HOME : Construction craft laborer
Nature of Work
Today’s construction laborer is a person of many talents, able to work on a variety of construction projects. Physical ability plays a major role in this profession. Laborer’s work runs the gamut from pick and shovel to lasers. The ability to perform a variety of jobs on a single construction is vital to success. Tasks may include: layout and grade setting, carpenter or mason tending, placing and finishing concrete, asbestos or lead abatement, hazardous waste cleanup, raking asphalt, installing guardrail and
signs, building scaffolding, traffic control, pipelaying. The work is seasonal and may require travel.
Entrance Requirements
Age: Minimum age is 18 years.
Education: High school diploma or GED in order to complete program.
Health: Must be physically capable of performing hard work trade.
Aptitude: Mechanical knowledge, ability to make precise decisions, remain calm under pressure and relate to people.
Term of Apprenticeship
Length of training: 4,000 hours
Related classroom instruction: 144 hours per year for three years.
Credit for previous experience: May be granted by program sponsor with proper documentation and/or evaluation of requisite skills.
Working Conditions
A laborer’s work is highly active and very strenuous. Laborers work in all weather and under all conditions, from underground to high in the air. The work is seasonal and can be dangerous. Laborers are not only exposed to extremes in weather, but to physically dangerous jobs and hazardous wastes.
Wages
First 1,333 hours = 75% of journeyman scale
Second 1,333 hours = 85%
Final 1,334 hours = 90%
Special Characteristics
Knowledge and abilities: Attention to detail and manual dexterity.
Interests: Mechanical and physical.
Temperament: Dependability, perseverance, ability to follow and carry out instructions.
Physical capacities: Ability to perform physically demanding tasks in extreme temperatures.
Tools Used
Air tools (jack hammers, pavement breakers, |
Hand tools (hammers, shovels, picks, etc.) |
Grade setting (levels, engineer’s rods, lasers) |
Scaffolding |
Cutting torch |
Chainsaw |
Compaction equipment |
Rock drills |
Fork lifts |
Air compressors |
Blueprints |
Suggested High School Subjects
Mathematics |
English |
Reading |
General shop |
Mechanical drawing |
|
Potential Advancements
Apprentice: Evaluation and promotion to next apprentice level each 1,333 hours of work experience.
Journeyman: May become foreman, general superintendent, company owner, building inspector. With college credit for apprenticeship completion may become engineer, architect. May progress within union structure to become agent, business manager.
Employment Outlook
Laborers are first on the job and last off the job. As trade technology advances, laborers with exceptional skills will be in demand. The current shortage of construction workers will ensure steady employment.
How to Apply
Contact the Laborers’ Local 1686 office or the Training Program. You will receive a card to mail back to formally request an application. The program accepts applications year around.
Program Locations and Additional Information Sources:
Laborers’ Local #1686
PO Box 702
Helena MT 59624
Phone: 406-442-1441
Laborers’ AGC Training Program for Montana
3100 Horseshoe Bend Rd.
Helena MT 59601
Phone: 406-442-9964
Montana Department of Labor & Industry
Apprenticeship & Training Program
P.O. Box 1728
Helena MT 59624-1728
Phone: 406-444-4500
wsd.dli.mt.gov/apprenticeship/apprentice.asp
Laborers International Union of North America
www.laborers.org
www.laborers-agc.org
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