
- Reliable Transportation
- Valid Driver's License
- Drug Test
- 18+ Years Old
- WorkKeys Scores: Accuplacer
Ironworkers Local 8
Ironworkers Local 8 is a union representing skilled ironworkers across the east coast of Wisconsin (three territories) and parts of Upper Michigan. Established in 1896, we specialize in constructing and maintaining the structural framework for high-rise buildings, bridges, and industrial facilities. Our members are equipped with advanced training in safety and construction techniques, guaranteeing excellence in every project.
Program length is 3-4 years.
Ironworkers Local 8
- High School Diploma or GED
- Reliable Transportation
- Valid Drivers License
- 18+ Years Old
- Drug Test
Sheetmetal Workers Local 7
Sheet Metal Workers are unique due to the fact that they do a great deal of shop fabrication compared to the other construction trades. The products to be installed begin from a flat sheet of metal. The sheet metal worker develops the patterns from shop drawings; after the components are fabricated, they are delivered to the job site for installation.
Program length is approximately 4 years.
Sheetmetal Workers Local 7
Apply online at any time!
- High School Diploma or GED
- Reliable Transportation
- Valid Driver's License
- Drug Test
- 18+ Years Old
Operating Engineers Local 324
Operation and maintenance of hoisting and portable construction equipment, including but not limited to: Bulldozers, Excavators, Scrapers, Loaders, and Cranes. Perform excavations, excavate for pipeline work, erect steel on large buildings and bridges, perform diggings, and unload heavy material. Grease, fuel, and attend to maintenance of machines.
Program length is 6,000 hours or approximately 3 years.
Operating Engineers Local 324
Apply during open enrollment dates. Start the process by calling your local U.P. Michigan Works! office.
- High School Diploma or GED
- Reliable Transportation
- Valid Drivers License
- Drug Test
- 17+ Years Old
- $35 Non-refundable fee
- WorkKeys Scores: Applied Math Level 4, Locating Information Level 4, Workplace Docs Level 4
Carpenters & Millwrights Local 1510
Union millwrights work with precision machinery, installing and maintaining everything from conveyor systems to turbines and generators. Carpenters work with tools and material to build and improve our homes and communities. They build houses, erect skyscrapers, and construct roads and bridges.
Program length is 5,200 work hours and 640 instruction hours.
Carpenters & Millwrights Local 1510
Request an application to apply.
Click here to make your request.
- High School Diploma or GED
- Reliable Transportation
- Valid Drivers License
- Drug Test
- 18+ Years Old
- WorkKeys Scores: Applied Math Level 4, Graphic Literacy Level 4, Workplace Documents Level 4
Laborers Local 1329
The local union handles industrial building, commercial building, heavy highway, asbestos and pipeline work. LIUNA Local 1329 jurisdiction covers Michigan’s Upper Peninsula, as well as Florence and Marinette Counties in Wisconsin.
Program length is 4,000 work hours and 300 learning hours.
Laborers Local 1329
Apply online at any time!
- High School Diploma or GED
- Reliable Transportation
- Valid Drivers License
- Subject to Drug Test
- 18+ Years Old
Helmets to Hardhats
Helmets to Hardhats’ (H2H) mission is to help transition our military heroes into successful civilian careers in the building trades.
Get access to resources and job search online.
