Iron Workers Local 135 Apprenticeship
Apprentices are our future and if this country is going to maintain and build it's roads, bridges, buildings and the power and petro/chem industries then we need trained crafts. We know that when our Apprentices graduate from the program we are putting out Journeyman Ironworkers.
Our Apprentices will be taught all aspects of our trade which will include Structural (unloading, erection, connecting and fabrication of iron), Ornamental (installation of metal windows, erection of curtain wall and window wall systems, installation of stairways, catwalks, grating, doors, fencing, elevator fronts and building entrances), Reinforcing (fabrication and placement of rebar and installing post-tensioning), Rigging (load, unload, move and set machinery, steel and equipment, operate power hoists, cranes, derricks, forklifts and aerial lifts, and have the knowledge of fiber line, wire rope, hoisting equipment and proper hand signals), Welding (stick, mig and tig), Blueprints (structural. ornamental and reinforcing).
Applications for Apprenticeship membership to Local 135 may be filled out at the Local Union 135 office daily between 8 a.m. and 2 p.m. Applications can also be filled out at the training center in Houston on the 2nd and 4th Tuesday of the month at 9 am.
Apprentices on school related matters and Journeyman for testing and upgrades contact:
Jeff Scarborough - Apprentice Coordinator
Apprenticeship and Training Center
7521 Fauna St.
Houston, TX 77061
Phone: (713) 644-3206
Fax: (713) 644-3207
Apprenticeship and Training Center
2003 Industrial Park Rd.
Nederland, TX 77627
Apprentices in our Houston Training Center will be required to attend classes two nights a week, three hours per night from 6:30 p.m. until 9:30 p.m. either Mondays and Wednesdays or Tuesdays and Thursdays depending on class schedules. Our Apprentices in Nederland attend classes every Saturday from 7:00 a.m. until 1.00 p.m.. In order to receive credit hours all classes must be attended.
Apprentices are expected to wear their work clothes while in attendance in school. Training consists of classroom hours as well as shop hours. There will also be a requirement to meet on specific Saturdays for special training such as OSHA 10, OSHA Subpart R, CPR/First Aid and Rigging Certifications.
All Apprentices will be required to take a drug test once application process is completed. On most projects in our jurisdiction there will be a background screening required by our contractors and owners in order to receive clearance to their facilities. We are also now being required to have a TWIC clearance on some of our projects in accordance with the Homeland Security Act.
What is an Apprentice?
An apprentice is a training level employee who works in the building and construction trades while also attending classes to learn industry skills and safety techniques. Wages for an apprentice increase over the course of this training, which lasts three years for Ironworkers Local 135. When the apprentice graduates to a Journeyman status they are recognized as a highly qualified worker who can command the best wages and benefits.
Qualifications
To become and Apprentice you should have a strong foundation in math and literacy skills, a high school or equivalency diploma, and the to ability complete an aptitude test. Additionally, a qualified candidate must be physically fit, drug free, have reliable transportation, proof of citizenship or legal right to work in the United States and be able to pass a background check.
Benefits of an Apprenticeship Program and Union Membership
Apprenticeship training provides individuals with skills needed to complete economically and work safely. Union members of the Ironworkers typically receive higher wages and better benefits than those employed by the non-union contractors.
You must be:
- Be 18 years of age
- Pass a drug test
- Have valid ID & SS#
- Pass background check
Program Specifics
- Apprentices serve 3 years in program
- Classes are held two nights a week (no summer classes)
- There is an open enrollment policy (year round)
- Starting salary is 65% of Journeyman scale (raises every six months on completion of hours)
- Slot-in at higher percentage for experience
