Piledriver

Nature of Work

The piledriver constructs, alters, and remodels Structures primarily of concrete and steel—
bridges, overpasses, dams and retaining walls to name a few. The work is heavy and frequently over water or high in the air. Jobsites are often in remote, undeveloped areas, requiring the ability to travel.

Entrance Requirements

Age: Minimum 18 years – May be required to furnish proof of age.

Health: Good health – Fit to perform the heavy work of the occupation; must be willing to furnish a doctor’s certificate of examination if asked.

Aptitude: Applicants may be required to take and score a qualifying score on an Industry
Aptitude Test provided by the JATC Training Director.

Education: Furnish certificate or transcripts of high school graduation or equivalent.

Term of Apprenticeship

Length of training: Four years or 5,200-8,000 hours.

Related classroom instruction: 144 hours per year.

Credit for previous experience: May be granted by program sponsor after being properly documented (letters from previous employers and transcripts of related instruction) and/or after evaluation by program sponsor.

Working Conditions

The apprentice piledriver works outdoors, and in all kinds of weather. Construction areas are
frequently muddy, dusty, dirty, and noisy. The apprentice must lift and carry building materials, climb ladders and scaffolding, stand, stoop, and often work in cramped or awkward positions. Generally work a forty-hour week. Work is seasonal in nature; expect nine months of regular work per year when the construction market is good.

Wages

Apprentices are paid a percentage of the Journey-level hourly wage rate with periodic increases (every six months) based on satisfactory performance on the job and in related
instruction. Inquire with individual program sponsors for Journey-level wage rates.

Special Characteristics

Knowledge and abilities: Accuracy, ability to plan work sequence, mechanical, aptitude,
form perception, and manual dexterity.

Interests: Working with hand tools and various materials, must want to make the trade his/her
livelihood.

Temperament: Dependability; ability to work alone or with others.

Tools Used

Acetylene welding torch	Electric welding	Surveyor’s instruments
Power tools	Hand Tools	Pneumatic tools
Pile hammers	Pile augers

Suggested High School Subjects

Basic mathematics	Blueprint reading	Trigonometry
Architectural drawing	Plane geometry	Basic communication
Algebra	Shop courses

Potential Advancements

Apprentice: May be evaluated each six months, but at least once a year, (or 1,000 hours) for increases in wages and advancement in training.

Journey-level: Can become foreman, estimators, superintendents, employers, or contractors.

Employment Outlook

With increasing number of building projects and the natural turnover of piledrivers, there is
need for new apprentices each year. Check with program sponsors for current openings and wage rates.

How to Apply

Secure from program sponsors and complete, an application. Pass entrance and oral interviews as necessary. Inquire with individual program sponsors for opening information and
more specific entry requirements.

Completion Procedure

Upon successful completion of the apprenticeship program, and recommendation of the program sponsor, registered apprentices are awarded a Certificate of Completion by the
Montana Department of Labor and Industry’s Bureau of Apprenticeship and Training , and
the United Brotherhood of Carpenters.

Program Location and Additional Information Sources:

Montana Carpenter Joint Apprenticeship and Training Committee
780 Carter Drive
Helena MT 59601
Phone: 406-442-5256

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

Billings Carpenters’ JATC
530 South 27th Street
Billings MT 59101
Phone: 406-259-6911

United Brotherhood of Carpenters and Joiners of America
www.carpenters.org/apprenticeship