ABC NorCal Apprenticeship Program FAQ

ABC NorCal Apprenticeship
Program FAQ
Updated 1.25.2014
Click here to apply online today!
Questions? Contact: apprenticeship@abcnorcal.org | (p) 925.960.8511 | (f) 925.416.0974
ABC NorCal| 4577 Las Positas Road, Unit C, Livermore, CA 94551 | (p) 925.474.1300 | abcnorcal.org | #lovewhatyoudo #lovewhatyoubuild

What is an apprenticeship?
• Apprenticeship is a unique learning experience that combines
on-the-job training and classroom instruction.
• On-the-job training allows individuals to earn wages while
gaining real-world experience. Classroom instruction teaches
theory and skill development in a controlled learning
environment. Combined, the two instruction processes create
a knowledgeable and experienced worker.

Which approved apprenticeship programs does ABC
NorCal offer?
ABC NorCal is the sponsor of five state and federally
approved apprenticeship programs in the
carpentry, construction craft laborer, electrical, painting,
and plumbing trades.

How much does it cost?
• There are no tuition fees for apprentices.
• Once accepted into the program, you will need to
purchase the required tools for your trade.

Do I need to have experience to apply?
No. Apprenticeship is a paid learning and training opportunity.
You will learn all necessary job skills through on-the-job and
classroom training.

What if I have experience in the trade?
• If you have at least one year of verifiable experience in the
trade you are applying for, you may request to take the
placement test.
• If you take the placement test and pass with the minimum
required score, you may be placed in the program at a
higher level.
• Should you pass the entire program’s placement test, once
registered in the program, you must complete a minimum of
six months of the program in order to receive credit and
recognition as a graduate from the ABC NorCal
Apprenticeship Program.
Questions? Email: apprenticeship@abcnorcal.org | Phone: 925.960.8511 | Fax: 925.416.0974
abcnorcal.org |4577 Las Positas Road, Unit C, Livermore, CA 94551 | (p) 925.474.1300

If I currently work for a contractor, can I continue to
work for the company as an apprentice?
• ABC NorCal contractor members who are approved to train
apprentices may sponsor existing employees into ABC
NorCal’s Apprenticeship Program.
• Sponsoring is approved on a case-by-case basis by the
Unilateral Apprenticeship Committee (UAC) and is not
guaranteed. Sponsorship consideration requires a completed
application with the sponsoring company’s information.
• You must complete the entire application process.

When should I submit my application?
 Anytime. Applications are accepted year-round for every
program.
 Your submitted application will only be approved if it
includes all of the required documentation. We cannot
process incomplete applications; an incomplete
application will delay your acceptance process.

How long does the application process take
and what are the steps?
• Applicants must pass each step of the process as
determined by the UAC to be accepted into the program.
This timeline of each step is based primarily on the need
for apprentices in the industry.
• The application process may include the following:
• Written exam
• Interview
• Orientation
• Drug Screening
Questions? Email: apprenticeship@abcnorcal.org | Phone: 925.960.8511 | Fax: 925.416.0974
abcnorcal.org |4577 Las Positas Road, Unit C, Livermore, CA 94551 | (p) 925.474.1300

When will I attend school?
• Your class schedule will be determined once you have
successfully started the apprenticeship program and have
been dispatched to your first contractor.
• Classes are held in one- or two-week blocks throughout the
year and are generally held Monday through Friday, 7:00 a.m.
to 3:30 p.m.
• You will attend a few mandatory training sessions on
Saturdays.

Where will I attend school? Are there any other locations in
Northern California besides the Livermore Training Facility?
• Carpentry, construction craft laborer, electrical, and
painting classes are held at the ABC NorCal Livermore
Training Facility.
• Plumbing classes are held at the ABC NorCal Sacramento
Plumbing Training Facility.
• Several of the mandatory certifications will be held offsite
throughout Northern California.
• There are no other training facilities besides the ones
outlined above.

Where will I work?
• You may be placed with various contractors in your area in
order to gain varied on-the-job training experience. All
construction jobs generally require travel to and from
jobsites.
• You can be dispatched anywhere in Northern California.
• You will be dispatched to projects based on your physical
address on file with the ABC NorCal office.

How will I find work?
• You will be dispatched by the ABC NorCal office to an
approved-to-train contractor with a project located within
your area of residence.
• Note: The ABC NorCal Apprenticeship Program is not a job
placement service; it is an apprenticeship training program
that allows you to earn while you learn.

What are the starting wages for my trade?
• The rate of pay for apprentices is determined by the State of
California and the Department of Labor and varies by trade.
Wages depend on various factors such as the county the
project is located and the bid advertisement date for the
project.
• Note: Apprentice wage calculation is a topic covered during
the apprentice’s first class: the Rules and Regulations class.

How do I apply?
• Visit our website and apply directly online (links for each trade
are located on the left).

ABC NorCal Apprenticeship Program FAQ

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ABC NorCal Apprenticeship Program FAQ