Start your journey with the Laborers Training School today!
If you have been thinking about embarking on a new career, you have come to the right place. Competitive wages, invaluable skills, job growth and being a part of America's dynamic construction industry are a few of the reasons why our training school is a desirable option for our community. We hope to provide you with an overview of our training school and the apprenticeship opportunities available to you.
Apprenticeship is an "earn while you learn" style of training that combines on-the-job training with related job instruction (also known as Related Supplemental Instruction (RSI)). On-the-job training is provided by the employer that hires the apprentice. Apprenticeship is an industry-driven, high-quality career pathway where employers can develop and prepare their future workforce, and individuals can obtain paid work experience, classroom instruction, and a portable, nationally recognized credential.
According to Apprenticeship.gov there are five key components of an apprenticeship. These components differentiate apprenticeships from other types of workplace training programs in several ways:
PAID JOB
Apprenticeships are jobs
Get paid to learn throughout your apprenticeship with a guaranteed wage increase as you develop new skills.
MENTORSHIP
Gain workplace-relevant skills in the field of your choice through on-the-job learning and under the supervision of an experienced mentor.
WORK-BASED LEARNING
Gain structured on-the-job learning to prepare for a successful career.
CLASSROOM LEARNING
Most apprenticeship opportunities include classroom instruction and experience while allowing you to avoid student debt.
CREDENTIALS
Earn a portable, nationally-recognized credential within your industry.
Learn what it means to become a Laborer!
Before you can be accepted into our Apprenticeship Program, you must meet these requirements:
Being a Laborer is 'More Than A Job', it's a Career! Follow these steps and start your journey today:
At The Laborers Training School, we have three (3) programs from which you can choose to apply. There are different wages and requirements for each, but all will let you "earn while you learn" on your way to a career as a Union Laborer. You will be asked to apply to only one (1) program. To find more information about each, please click below.
If you haven't already applied, click below. You will be asked to select a 'Craft' so be sure to check above for the crafts and wages to make sure you apply to the one that best suits you.
After you apply, you will be invited to attend an unpaid Apprenticeship Entry Assessment. To be approved to join the program you must successfully complete the 5-day entry assessment which consists of: a drug test, a 3-day Candidate Physical Agility Test (CPAT), and an Oral Exit Interview.
Entry assessments are scheduled based on the need of the Local Union, which means you will be put on a waiting list, which can be a lengthy process. You must check-in regularly to keep your application on file, see below for details.
You can also be 'Sponsored' by a signatory contractor to skip this waiting list. This process requires one of our LiUNA Signatory Contractors to 'sponsor' you.
All applicants must follow the “check-in process” (below) while waiting for an invitation to attend the Apprenticeship Entry Assessment. If you do not check in, your application will be removed, and you WILL have to reapply.
You must follow the “check-in process” by contacting the Apprenticeship Office anytime during the months of:
March, June, October, and December
This will confirm your continued interest in the Apprenticeship Program and keep your application current. Failure to contact the Apprenticeship Office in each of the months listed will result in your application being deleted. It is your responsibility to check-in and maintain interest in the program.
Please call our office to check in!
Telephone: (626) 610-1700
When you get your invitation to attend the Apprenticeship Entry Assessment, you will be scheduled to come in to participate.
The Apprenticeship Entry Assessment is a 5-day process:
- Day 1: Drug Test and Enrollment Paperwork (You MUST pass the drug test to participate)
- Days 2-4: Physical Agility Test
- Day 5: Oral Exit Interview with Local Union Representatives
The entry assessment and all courses are taught in English. If English is not your primary language, we encourage that you take advantage of the waiting process and enroll in an English as a Second Language (ESL) class at your local skills center, adult education program, or community college.
We will require that you be able to fill out a basic application, show understanding of street signage, and have a working knowledge of construction tools and equipment.
If you fail any portion of the AEA, you will not be eligible to reapply for 6 months!
After your Oral Exit Interview with your Local Union Representatives, you will have officially completed our Apprenticeship Entry Assessment and you are ready to sign up for your Local and are on your way to becoming a Laborer.
Your Local Union Representatives will give you the information you need to join the Local: you will sign up, pay your initiation and will become an official member of the LiUNA family.
You are now on your path to becoming a Certified Laborer with many career pathways in the industry. Alongside your training, the most important thing you can do is stay involved with your Local Union, attend meetings and make your voice heard. Most importantly, "FEEL THE POWER!"
By applying to the Laborers Training School, you will have taken your first step to becoming a Union Laborer where you will earn while you learn, which means you will be working on the job site and taking classes in the classroom.
After you fill out your application, you will continue to "Check-in" until you receive your Apprenticeship Entry Assessment invitation.
Entry assessments are scheduled based on the need of the Local Union, which can be a lengthy process.
YOU MUST follow the “check-in process” while waiting for your invitation.
Our apprenticeship program provides the opportunity to earn a living family wage through On-The-Job Training (or O.J.T.) while learning the in-demand skills of our trade through Related Supplemental Instruction (or R.S.I.). By meeting our O.J.T. and R.S.I. requirements, you can move up the wage scale and earn MORE money!
For each period you move up, you will collect work hours of On-The-Job Training (OJT) alongside your classroom instruction. To view the requirements, see the Programs and Wages below.
For each period, you must complete your Related Supplemental Instruction (RSI) hours in the classroom covering Certification Courses, Industry Courses, Environmental Courses, Endorsement Courses and a special 8-hour VOICE class. To view the requirements for your instruction and upgrades, see the Programs and Wages below.
We create pathways to empower people to discover their true potential and live a purposeful life
