Every apprenticeship program is different, check with your local union.

The Asbestos Workers and Insulators apprenticeship program emphasizes on-the-job training and classroom instruction, as well as the use of textbooks and other course materials that give participants a thorough knowledge of the trade.

Program length: 48 months

Starting wage: approximately $15-27 an hour (varies by county)

Information obtained from: www.dir.ca.gov

As an apprentice, you will be assigned to work for an insulation contractor. During your apprenticeship, you will work side by side with experienced journeymen who understand the practical application and theory.

As you progress through each year of the program, the tasks you are assigned will become more complicated and your work will require less supervision. Gradually, your sense of pride, independence and self-confidence will grow as you accomplish increasingly difficult tasks with less assistance and instruction.

In addition, your earnings will be adjusted upward each year to reflect your advancing skills and increasing knowledge of the trade. The average starting wage for 1st year apprentices is 50% of the mechanics wage rate plus fringe benefits. In recent years, unionized insulation mechanics earned average wages of $22 per hour plus health insurance and pension plans.

When you are not at the jobsite, you will be attending classes taught by highly qualified instructors chosen for their extensive knowledge and expertise.

Upon completion of your apprenticeship, you will take an examination to demonstrate your mastery of the knowledge and skills you’ve been taught. Passage of this test is necessary to obtain journeyman status.

This is the apprenticeship experience, “practical – hands on” learning, backed up by excellent classroom instruction and course materials. And you won’t have to wait to complete your training to begin earning a living. You will earn while you learn, placing you on an immediate path toward economic security and stability.

Information obtained from:  www.insulators.org