Apprentice Applications will be accepted first Monday of the month between 8:00 AM and 12 Noon EST.
Building Trades Apprenticeship Coordinators / Directors Association of Kentucky, Inc.
What is the BTAC?
It is an organization of union building trade apprenticeship program directors. Our purpose is to educate the community about the value of apprenticeship and the benefits of a career in the building trades industry.
Apprenticeship is the gateway to many career opportunities which offer virtually unlimited advancement. The domestic and international job markets encompass many projects such as construction of hydroelectric dams, high-rise buildings, schools, hospitals, commercial facilities and interstate highways.
Rewarding careers in the union building trades industries are complimented by competitive wages, medical and life insurance benefits, secure local and national retirement programs and specialized quality training. These benefits are made possible by the joint efforts of labor and management in each trade.
Building Trades Joint Apprenticeship and Training programs are described in the following career directory. Rewards and benefits of these careers are largely unmatched in today’s job market.
What are the benefits?
Apprenticeship in the building trades is the doorway to opportunity. Apprentices learn skills which can be used throughout their careers. Today’s ambitious apprentices will become the supervisors, contractors, estimators and superintendents of tomorrow. They will be instrumental in guiding co-workers and other apprentices to improve their trade skills.
Additional benefits of joint labor/management Apprenticeship Programs are:
- Excellent wage rates with guaranteed scheduled increases
- Paid health insurance
- State of the art training facilities
- Safe working conditions
- Guaranteed pension benefits
- College Credits
All programs are registered with the U. S. Department of Labor, Bureau of Apprenticeship and Training and/or the Kentucky Labor Cabinet.
APPRENTICESHIP: OPPORTUNITY IS KNOCKING
What is an Apprentice?
An apprentice is a worker who learns a skilled trade through planned, supervised on-the-job training and related classroom instruction. An apprentice is a regular part of the work force and earns wages while acquiring important skills. The length of an apprenticeship program ranges from three to five years. At the completion of the program, an apprentice becomes a journeyperson, fully qualified to perform the work of the trade and earns full pay for their skill.
How do I Prepare for Apprenticeship?
For those interested in becoming a skilled journeyperson, the importance of a well-rounded high school education cannot be over emphasized. A strong background in math and science is important. Good attendance is a necessity.
Today’s competitive industry demands employees who can perform technical tasks, exercise good judgment and possess strong work ethics.
How do I Get Selected?
The selection of apprentices is conducted by the Joint Apprenticeship and Training Committee (JATC) of each trade. These committees are staffed by member representatives of both management and labor organizations. Each JATC seeks men and women who demonstrate the best character, aptitude, motivation and personality traits necessary for success in their trade. Apprentice candidates are considered under the Equal Employment Opportunity guidelines. They are required to participate in standardized testing and are personally interviewed by the JATC. It is their goal to select candidates who demonstrate reliability and sincere desire.
What About Training?
To be certain apprentices get proper training, both federal and state agencies establish rules which supervise the progress of the apprentice. Each apprenticeship program must adhere to regulations and standards which are registered with the Kentucky Labor Cabinet. The U. S. Department of Labor, Bureau of Apprenticeship and Training assists in the formulation of, and administration of these standards.
Apprenticeship in construction has been described as “the doorway to opportunity.” Apprentices, at very little or no cost to themselves, learn skills they can use the rest of their lives. Training gained through apprenticeship has enabled many workers to advance to better jobs.
What is an Iron Worker?
Iron workers are skilled workers who erect, assemble or install fabricated structural metal products, usually large metal beams. These beams are used in the erection of industrial, commercial or large residential buildings. Iron workers also erect the steel framework on bridges, storage tanks and overhead crane runways that support heavy equipment. They also erect pre-cast concrete, ornamental iron work such as stairways, catwalks, gratings, grills, screens, siding and metal windows. Iron workers who do rigging work move heavy machinery, pressure vessels, storage tanks and materials.
Most of the work is done outdoors. An iron worker cannot have a fear of heights. They must be keenly aware of the dangers to themselves and others.
How do I Qualify?
At least 18 years of age
In good physical condition
Possess a high school diploma or GED
Pass a drug test
What are the program specifics?
Length of program – 4 years
1 year probationary period
A minimum of 144 hours of classroom related instructions each year
Starting pay – 60% journeyman wage
Health insurance, pension plan and annuity
