The union construction industry is dedicated to having the best trained and most highly qualified craftspeople in the industry. Training is a full-time commitment by our unions and contractors, funded to the tune of over $48 million annually.

This investment in training helps raise standards throughout the construction industry, increases job site safety, and ensures that our work product continues to be the best in the world. Union contractors benefit because they are able to recruit high quality craftspeople. Project owners benefit because highly trained workers get the job done right the first time.

Union craftspeople learn their trade through state-of-the-art apprenticeship programs.

In fact, there are no self-taught craftspeople in our ranks. The Building Trades unions and their contractor partners operate over 30 joint apprenticeship training centers (JATCs) across Massachusetts, producing the most qualified craftspeople in the industry.

Union apprentices spend two to five years in the classroom and on-the-job training.

Challenging apprenticeship programs instill integrity, work ethic and pride in each and every union craftsperson. And, many apprentice programs offer college credit.

Continuing education classes after apprenticeship ensure that union workers remain up-to-date with the latest technologies. These individuals possess skills unparalleled in the construction industry.

If you don’t meet the requirements for apprenticeship training right now, there are resources that can help you qualify in less than six months. The Metropolitan Boston Building and Construction Trades Council (MBBTC) offers a free pre-apprenticeship program known as the 21st Century Building Trades Apprenticeship Preparedness Program (APP). The APP prepares young adults, minorities, women and people of low to moderate income to enter building trade apprenticeship programs. The 10-week program includes 60 hours of classroom instruction in the evenings and Saturday site visits to training facilities and construction projects.

Find your Local Apprenticeship Training Center on the map below!