Photo: Plumbers & Steamfitters Local 486
Investing in our Communities
The construction unions serving the Mid-Atlantic are more than just builders — we are partners in progress. Through world-class apprenticeship programs and local hiring initiatives, we are creating pathways to high-quality careers while strengthening the communities where we live and work.
Our commitment to excellence is reflected in the millions of dollars and thousands of hours our affiliated unions invest annually in apprenticeship training.
Photo: Carpenters Local 197
Training the Workforce of Tomorrow
Our commitment to excellence is reflected in the millions of dollars and thousands of hours our affiliated unions invest annually in apprenticeship training. All with apprentices getting paid while they learn.
Combined, apprentices with affiliates of our labor council complete the following each year:
- Tens of thousands of hours of classroom instruction, learning from highly skilled, journey-level professionals. While details vary by trade, apprentices typically attend classes one day or evening per week.
- Nearly 3 million hours of on-the-job training, gaining real-world experience working with journey-level mentors on active construction sites.
This rigorous, debt-free education ensures that our region has a workforce ready to meet the demands of a growing economy.
It also comes at no cost to taxpayers. Union apprenticeship programs are jointly funded and managed by union/employer partnerships.
Prioritizing Local Hiring
We believe that the best way to build strong communities is to invest in the people who call them home. Our unions prioritize local hiring, helping ensure that residents have opportunities to construct the schools, hospitals, roads, and infrastructure that their families rely on every day. This approach both strengthens local economies and fosters community pride in every project we undertake.Earn While You Learn — No Student Debt
Our earn-while-you-learn model means apprentices gain valuable, hands-on experience while receiving competitive wages and benefits from day one. Unlike traditional higher education, our programs leave graduates with zero student debt, setting them up for a lifetime of financial stability.Building a Better Future for the Mid-Atlantic
From transportation networks to public facilities, union construction workers are behind the critical projects that keep our region moving forward. Whether it’s building schools, modernizing transit systems, or upgrading power grids, our skilled workforce plays a vital role in shaping the future of the Mid-Atlantic. By investing in training, creating career opportunities, and building the essential infrastructure our communities need, our construction unions are laying the foundation for a stronger, more prosperous future for everyone.
Photo: Operating Engineers Local 99