Blog

Building the Future: Construction Skilled Trades Youth Apprenticeships

Written by Grace Fowler | Jun 16, 2023 7:42:11 PM

On-the-job training is the future of construction apprenticeships and youth apprenticeships. Hands-on skill development, real-time relevance and the invaluable mentorship of experienced journey workers play a pivotal role in closing the skills gap and building a highly competent workforce for the future.

Wisconsin's Youth Apprenticeship (YA) program stands as a testament to the success of this approach, as it forms part of a broader statewide school-to-work initiative that equips students with the necessary tools for successful careers. By blending on-the-job learning with classroom instruction, YA offers high school juniors and seniors a unique opportunity to explore their chosen career paths.

Under the guidance of seasoned journey workers, students in the YA program receive practical training that forms the core of their apprenticeship. In fact, on-the-job training represents approximately 90% of the program, enabling participants to eventually become certified skilled workers in their respective fields.

Students and companies can engage in YA opportunities in any of 11 industry tracks, one of which is Architecture & Construction. Caleb is a local high school student in the Carpentry Youth Apprenticeship Program with us. His first jobsite is Moraine Park Technical College's Automation, Innovation, Robotics (AIR) Center Project and he will move on to a project for The School District of North Fond du Lac later in the summer.

Throughout his apprenticeship, Caleb will acquire skills related to construction safety, drawings and blueprints, materials, tools and general worksite procedures, all while adhering to industry safety and security standards. The YA Program not only imparts these skills but also reinforces our Think Safe. Work Safe.® culture, ensuring that safety is a top priority. As part of their training, first-year Youth Apprentices must complete a First Aid Certification and Occupational Safety Health Administration (OSHA) 10 or 30 Certification.

The true strength of the apprenticeship lies in the on-the-job mentorship that accompanies the completion of these competencies, complemented by classroom instruction. This holistic approach ensures that students are fully engaged in learning a highly skilled trade that will pave the way for their future success.

Together, we are empowering students like Caleb with invaluable real-world experiences in the construction industry. We extend our warmest congratulations and heartfelt gratitude to Caleb for embarking on his Carpentry Fundamentals Youth Apprenticeship with us. By taking this bold step, Caleb is forging a path towards a promising future, while simultaneously contributing to the growth and prosperity of the construction industry.

 

Date: June 16, 2023 | Author: Grace Fowler

«•» 

Follow C.D. Smith ON SOCIAL

#CDSmith #ThinkSafeWorkSafe

 

 

«•» 

IN THE NEWS & Beneath the Hard Hat®

 

National Apprenticeship Week 2023: Celebrating the Future of the Construction Trades | Exploring Construction Apprenticeships with C.D. Smith 11.13.2023

BUILDING CAREERS: 2023 SKILLED TRADES CONSTRUCTION GRANT WINNERS | Beneath the Hard Hat® Press & Blog 06.01.2023

BUILDING SCHOOLS WITH EXCELLENCE: HORIZON AWARD-WINNING ACE PROGRAM | Beneath the Hard Hat® Press & Blog 06.01.2023

BUILDING FUTURES: ACE ACADEMY APPRENTICE SIGNING + GRANT SUPPORT | Beneath the Hard Hat® Press & Blog 05.25.2023

ACE ACADEMY'S MASONRY WEEK PREPARES CONSTRUCTION STUDENTS FOR SKILLED TRADES | Beneath the Hard Hat® 05.10.2023

FOND DU LAC SCHOOL DISTRICT RECEIVES 2022 BUILD WISCONSIN HORIZON AWARD | Associated General Contractors of Wisconsin: BUILD Wisconsin Awards 10.18.2022

C.D. SMITH'S K-12 SCHOOL PARTNERSHIPS FOR CONSTRUCTION EDUCATION AND SKILLED TRADE CAREER PATHWAYS | Beneath the Hard Hat® 02.04.2021

FIELD CAREERS: Building Your Skilled Trade Career Path | cdsmith.com 

Carpenter Apprenticeship: 4 years

Education Hours: 7,000 on-the-job training + 160 classroom

Career Path: Apprentice > Journeyman > Leadman > Foreman > Assistant Superintendent > Superintendent

Training Schedule: Year-round classes, one week every three months

Duties Include: 

 Constructing steel and wood stud walls
• Building concrete forms
• Laying out site with Trimble
• Installing cabinets and doors
• Hanging and finishing drywall
• Assisting Superintendent

Architecture and Construction | Carpentry Youth Apprenticeship Program

Duties for a YOUTH Apprenticeship (YA) Include: 

For Carpentry Fundamentals youth apprentices, the journey involves completing a series of fifteen Carpentry Fundamentals Competencies, as well as at least one Carpentry Specialty Competency. These competencies are mastered with guidance in the first year and progress to more independent completion in the second year. Carpentry Specialty Competencies encompass tasks such as finish framing or forming, interior finishing and exterior finishing. Meanwhile, Carpentry Fundamentals Competencies include:

  1. Follow safety procedures
  2. Read construction drawings and plans
  3. Interpret symbols and procedures
  4. Contribute to a job task plan
  5. Work as a member of a construction team
  6. Prepare work area for construction
  7. Select construction materials
  8. Use hand and light-duty tools
  9. Use power tools and equipment
  10. Perform materials handling
  11. Install materials per job specifications
  12. Perform construction measurements
  13. Maintain a clean and safe work area
  14. Clean up jobsite
  15. Practice quality craftsmanship