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Eugene
Student
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Question
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What are good sum good companies or unions to join in the trades?
I would like to know how does an apprentice program works and how do you get in one? is it even worth it after you get your certificate in your trade?
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Marchonie Derosier
IT Transformation
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Washington, Washington
Updated
Marchonie’s Answer
Great question! An apprenticeship is a great way to help mainly in higher pay, better benefits, job protection, and access to stronger job resource network. Union workers often earn more than non-union workers, and benefits include health insurance, pensions, overtime rules, and paid leave. A union can connect you to contractors, mentors, and future job opportunities, which matters a lot in the trades. Union trades tend to put heavy emphasis on OSHA training, safety procedures, and ongoing skill refreshers. This leads to working in safer environments.
Apprenticeship is a registered training program that combines paid on-the-job training with classroom instruction. You work under experienced journeypersons, build hours in the field, and learn the technical side in class. Getting in often requires an application, aptitude test, and interview. Prior experience helps, but it is not always required. You get paid while learning; apprentices often start around 60% to 65% of journeyperson pay and move up in steps as they progress. When you finish the required training and hours, you become a journeyperson with an industry-recognized credential.
If you already have trade certification, you may not need to start from zero. Some unions may let you enter based on your existing skills, but that depends on the trade and local union.
Best unions to join, by trade:
Electrical: IBEW — probably the strongest all-around option for pay, benefits, worker protections, and structured apprenticeship training. 2 8 9
Plumbing / pipefitting / HVAC: UA — very strong if you want a technical mechanical trade with solid wages and long-term upside. 3 10 11
Sheet metal / HVAC: SMART — a strong choice for HVAC, fabrication, and sheet metal pathways. 12 4 13
Heavy equipment: IUOE — best fit if you want cranes, operating equipment, or heavy civil work. 5 14 15
Carpentry / interiors / millwork: UBC — good for broad carpentry options and steady benefits. 6 16 17
General construction labor: LIUNA — good entry path if you want broad construction exposure and a faster on-ramp. 7 18 19
Structural steel / reinforcing: Ironworkers — strong if you want physical, high-skill structural work. 20 21 22
Based on my research these are best companies that provide strong training:
Electrical / utility: Quanta Services, Rosendin, M.C. Dean, Helix Electric are strong names, with Quanta and Rosendin especially prominent in current rankings.
Mechanical / HVAC / plumbing: EMCOR Group and Comfort Systems USA are very good targets because they invest heavily in apprenticeships and technical training.
Heavy civil / industrial: Kiewit is a strong option for large projects, structured craft development, and apprenticeships in multiple trades.
If you are more interested in getting certified in an area that has high demand right now, electrical and mechanical trades is strong right now because of demand tied to power, clean energy, data centers, and building systems
Hope that helps
Pick one trade that interests you, then the best local union hall and apprenticeship program in your area.
Apprenticeship is a registered training program that combines paid on-the-job training with classroom instruction. You work under experienced journeypersons, build hours in the field, and learn the technical side in class. Getting in often requires an application, aptitude test, and interview. Prior experience helps, but it is not always required. You get paid while learning; apprentices often start around 60% to 65% of journeyperson pay and move up in steps as they progress. When you finish the required training and hours, you become a journeyperson with an industry-recognized credential.
If you already have trade certification, you may not need to start from zero. Some unions may let you enter based on your existing skills, but that depends on the trade and local union.
Best unions to join, by trade:
Electrical: IBEW — probably the strongest all-around option for pay, benefits, worker protections, and structured apprenticeship training. 2 8 9
Plumbing / pipefitting / HVAC: UA — very strong if you want a technical mechanical trade with solid wages and long-term upside. 3 10 11
Sheet metal / HVAC: SMART — a strong choice for HVAC, fabrication, and sheet metal pathways. 12 4 13
Heavy equipment: IUOE — best fit if you want cranes, operating equipment, or heavy civil work. 5 14 15
Carpentry / interiors / millwork: UBC — good for broad carpentry options and steady benefits. 6 16 17
General construction labor: LIUNA — good entry path if you want broad construction exposure and a faster on-ramp. 7 18 19
Structural steel / reinforcing: Ironworkers — strong if you want physical, high-skill structural work. 20 21 22
Based on my research these are best companies that provide strong training:
Electrical / utility: Quanta Services, Rosendin, M.C. Dean, Helix Electric are strong names, with Quanta and Rosendin especially prominent in current rankings.
Mechanical / HVAC / plumbing: EMCOR Group and Comfort Systems USA are very good targets because they invest heavily in apprenticeships and technical training.
Heavy civil / industrial: Kiewit is a strong option for large projects, structured craft development, and apprenticeships in multiple trades.
If you are more interested in getting certified in an area that has high demand right now, electrical and mechanical trades is strong right now because of demand tied to power, clean energy, data centers, and building systems
Hope that helps
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