LOCAL
Trades spotlight power of apprenticeship
Construction try-a-trade event shares value of apprenticeship pathways for high school students
ELMA, WA (October 7, 2024) — Registered union apprenticeship is a tried and true path to stable careers and economic security for many working folks — but only if they know about it. Trades unions tackled that awareness gap in an event last week in Elma, Washington giving high school students the opportunity to get some hands-on experience with a trade that could change their lives.
Approximately 1,000 students participated in Tuesday’s event, touring unions’ booths, talking with current apprentices and journeymen about their trade, and trying their hand at a few skills. Union representatives explained how their trade figures into construction, as well as guidance on CTE classes to best prepare students for a career in the construction industry, and the process to apply for an apprenticeship.
More than 18 trades participated: Boilermakers, Bricklayers & Allied Crafts, Carpet Layers, Cement Masons & Plasterers, Drywall Finishers, Electricians, Elevator Constructors, Glaziers, Heat & Frost Insulators, Ironworkers, Laborers, Operating Engineers, Painters, Plumbers & Pipe Fitters, Roofers & Waterproofers, Sheet Metal Workers, Sprinkler Fitters, and Teamsters.
More information about registered apprenticeship programs and how to get started in Washington State is available from the Washington State Building & Construction Trades Council.