Most people go to college after high school, be it, community, public or private college.
It’s almost a reflex for society at this point and what everyone is expected to do. But truthfully college isn’t for everyone, and you shouldn’t feel bad if you’re thinking it’s not for you. However, apprenticeships in Minnesota provide an exceptional career alternative for those seeking structured on-the-job training. This not only lets you experience your career of choice hands-on but also pays you while you learn to become an expert in your chosen career. Sound interesting? Here we’ve compiled a list of a few of the top apprenticeships in Minnesota.
Laborers Training Center (LTC)
A construction laborer is like the backbone of the construction workforce. Their core purpose on a job site is to make the working experience easier for the other tradesmen. Be it by doing laborious tasks such as loading and unloading materials or simple tasks like site cleanup. They’re even responsible for removing hazards and operating some equipment.
Laborers Training Center ensures their apprentices are trained to be safe and productive while building their knowledge and skills on the job. 4000 hours on the job to be specific, along with 288 classroom hours for 3 years. One of the simple apprenticeships in Minnesota, this is great for individuals that aren’t into technical stuff but would like a fulfilling career.
Requirements:
- 18 years or older
- Highschool diploma or G.E.D
Contact Information: Laborers Training Center (LTC)
- Address: 2350 Main Street, Lino Lakes, MN 55038
- Telephone: 651-762-8235
Finishing Trades Institute of the Upper Mid-West
The Finishing Trades Institute of the Upper Mid-West is an institution granted funded by the Minnesota Department of Labor and centered around apprenticeship. Their main objectives are to develop skilled trade workers and diversify the trade industry. This is why FTIUM has quite a few apprenticeships to choose from and ensures their programs are also targeted toward the industry’s minorities.
The average apprenticeship at FTUIM lasts for around 3 years. While the average on-the-job and related training hours are 6000 hours and 432 hours respectively. It is mandatory that all apprentices become a member of the International Union of Painters and Allied Trades. That to ensure individuals in the program get the lifelong benefits and necessary support that comes with their membership.
We choose 3 of the 6 their apprenticeships to feature in our top 10 today, but they’re a great place to continue your search for apprenticeships in Minnesota.
Commercial Painter Decorator Apprenticeship
Maybe you’re a bit artistic or even one of those people that just loves putting a fresh coat of paint on their walls and enjoying how great it looks after. Here’s the perfect opportunity to not only get better at it, but be paid for, and certified in it.
Commercial Painter Decorators are usually the last professionals to make contact with unfinished or unprotected surfaces. They apply decorative and protective coatings to surfaces that can assist with anything from rust and waterproofing to fire resistance. They also prepare the many surfaces they work on before applying their finishes. These surfaces include metals, concrete, wood, synthetics, and drywall.
Drywall Finisher Apprenticeship
Drywall finishers much like painters prepare surfaces and apply coats. However, the coats they apply are only for drywalls and making them paint-ready. As special tape is used to seal the “joints” and the coating is applied to fill the flaws, and give a balanced and flat finish.
This is the only program FTI offers that also has a 2 -year option with 4000 on-the-job training hours. However, there was no indication that the related training hours would be different. Hence, it’s safer to assume it’s the same 432 hours as their 3-year programs.
Glazier
Glaziers install, replace and sometimes repair glass. Material selection is a big part of the job. Though limited to one material there are a variety of glass types for many different jobs. A glazier will select the right glass type for the application, cut it to adequate dimensions and install it watertight.
Glaziers may work with, mirrors, architectural aluminum window systems, glass handrails, door entrances, and decorative wall systems. With so many applications and industries that need their work, glaziers are always in demand.
Requirements:
- 18 years or older
- Highschool diploma or G.E.D
- Valid driver’s license
- Physically capable of performing trade duties
- Must be a citizen
Contact Information: The Finishing Trades Institute of the Upper Mid-West
- Address: 3205 Country Dr. #150 Little Canada, MN 55117
- Telephone: 651-379-9600
JATC Local 633
JATC Local 633 is a local union that provides training and certification at its facility. They ensure that the future tradesmen and women that are employed by the contractors in their union and otherwise are of the highest caliber. As one of their main objectives is to support their apprentices every step along the journey.
Programs usually run from October to May approximately every year. Where apprentices spend 3 years composed of 6000 on-the-job training hours and 200 hours in related classroom instruction. However, it should be noted while your on-the-job training may occur every day during a typical 5-day work week, your related classroom and shop training will be one week per month.
Apprenticeships in Minnesota are plentiful, but these programs stand out in benefits and cost. As they provide great opportunities to learn a trade, get a job, and a career all free of charge.
Cement Mason Apprenticeship
Cement masons are generally responsible for finishing concrete surfaces. But in this apprenticeship, they go more in-depth than just that. Their related training covers topics like Concrete formwork, Blueprint reading, Concrete repair, and Confined space training. While the on-the-job training aspect focuses on things such as, proper application of Floor hardness and Color, methods of Curing Work and Material, and Preparing Surfaces for Waterproofing.
Plasterer Apprenticeship
A Plasterer’s job usually entails finishing surfaces using plaster (typically a mixture of water, cement, and refined sand) to give a smooth and beautiful finish. They usually work with concrete surfaces, but can sometimes apply plaster to metal and even on some occasions wood. At JATC Local 633 they prepare for many of the typical scenarios and challenges you may face in this career.
