To gain entry into the skilled trades you must show dedication to your craft and the industry. "Earn While You Learn" opportunities like apprenticeship programs are costly and therefore highly competitive. Some union apprenticeships accept fewer than 10% of applicants. Therefore, undertaking a pre-apprenticeship program or other skills training in a relevant trade can demonstrate commitment to your craft.
See below for some of our affiliated apprenticeship programs, pre-apprenticeship programs, and skills trainings available. Also follow the link to the Building Trades Training Directory for information on all the union apprenticeship programs.
Interested in a construction career, but don’t know how to get started? The Building Pathways Building Trades Pre-Apprenticeship Program can help you learn about the industry, practice your hands-on skills, and compete for apprenticeship program openings.
Through six weeks of Career Readiness and Occupational Skills Training, with classroom and hands-on learning experiences, Building Pathways will provide you with the knowledge and skills you need to enter and succeed in a registered union apprenticeship program. You will also receive coordinated case management and placement services to help you achieve their career goals.
There are Building Pathways programs in Boston and Worcester.
The United Brotherhood of Carpenters is North America’s largest building-trades union, with more than a half-million members in the construction and wood-products industries.
Signatory contractors need highly trained tradespeople to succeed in today’s competitive marketplace.
The Apprenticeship is a four year, training program. Apprentices must attend 640+ hours of related technical classroom instruction and up to 8,000 hours of on-the-job practical training to graduate.
The apprenticeship program is designed to thoroughly develop the talents and skills of up-and-coming carpenters. The program is a combination of classroom and shop learning as well as jobsite employment. Apprentices attend classes for one week every three months. As a result, apprentices are continuously building upon their knowledge and skill base while solidifying these lessons in a practical jobsite setting.
Quality, safety and productivity impact the bottom line on any project. Having a well-trained workforce is an essential part of any profitable construction project.
The New England Laborers' Training Trust Fund has the best curriculum, the best facilities, and the best instructors in the business.
We train Construction Craft Laborers in the many different career opportunities available to them as a member of The Laborers' International Union of North America. After learning the basics, an apprentice can move on to training in 8 areas of concentration.
YouthBuild is a national organization aimed at improving outcomes for young people by exposing them to skills training and career based learning programs.
YouthBuild Boston (YBB) was founded in 1990 with the goal of providing underserved young people with the support and experience needed to successfully enter the fields of design and construction.
There are 4 programs including:
Building Trades Exploration: 6-9 month academic and construction program for ages 17-24 who do not have a high school diploma. Participants will receive a stipend, OSHA 10 certification, First Aid/CPR Certification and preparation for their high school equivalency,
The Designery: 7-10 week afterschool experience for high school students who receive a stipend and learn about modeling and design.
Pre-Apprentice: 15 week program for 18-25 year old high school graduates interested in construction. All participants receive a stipend, OSHA 10 certification, First Aid/CPR certification, and NCCER certification.
Facilities Maintenance: 18 month registered apprenticeship with on the job training and guaranteed employment. Good for 8 college credits towards a bachelor's degree.
The nationally and internationally recognized carpentry program at North Bennet Street School (NBSS) has a well-earned reputation for excellence and value. The full-time program offers a stimulating curriculum, supportive environment and master faculty and encourages a commitment to excellence and technical mastery. The intensive, 36-week, full-time course of study allows students to jump-start their carpentry careers and quickly earn a return on their educational investment.
Community Works is an adult pre-apprenticeship program for the building/construction trades and the transportation/highway industry. We have nearly a decade of experience helping residents of the greater Springfield/ Holyoke area get into the building/construction trades, with a specific focus on women, people of color, and veterans.
We are registered with the State of Massachusetts Division of Apprentice Standards, and our class is registered with the Massachusetts Eligible Training Provider list (ETPL). We have Section 30 approval as a Training Opportunity Program with the Department of Unemployment Assistance.
Gould Construction Institute is a major trainer for open-shop contractors. If you are interested in developing your skills without having to apply for a 3-5 year union apprenticeship, GCI may be right for you.
It offers construction training to educate our current work force and develop the next generation of trained craftspeople in:
- General Construction
- Safety Training
- Trade Specific Apprenticeship Programs
- Professional Development
- Project Management Programs
Through MassHire, the Commonwealth provides a database of training opportunities for career readiness. From training for specific trades like Carpenters, Laborers, and Operating Engineers to training for Construction Management software, there are numerous opportunities to advance your skills on your own.
