Union Construction Careers
About Union Apprenticeship Openings
The construction industry shapes the communities we live in, building the hospitals, schools, homes and infrastructure we use in our day-to-day lives. Union construction provides quality training to the next generation of tradespeople through nationally-recognized apprenticeship programs.
$26 per hour
The average starting wage for a union apprentice before benefits.
After completing your apprenticeship, your wages and benefits will continue to grow.
As a journey person, you will also enjoy access to continued education through the union training centers
Advance in your career as a foreperson, superintendent, business agent, business owner, instructor, or more.
With a career in the union construction trades, the opportunities are endless.
Apprenticeship Openings
Elevator Constructors IUEC 8
Representing Northern California and Northern Nevada
Applications open tentatively in April 2025
Electrical Workers IBEW 6
Representing San Francisco County
Applications open the first two weeks of December 2024
Sheet Metal Workers SMART 104
Accepting Ongoing Applications Online
Technical Engineers OE 3
Surveyors and Inspectors Accepting Ongoing Applications Online
Electrical Workers IBEW 332
Representing Santa Clara County Applications Open First Week of each Month
Sounds & Communications (IBEW)
Various Locations Applications Ongoing
Plumbers & Steamfitters UA 159
Representing Contra Costa County
Applications open March 25-March 29 and April 1-5, 2024
Electrical Workers IBEW 617
Representing San Mateo County
Apply from April 21-25, April 28-May 2, June 19-20 2025
Heat & Frost Insulators 16
Applications open Jan 8, Apr 8, July 8, and Oct 14 (the second Monday of the beginning of each quarter)
Plumbers & Steamfitters UA 467
Representing San Mateo County
Applications open Jan 15, Apr 16, Jul 16 and Oct 15, 2025, from 9-12 in person
Electrical Workers IBEW 595
Representing Alameda County
Applications open Feb 5 – 20, May 6 – 17, Aug 12 – 23 2024
Electrical Workers IBEW 180
Representing Napa & Solano Counties
Applications open Dec 9-13, 2024 and Jan 6-10, 2025
Plumbers & Steamfitters UA 342
Representing Contra Costa & Alameda Counties
Applications open May 2024
Stationary Engineers IUOE 39
Applications open May 13-17, 2024
BAC Local 3 Apprenticeship
Applications ongoing
Northern California Tile Industry BAC 3
Applications ongoing
Jeffrey learned about CTWI’s Oakland Construction Math Test Prep class from an email he received from IBEW. He had some prior construction experience, working with his uncle on projects, but he decided to join the test prep class to help him prepare for the entrance exam. When talking about the class, he says it helped him with the math section, both with the math itself and preparing him with test-taking strategies. He says the interview prep offered in class was also very helpful, giving him a sense of what questions might be asked and how to best present himself. Now, Jeffrey is working as an apprentice with IBEW Local 595.
“Wake up early, take your time, don’t panic.”