Through topics such as Veneer Plastering, Fireproofing, Stucco, and USG interior finishing in their related training. While their on-the-job training will expose you to the likes of, Plastering on Gypsum Lath, Plaster Coves, and Spray-On Construction Plastering and Technical machine Operation. All relevant for a modern Plasterer and anyone seeking a career in Plastering.
Requirements:
- 17 years or older
- Highschool diploma or G.E.D
- Valid driver’s license
- Reliable transportation
- Physically capable of performing trade duties
Contact Information: JATC Local 633
- Address: 2180 Old Highway 8 NW, New Brighton, MN 55112
- Telephone: 651-783-8422
Bricklayer & Allied Craftworkers Local 1 (BACL1)
The Bricklayer and Allied Craftworkers Local 1, is a union that offers apprenticeships in Minnesota to both union and non-union members. One of many programs offered at BAC, the tile pre-apprenticeship is a short course that can help you “get your feet wet” in an apprenticeship. That is to say, it can award you exempted hours off training or study in future apprenticeships. You can even use it to simply experience apprenticeship and figure out if it’s for you, without the 2-4 years of a typical program.
BAC’s tile pre-apprenticeship is a 4- week course that is separated into 4 units, one each week. Each unit is a mixture of hands-on mockups (a simulation of real work) and the necessary related classroom instruction. The program is self-paced and competency-based. It covers mostly the basics, which include trade math, safety training, labor-management relations, and basic layouts.
While the course isn’t very demanding relatively or taxing to the brain it should still be taken seriously if interested. As you’re required to pass their Performance Assessment reports and maintain a 75% average in all written exams. Which not only will allow you to graduate, but qualify to be recommended to their signatory contractors.
Requirements:
- 18 years or older
- Highschool diploma or G.E.D
Contact Information: The Bricklayer and Allied Craftworkers Local 1
- Address: 5420 International Parkway, New Hope, MN 55428
- Telephone: 763 – 404 – 8345
IUOE Local 49 Apprenticeship Programs
The International Union of Operating Engineers Local 49 is a primary source for heavy machinery apprenticeships in Minnesota. After all their entire focus revolves around teaching operations in a variety of heavy equipment sizes and types. A great option for anyone interested in heavy equipment operations, but not sure where to start. Here are two of the programs they offer.
Heavy Equipment Operator Apprenticeship
This apprenticeship is geared towards creating a versatile operator. In contrast to teaching the apprentice a single type of heavy equipment, in this program, they’re exposed and trained to use many. This allows them a greater chance of being employed since they are not limited to one kind of heavy equipment and can fill whatever vacancy available for operators.
However, the one drawback is you don’t specialize in operating a particular piece of equipment. That is to say, in an employment scenario, someone that specializes in the equipment needed to be operated may be prioritized over you.
The program is 3 years, which consists of 4000 on-the-job training hours and 288 hours of related training.
Crane Operator Apprenticeship
Ever wondered what those vehicles with extremely tall arms, lifting, moving, and even smashing things at times were? Well, they’re one of the most well know heavy equipment, cranes. They’re seen in many movies alongside construction and ironworkers, with wrecking balls destroying buildings and hoists helping to build them up. In many large construction projects, they’re a staple and contribute to fast and efficient work. This is great news if you’re interested in crane operation as a career.
IUOE’s Crane Operator apprenticeship is an 8000-hour on-the-job training program, that focuses on “educating the crane operator of tomorrow”. Though only one type of equipment, it is a well in-demand skill, and as someone that specializes in crane operation, you would be prioritized for jobs requiring that skill. The program duration or related training hours were not specified. However, you can expect around a 4-year program and approximately 600 related training hours if any.
It should be noted that interviews are held once a year for individuals who are not already employed and do not have a signed apprentice training agreement by a contractor.
Requirements:
- 18 years or older
- Highschool diploma or G.E.D
- Valid driver’s license
- A citizen of or legally authorized to work in, the United States.
- Physically capable of performing duties
Contact Information: The International Union of Operating Engineers Local 49
- Address: 40276 Fishtail Road, Hinckley, MN 55037
- Telephone: 320-384-7093
Roofing Apprenticeship (RWUL96)
When rain and thunderstorms come through, we truly understand and appreciate the importance of the roofs over our heads. But what about the individuals responsible? Roofers, without their work we wouldn’t be able to keep the water, moister and blistering sun out of our homes. Roofers are not only responsible for installing and repairing your roofs though. They must also ensure roofs are installed in a manner that properly allows water to efficiently flow, while also being watertight/waterproof.
Roofers and Water Proofers Union Local 96 allows you to be tested and certified as a roofer through their apprenticeship program. One of the only apprenticeships in Minnesota on this list that does not offer the job through its membership or otherwise. However, they will refer you to one of their contract companies, though employment is not guaranteed. But if employed, they will be responsible for the classroom training and overseeing testing and certification.
Requirements: Roofers and Water Proofers Union Local 96
- 18 years or older
- Highschool diploma or G.E.D
Contact Information:
- Address: 17226 Lincoln Street NE, Ham Lake, MN 55304
- Telephone: 763-230-7675
Conclusion
Let me repeat, college isn’t always the answer for everyone, and surely isn’t the only way to be successful. We hope this brief list of some of the top apprenticeships in Minnesota helps to jumpstart your journey towards a career you’ll love and enjoy. However, our brief list is just an introduction to the apprenticeship world. Visit our directory listing of over 200 apprenticeships in Minnesota to learn more about apprenticeship opportunities in Minnesota. Additionally, Minnesota’s Department of Labor has a host of apprenticeship resources for career seekers.
