EXPLORE

THE TRADES

Union apprenticeships have different specific requirements and guidelines for application. In general, applicants must have a GED or high school diploma, be 18 years of age at time of application, have proof of U.S. Citizenship, have reliable transportation and a strong work ethic.

ASBESTOS ABATEMENT WORKERS

Established in 1991, The Asbestos Workers of Regional Local 207 is the newest labor union dedicated to providing union labor for the hazardous materials industry. Members are trained and certified in all facets of hazardous material handling including asbestos, lead, and hazmat.

BOILERMAKERS

Construction and repair of utility plants, chemical plants, automotive plants, refineries, paper and steel manufacturing facilities, ore processing and mine plants throughout the entire State of Michigan.

BRICKLAYERS & RESTORATION WORKERS

Construct walls, partitions, fireplaces, chimneys and other structures from brick. Use other masonry materials such as concrete, cinder or gypsum block; pre-cast panels made of brick, cement, tile, stone, marble, structural tile, or terra-cotta. Install the brick linings of industrial kilns and furnaces and masonry restoration and repair.

CARPENTERS

Carpenters erect a building's wood frame, including subflooring, sheathing, partitions, floor joists, studs and rafters. They install heavy timbers, build forms, erect scaffolding and install molding, wood paneling, cabinets, window sashes, door frames, doors, hardware, build stairs, and lay floors. In addition, as part of their job, carpenters saw, fit and assemble plywood, wallboard and many other materials. Within carpentry, floor layers install carpeting, hardwood flooring, decorative flooring, soft tiles and "linoleum type" products made of vinyl and rubber is the work of floor layers. Lathers install all sorts of modern equipment and material in commercial buildings - acoustical ceilings, raised floors for computers, metal framing, wall partitions, and office furniture systems, just to name a few.

CEMENT MASONS

Finish the exposed concrete surfaces on many types of construction projects. These projects range from small jobs, such as finishing patios, floors and sidewalks, to work on dams, concrete highways, foundations and walls of buildings, and airport runways.

CONSTRUCTION CRAFT LABORERS

Laborers have common knowledge of all work performed by building tradespeople, for they are the tenders or helpers in the industry. They are divided into four general categories. Commercial may tend mason, place concrete, work with operators in site preparation, tend carpenters, clean up site. Highway may lay sewer and water mains, check road grade for operators, place concrete and asphalt, break and remove old concrete. Underground works as a pipe layer, tail man, top man installing sewer, water and gas lines. Industrial Construction involves new construction, remodeling and demolition in factory type buildings.

DRYWALL FINISHERS/TAPERS

Apply drywall taping compounds and tape to wall surfaces, making finished walls in preparation for painters, paperhangers, carpenters, and tile layers.

ELECTRICAL WORKERS

Lay-out, assemble, install and test electrical fixtures, apparatus, high voltage, medium voltage and low voltage electrical systems. Install and connect electrical machinery, equipment, controls, signal and communication systems, fire alarm, instrumentation, security and Audio Visual systems, switches, conduits, circuit breakers, wires, lights and other electrical components.

ELEVATOR CONSTRUCTORS

Handle installation, repair, and maintenance of elevators, escalators, moving walks, dumbwaiters, shuttles, temporary elevators, private residence elevators, man-lifts and all types of handicap lifts and stair climbers.

GLAZIERS AND GLASSWORKERS

Install glass and aluminum building components in new construction, residential and remodeling projects.

HEAT & FROST INSULATORS

Includes application of insulation, wrapping pipes and tanks for heat, frost and condensation insulation in industrial settings (factories, power plants, etc.).

IRON WORKERS

Structural Iron Workers assemble, erect and install fabricated iron sections. Ornamental Iron Workers install metal stairways, window walls and sashes, doors, gates, fences, railings, etc. Reinforcing Iron Workers are employed wherever reinforced concrete is used in the construction of such things as buildings, freeways, bridges and drainage channels. Special Building Erectors erect pre-engineered buildings. Rigging and Machinery Movers load, unload, move and set machinery, equipment and material using cranes, derricks, forklifts or by hand, utilizing a series of blocks and tackle.

MILLWRIGHTS

Millwrights are construction mechanics with skills in moving, leveling, aligning and installing large machinery. Also part of the Millwright's scope is rigging, erecting, splicing of belts, cleaning, lubricating and replacing gears, and fabrication and installation of conveyor systems, turbines and generators, automated systems and welding. Millwrights also repair all of the above systems as well as install them.

OPERATING ENGINEERS

Operate and maintain heavy and portable construction equipment. Work includes operation and maintenance of construction equipment such as bulldozers, graders, cranes, scrapers, loaders, asphalt plants, rollers and pumps, etc., on all types of projects. The Operating Engineer is generally employed in the building of highways, airports, buildings, sewers, waterways and stadiums.

PAINTERS

Prepare the surfaces of buildings and other structures and then apply paint, varnish, enamel, lacquer, and similar materials to these surfaces.

PIPEFITTERS, REFRIGERATION, & AIR CONDITIONING SERVICE

Install both high and low -pressure pipes that carry hot water, steam and other liquids and gases, especially those in industrial and commercial buildings.

PLASTERERS

Finish interior walls and ceilings by using a one, two or three-coat system over interior lathe. Install insulated finish systems, apply stucco to exterior walls and ceilings and soundproof and fireproof buildings. Create specialized molds and can have a major role in renovating historic buildings.

PLUMBERS

Alter, repair, maintain and install plumbing systems, plumbing fixtures and appliances, water distribution and waste disposal systems. Install the medical gas systems in health care facilities.

ROOFERS & WATERPROOFERS

All types of commercial buildings, from the small corner store to the huge "square miles" of automotive plants, buildings ranging in height from one story to the tallest 100 story skyscrapers. Install a wide variety of roofing materials, generally on flat roofs. The roofs are generally made up of hot tar, hot asphalt, modified bitumen, or rubber membrane.

SHEET METAL WORKERS

Make, install and maintain air-conditioning, heating, ventilation and pollution control duct systems; roofs, siding; rain gutters and downspouts; skylights; restaurant equipment; outdoor signs; and other building parts and products made from metal sheets. Work with fiberglass and plastic materials. Although some workers specialize in fabrication, installation or maintenance, most do all three jobs.

SPRINKLER FITTERS

Install fire suppression systems of all types including wet and dry, carbon dioxide and foam. Work in both commercial and residential buildings. Work includes unloading, handling and installing piping, tubing and related materials. Install overhead and underground water mains, fire hydrant mains and hydrant mains, standpipes and hose connections, sprinkler tank heaters, air lines and thermal systems connected to sprinkler and alarm systems.

TEAMSTERS

The Teamsters are known as the champion of freight drivers and warehouse workers, but have organized workers in virtually every occupation imaginable, both professional and non-professional, private sector and public sector.

TILE, MARBLE, & TERRAZZO MASONS

Construct walls, partitions, fireplaces, swimming pools and other structures from tile, marble and terrazzo. Use other materials such as cement, epoxy, tile, stone, marble, terrazzo and terra cotta.

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