Continuing education has been a long standing tradition here at James CRAFT & Son, Inc. Our company has had its own state approved apprenticeship program since the mid 1970’s. Our tradition of continuing education carries on as we plan for our 2012 Application Process that will open in June.
Over the years I have had the opportunity to speak on behalf of our Apprenticeship Program to various groups from grade school and high school students to anxious parents and adults looking for a career change. My first question is always “Does anyone know what an apprenticeship program is?” Most of the time I get a lot of blank stares but every now and again some one will say “Does that mean we get paid to learn?”
It sure does!
The fundamentals are learned in the classroom through book work, hands on activities and instructor lectures. Apprenticeship instructors are unique. Many of them are still actively involved in their trades and work a full time job on top of their teaching. The rest have recently retired from their trade and are looking for a way to give back.
Tuition for these classes is paid for by James Craft & Son, Inc. We also pay for your books!!!
In total, our apprentices will spend approximately four years working for their journeyman’s card. It’s hard work, requiring around 8,000 hours of on the job training and another 575 hours in the classroom. And none of that includes the time spent working on homework and studying for exams.
So what do we look for in our future apprentices?
- A High School Diploma or GED
- Good Attendance in School
- Good Grades in construction related classes such as Math, Communications, Drafting, Metal or Wood Technologies, etc.
- Construction Related Work Experience
- Men and Women who are eager to work hard and are ready to learn
Our Apprenticeship Application Process will begin June 4th. Check back later this month for more information.