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Become An Apprentice

NJBAC Apprenticeship Program Overview

Structure

  • The apprenticeship program follows a mandatory 12 week non-paid pre-training program (Monday-Friday).
  • After completing the pre-training program, the apprenticeship program begins and offers the combination of classroom instruction with on-the-job training.
  • The program lasts 2-4 years, depending on prior union experience.
  • Apprentices earn while they learn, starting at a percentage of journey worker wages and receiving increases as they progress and successfully pass skill-based tests.

Training Requirements

  • Classroom Instruction: minimum of 144 hours per year
  • On-the-Job Training: Up to 5,000 hours over the course of the 4 year program.
  • Certification: Upon completion, apprentices receive a nationally recognized certification from the U.S. Department of Labor and qualify to be a journeyman

Qualifications

  • Be 18 years old
  • Have obtained a high school diploma or GED
  • Have a valid NJ Driver’s license
  • Must have reliable motor vehicle
  • Must sign a drug testing agreement and pass a drug screening test
  • Must have a Social Security card and number
  • Must live in the Local 4 jurisdiction which includes the counties of Bergen, Essex, Hudson, Morris, Passaic, Sussex, Union, Warren, and parts of Somerset and Hunterdon Counties or must live in Local 5 jurisdiction which includes Cape May, Atlantic, Ocean, Monmouth, Mercer, Middlesex, Burlington, Camden, Gloucester, Cumberland and parts of Somerset and Hunterdon Counties
  • Must sign an essential functions form to understand work conditions associated with the role
  • Must sign a voluntary disability disclosure form
  • Must sign an apprentice agreement and policy statement
  • Must sign acknowledgement of the Apprenticeship policies and procedures

Essential Functions

  • Work with hand and power tools
  • Be exposed to loud noise, hazardous machinery, hazardous voltages and repertory irritants
  • Be able to wear respiratory and personal protective equipment (PPE) for prolonged periods of time
  • Prolonged standing, climbing, walking and repeated squatting, stretching and bending
  • Work in extreme heat, extreme cold, dusty and/or wet conditions
  • Lift and move up to 100 pounds of heavy equipment and supplies
  • Work from ladders, scaffolds, and personnel lifts exceeding 100 feet

Benefits

  • Earn while you learn
  • Gain practical skills and theoretical knowledge
  • Create a path toward a lifelong career
  • Become a federally-recognized journey worker
  • See benefits page for substantial coverage of benefits

How to Apply for Consideration to be an Apprentice for NJBAC

The application to the Apprenticeship Program of the New Jersey Bricklayers and Allied Craft Workers, Administrative District Council of New Jersey Apprenticeship Training and Educational Fund and other forms can be found on the website www.bacnj.com or can be picked up in person at the Local 4 location at 14 Plug Rd. Suite 1, Fairfield, NJ (Hours: Monday through Thursday 8:30am-2:00pm) or for Local 5, 3281 Route 206 Bordentown, NJ (Hours: Monday through Thursday from 8:30am-11:00am). For an application to be considered as submitted, all paperwork must be presented in person to the office.

There are three to four periods during the year when applications will be reviewed and interviews set up for candidates who have applied and have met qualifications and program requirements. Upon successful notification of acceptance after the interview, a date will be provided for the start of the 12 week non-paid pre-training program (Monday – Friday). Upon successful completion of the 12 week pre-training program, candidates will enter the formal apprenticeship program.

Apprenticeship programs in New Jersey's construction industry provide a structured pathway for individuals to enter skilled trades, combining practical experience with classroom learning to develop the next generation of construction professionals.