Decades ago, our union members voted to divert money from their own paychecks in order to build state-of-the-art training facilities to provide hands on work experience for apprentices and continuing education for journeymen and women. Since then, our member unions have invested $30 million in buildings and state-of-the-art equipment for our apprenticeship training centers, and over $10 million annually for operations and maintenance ($6,000-8,000 per apprentice). Without a dime of public money, we have developed what we believe is the best trained, most highly skilled construction workforce in the world, right here in Oregon.

The apprenticeship programs offered by OSBCTC’s member unions build upon generations of practices and traditions handed down from one tradesperson to the next. OSBCTC believes that not everyone is meant to attend a four-year university or college and skilled trades are a great way to earn a living wage. We back that up through our commitment to apprentices learning the tools of their trade while earning a wage. Our program allows apprentices to learn on the job and in the classroom, all the while earning wages until they become certified tradesmen and women.

When you join the apprenticeship programs of any of our 21 member unions, not only will you gain valuable skills to lead you to new heights, you become part of an organization with an extensive and respected tradition. One of the ways our member unions demonstrate this tradition is by making safety our first and primary concern. Due to the training and expertise of our members, our safety record is much higher than those of non-union, unskilled contractors. This commitment to the continued health of our workforce is a source of great pride for our organization.

Contact one of the programs below to find out more information about apprenticeship programs in your area.