UAW paves the way for work in skilled trades

apprentice n. 1. a person who works for another in order to learn a trade.

The UAW has one of the most comprehensive, rigorous apprenticeship standards of any union in the country.

Today about 17 percent of UAW members work in the skilled trades. Among them are electricians, diemakers, toolmakers, machine repairers, millwrights and pipefitters. In addition, growing numbers work as engineers, researchers and in other careers that require advanced education.

Through the union’s apprenticeship programs, our negotiated tuition benefits and government education programs, the UAW plays an important role in offering members opportunities to advance.

Apprenticeships

UAW apprenticeships require 8,000 hours of training, including a minimum of 576 hours of classroom instruction. Normally, an apprentice starts at 65 percent of a journeyman’s wages or at 100 percent of their current hourly rate. Typically, an apprentice will get a wage increase every 1,000 hours. At the end of the 8,000 hours, an apprentice becomes a journeyman and can apply for a UAW journeyman’s card.

Pre-apprenticeship training

To prepare for the apprenticeship test, the UAW and several companies offer pre-apprenticeship training to help improve their skills in math, mechanical reasoning and spatial relations. Originally set up to assist women and minorities to qualify for apprenticeships from which they once were virtually excluded, today UAW pre-apprenticeship programs help all workers regardless of sex or race.

How to apply

If you’re interested in applying for an apprenticeship test, you should talk to your local union officials who can tell you if an apprenticeship program exists at your workplace. A limited number of apprenticeships are usually available to people who aren’t currently UAW members. Employers are the best source of information about these opportunities.

Skills upgrading

Through computer training, education in statistical process control and other educational opportunities, UAW members can improve their work skills in areas not covered by apprenticeships.

College

Many community colleges offer credits toward an associate degree for completing an apprenticeship. For members seeking to pursue college or other advanced training, many UAW contracts offer tuition reimbursement plans. For UAW members without these contractual benefits, the federal and state governments offer grants, subsidized loans and tax breaks.