Apprenticeship is “earn-while-you-learn” employment with on-the-job training and classroom instruction. The goal of apprenticeship is to give individuals an opportunity to gain employable lifetime skills and provide employers (contractors) with a highly skilled and experienced workforce while strengthening our State’s economy.

The apprenticeship program will allow students to work while they train. There are specific program requirements that apprentices must follow in order to successfully complete the program and become certified journeymen/women with the State of California.

The requirements include, but are not limited to the following:

*Complete a VOICE Orientation class. This class explains the program’s requirements, school policies and local union policies and expectations.

*Comply with the program’s on-the-job training (OJT)

*Comply with the program’s related supplemental instruction (RSI), also known as class instruction. An apprenticeship coordinator is assigned to each apprentice and schedules apprentices for the required RSI. For all apprenticeship programs, apprentices are scheduled for RSI when they have completed a specific amount of OJT hours.

*Submit monthly work processes or work record book (on the 10th of every month)

*Maintain good communication with apprenticeship coordinator, local union and employers.

The apprenticeship program coordinates with 8 local unions. Apprentices will join a local union in their area. The program provides the training/RSI and the local union provides the work/OJT by dispatching apprentices to jobs. Apprentices are paid prevailing wages as they work.

Once apprentices complete the required OJT and RSI, they are eligible to graduate from the program. The Division of Apprenticeship Standard will issue a State Journeyman certificate to all graduates of the program.

On average, it takes most apprentices 18 months to 2 years to complete the program requirements. It depends on how students progress through the program’s OJT and RSI requirements.

There are three programs offered. Applicants may choose to apply to our Construction Craft Laborer Program, Laborers Landscape & Irrigation Fitter Program or the Laborers Cement Mason Program.

Each program has a similar structure, however the required courses, the pay scales and the required apprenticeship hours are different for each program. Please feel free to visit our 'Crafts' section to view each programs requirements.

Anyone who is at least 18 years of age and physically able to work in the construction industry can apply today. You can apply online, see our 'Applicant' section for more information

To apply without a computer, you may call our office to request an application to be mailed to you: (626) 610-1700 or (877) 445-2094
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The Laborers Training School provides equal opportunities to all applicants for apprenticeship without regard to race, color, religion, gender, national origin, disability, marital status, amnesty, or status as a covered veteran in accordance with applicable federal, state and local laws.

There is no cost for the apprenticeship program.

Yes, there is a waiting process. Applications are handled on a first come, first served basis. It all depends on the Local Union’s needs for additional members. Find out more information on our 'Applicants' page or contact us at (626) 610-1700.

No, a high school diploma or GED is not required to apply. The only requirements to apply are that applicants be at least 18 years of age or older and be physically able to work in the construction industry.
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*Some courses offered at the school require a High School Diploma/GED for apprentices. Once applicants have been approved to join an apprenticeship program, they will be advised which courses have prerequisites.

For a step-by-step walkthrough, please see our 'Applicants' page!

Applicants must wait to be invited to a Mandatory Orientation. The Mandatory Orientation consists of a drug test, a physical agility test and an oral interview. The Mandatory Orientation must be successfully completed in order to begin the apprenticeship program and join a local union.

Mandatory Orientations are scheduled based on the local union’s need for additional members. Our office cannot inform applicants when they will be invited to a Mandatory Orientation. Mandatory Orientations can only be attended by invitation.

While applicants wait to be invited to the Mandatory Orientation, they must “check-in” by contacting our office in the months of March, June, October and December to confirm their continued interest in the program.

If applicants do not “check-in” on these months their application will be deleted from our system. “Checking-in” can be done by calling the office: (626) 610-1700, in person or by email: apply@laborersjac.com.

Applicants that successfully complete a Mandatory Orientation will join one of our 8 Local Unions. The Local Union will either dispatch the applicant to work if work is available or place the applicant on the out-of-work list.

Questions regarding work dispatching procedures, union initiation costs and payments must be made directly to the Local Union.
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After an applicant is dispatched to work for the first time, they are registered or “indentured” with the Division of Apprenticeship Standards.

An Apprenticeship Coordinator will schedule the new apprentice for a VOICE class. The VOICE class explains the program’s requirements, school policies and local union policies and expectations.

The School is typically open Monday through Saturday. Classes are taught Monday through Friday and on Saturdays. Classes begin at 6:30am and end at 3:00pm.

**Office hours may vary due to COVID19 Pandemic Monday through Friday, 8:00am to 4:00pm. The office is closed on weekends.

Work Process or work record books are distributed at VOICE class along with their apprenticeship wallet. Apprentices can call the office and have a work process mailed to their home address.

For questions regarding vacation checks, medical or dental insurance benefits, please contact Pacific Southwest Administrators (PSWA) office in Covina, CA. Phone: 626-279-3000.