Pursuing A Career in the Building Trades Presented by the Hudson County Building Trades

A ‘Career’ in the building trades can be an exciting and rewarding one.

What is a Construction Job ? Nature of the Work Working Conditions Construction involves installation and repair of a wide variety of systems and equipment. The majority of work is in the housing and commercial segment of building construction. From layout (or even design) preparation to final installation of materials, fixtures and equipment. In construction, you practice daily all the mental and physical skills acquired during the apprenticeship period. Construction is hard physical work, and is performed throughout the year, in all kinds of weather, inside and outside. Ditch work, elevated work, under buildings, high up in “skeletal” frames of building, etc., are but a few of the locations. Repair and remodel work is generally more protected and inside, but can be hot, dirty, and close. Potential hazards require constant “good” safety attitude and practice.

You get the opportunity to work on both residential and commercial properties: - Low-rise and high-rise buildings - New construction and rehabilitation

Current Projects Underway in Jersey City

AFTER 5-7 YEARS Your annual salary and benefit package will grow to over $100,000 a year plus in most trades. That figure does not include OVERTIME.

With all of the construction going on in Jersey City and Hudson County, NOW is a great time to consider becoming a member of Building Trade Union. REMEMBER, becoming a Union Tradesman or woman takes a LONG TERM commitment. You must be reliable, dependable and willing to work hard everyday.

Building Trade Criteria Varies from Trade to Trade TO OBTAIN ACCEPTANCE - The following criteria is followed: Provide a copy of your birth certificate, Social Security card and valid Driver’s License Provide a copy of your High School Diploma or Equivalency (GED) along with a copy of your transcripts Applications must be picked up and completed For Most Trades you must take an aptitude test – some trades require you to pay a fee when application is picked up Interviews are in generally in numerical order of final scores where tests are required- some Math only-some Reading and Math AFTER ACCEPTANCE Drug test must be taken and fee paid by applicant You must bring a PHOTO ID with you on the date of drug test

STEP ONE-Mechanical Trades Registering to take the exam. In order to qualify as an ‘APPRENTICE’ in Mechanical Trades, you must sign up for and pass a test that will measure your reading and math level. Some trades like Laborers and Painters no test is required. Under this program, you will take a pre-test and receive classroom assistance in preparing to take the exam.

STEP TWO Taking an Interview. Those applicants who have their application approved and/or successfully pass the test will then be interviewed by the Union. Under this program, you will receive assistance in how to dress for and prepare yourself for an interview. This training will involve overall life skills training you can use throughout your career.

STEP THREE Passing a Drug Test. Those who pass the interview process will then be given a drug test. IF YOU FAIL THE DRUG TEST YOU WILL HAVE TO START THE PROCESS ALL OVER!!!

THE WIA and OSY PROGRAM OFFERS: Individuals who take part in the program may be eligible for opportunities in other union trades like laborer’s, electrician’s, carpenter’s union if they opt not to pursue a career as a plumber Another opportunity for some program participants is employment as a pre-apprentice. Pre-apprentices can get paid ‘hands on’ work experience to decide whether they want to commit to a career as a union tradesman. Pre-apprentices get paid $15.00 an hour or more.

STEP FOUR Joining the Union as an Apprentice. Once you complete the process you will be offered membership as a Union Apprentice, earning a starting wage (Including benefits) of over $20 an hour. Each year your salary and benefits increase. The chart below shows years 2-5 for a Plumber’s Apprentice. You fringe package includes medical benefits (health, dental and vision), pension plan, education and training benefits.

During your Apprentice STEP FOUR - continued During your Apprentice During your apprenticeship you will begin taking classes so you can move up to become a Journeyman. After your years as an apprentice you may become eligible to take the exam to become a journeyman. A journeyman makes $45 an hour or more plus a benefit package worth an additional $30+ an hour = $75-100 an hour.

National Standard Plumbing Code Example of Apprenticeship Curriculum Plumbers Local 24 Five Year Curriculum OSHA Job Safety and Health Use and Care of Tools Pipe Trades and Math Soldering and Brazing Drainage Water Supply Fixtures National Standard Plumbing Code Advanced Plan Reading Drawing Interpretation Rigging Gas Installations Backflow Prevention Basic Electricity Green Technology Foreman Training Welding

Labs – A part of the 5 Year Apprenticeship << Welding Lab << Soldering & Brazing Lab << Computer Lab Backflow Testing & Repair Lab >>

ATTENDANCE POLICY APPRENTICE CLASSES (partial listing) Classes begin promptly at 7AM after 7AM you are late Any absences must be made up 3 absences require your repeating the school year Excessive absenteeism or tardiness will be cause for dismissal from the program You will be required to participate in a minimum of 30 hours of union activities outside the classroom Cell phones and electronic devises are prohibited in the classroom Classroom and workshop must be cleaned every day Classes are ONE DAY a week every two weeks and applicants are not paid for this training.

A LONG TERM COMMITMENT THAT PAYS GREAT DIVIDENDS! Overtime work is paid at 150% of regular hourly rate for a journeyman. Sunday and Holiday hours are paid at 200% of regular hourly rate. The benefits offered include a pension fund and other economic benefits that can help you with things like buying a nice home!

Some Union Plumbers eventually start their own business as a Union Plumber Contractor. As a contractor, you can own and run you own business.

TO MAKE A LONG TERM COMMITMENT TO START A CAREER IN THE TRADES? ARE YOU READY TO MAKE A LONG TERM COMMITMENT TO START A CAREER IN THE TRADES?