Applicants

APPRENTICESHIP BROCHURE

APPRENTICESHIP APPLICATION

At ABC NorCal, we believe in building people through the merit shop philosophy: projects and personal advancement should be awarded based on performance, skill, and achievement. As a respected national association, we’ve been setting the standard for safety, quality, and integrity in the construction industry since 1950 — and we’re not about to stop now.

Our flexible, affordable craft and safety training leads to industry-recognized, national credentials for today’s leading construction positions. Together, we help individuals train, transform, and triumph as they pursue meaningful careers advancing their potential and building strong communities.

Enrollment for the ABC NorCal Apprenticeship Program is open and ongoing. Our Unilateral Apprenticeship Committee (UAC) is accepting application for all five trades: carpentry, construction craft laborer, electrical, painting and plumbing. Regardless of trade, the application process is the same. Once your application has been approved, you will be notified by email with the next steps.

Click on your trade of interest below for information and application

CARPENTRY

What does a Carpenter do?

  • Carpenters are involved in many types of construction such as residential, commercial and industrial and work in diverse settings.
  • Carpenters cut, shape, fit and assemble building materials using the latest power tools.
  • Carpenters work with a variety of materials including wood, metal, concrete and plastics.

 

Quick Quiz: Is carpentry the trade for you?

If you answer yes to the following, then this trade may be a good fit for you.

  1. Do you enjoy working with your hands and seeing the “fruits of your labor?”
  2. Are you methodical in your approach to a project or task?
  3. Are you precise when measuring something?
  4. Are you able to make quick calculations and decisions in your head?
  5. Do you like and can you perform physical work that requires lifting and climbing?

 

Program Details

 

Minimum Qualifications

  • 17 years or older
  • High school diploma, GED or Equivalency

 

Application Process
The application process may include the following:

  • Written exam
  • Interview
  • Orientation
  • Drug screening

CONSTRUCTION CRAFT LABORER

What does a Construction Craft Laborer do?

  • Construction craft laborers are the jacks-of-all-trades who work on almost all jobsites.
  • They perform an array of tasks varying from simple to extremely difficult and hazardous.
  • Laborers’ responsibilities include mixing, handling and placing concrete materials; operating machinery and devices as needed;
    preparing construction sites to eliminate possible hazards; and signaling traffic and machinery operators.

 

Quick Quiz: Is construction craft laborer the trade for you?

If you answer yes to the following, then this trade may be a good fit for you.

  1. Are you a DIY-er by nature?
  2. Do you love to work outside?
  3. Does the idea of doing different work everyday appeal to you?
  4. Do you learn new skills quickly and have great attention to detail?
  5. Do you like and can you perform work that requires lifting and carrying heavy loads?

 

Program Details

 

Minimum Qualifications

  • 17 years or older

 

Application Process
The application process may include the following:

  • Written exam
  • Interview
  • Orientation
  • Drug screening

ELECTRICAL

What does an Electrician do?

  • Electricians install, connect, test and maintain electrical systems for residential, commercial, industrial and technical use.
  • This craft is highly technical, requiring knowledge of the National Electrical Code (NEC), state and local building codes and the
    accurate use of blueprints to locate outlets and other equipment.
  • In California, certified electricians must be licensed and pass the State Electrician Certification Exam.
  • There are many opportunities to specialize including audio/visual, telecommunications and data, emergency backup, solar, wind
    and fire alarms (to name just a few).

 

Quick Quiz: Is electrical the trade for you?

If you answer yes to the following, then this trade may be a good fit for you.

  1. Do you consider yourself a technical person?
  2. Do you pay close attention to detail and process when completing a project?
  3. Do you have excellent eye/hand coordination?
  4. Can you easily visualize something based on plans or a diagram?
  5. Are you good at doing quick and complex math in your head?

 

Program Details

 

Minimum Qualifications

  • 17 years or older
  • High school diploma, GED or Equivalency

 

Application Process
The application process may include the following:

  • Written exam
  • Interview
  • Orientation
  • Drug screening

PAINTING

What does an Painter do?

  • Painters apply paint, stain, varnish and other finishes to the interior of a roughed-out surface.
  • The process often involves choosing appropriate applicators, mixing paints, matching colors and using mechanical and chemical
    processes to prepare surfaces.
  • In an industrial setting, painters prepare and paint factories, bridges, girders, guardrails, sheds, storage tanks and more.

 

Quick Quiz: Is painting the trade for you?

If you answer yes to the following, then this trade may be a good fit for you.

  1. Do people say you are a visual or creative person?
  2. Are you meticulous in your personal and professional life?
  3. Do you like the idea of being your own boss and starting a business?
  4. Are you good at diagnosing problems?
  5. Do you like and can you perform physical work that requires standing, climbing and bending?

 

Program Details

 

Minimum Qualifications

  • 17 years or older
  • High school diploma, GED or Equivalency

 

Application Process
The application process may include the following:

  • Written exam
  • Interview
  • Orientation
  • Drug screening

PLUMBING

What does a Plumber do?

  • Plumbers are needed on just about every type of construction project.
  • During the initial stages of a project, plumbers install and repair drainage, water and gas systems.
  • Later they return to install and connect appliances and fixtures such as showers, toilets and water heaters.
  • Plumbers work with a variety of piping material including copper, plastic, cast iron and steel and often need to cut or bend pipe to
    desired lengths.

 

Quick Quiz: Is plumbing the trade for you?

If you answer yes to the following, then this trade may be a good fit for you.

  1. Are you able to do quick math in your head?
  2. Does the idea of doing something different every day appeal to you?
  3. Are you good at learning technical material and absorbing codes and regulations?
  4. Do you like working inside AND outside?
  5. Do you enjoy hands-on work and using power tools?

 

Program Details

 

Minimum Qualifications

  • 17 years or older
  • High school diploma, GED or Equivalency

 

Application Process
The application process may include the following:

  • Written exam
  • Interview
  • Orientation
  • Drug screening

*** Must be graduates of Livermore Valley Joint Unified School District High School (Del Valle/Phoenix, Granada, Livermore, Vineyard)

The Pedrozzi Foundation provides college and vocational scholarships and resources to Livermore students. We believe that all students deserve the chance to pursue their educational and career goals and that the lack of finances of information should not be a barrier. Every day we create an impact by helping our students achieve their dreams. For more information visit Pedrozzi Foundation at https://pedrozzifoundation.org

VETERAN BENEFIT

ABC NorCal’s Apprenticeship Programs are approved for VA benefits. Eligible veterans can use their GI Bill benefit and receive a tax-free stipend during their apprenticeship program. Click here for more information about the Post-9/11 GI Bill.

Click here for the Guide to GI Bill Benefits and Eligibility

APPLICANT RESOURCES

Placement Test Guidelines
Have prior experience in the trades? You may be eligible to take a placement test. Check out this guide covering qualification criteria and test components.

Study Guides
CarpentryElectricalPlumbingLaborerPainting

CK-12.org
CK-12.org is a great “learn by doing” website. Download free eBooks, multimedia lessons and interactive videos.