Careers and Apprenticeships
A Career in the Construction Trades – the Sky’s the Limit!
If you’ve just graduated high school and are wondering what’s next, or you’re looking to get out from behind a counter or desk, there’s never been a better time to pursue a career in the building and construction industry.
Construction is booming across the Rochester region and so are career opportunities with Rochester’s most successful companies. We’ve got immediate openings for painters, carpenters, tile setters, stone masons, heavy-equipment operators, and more – hundreds of positions where creativity meets craftsmanship and where every day brings cool opportunities for you to earn while you learn and grow.
The local construction industry needs your energy, your passion, your drive. Now’s the time to consider a career that brings stability, growth and endless possibilities. A career where you’ll be in high demand for years to come. A career where you can be proud of the significant impact you’ll have on the places people live, work or play. A career where the sky’s the limit
Become A Union Construction Apprentice – A Great Place to Start
Whether you’ve got a knack for building things or no experience at all, we’ve got entry-level apprenticeships that can earn you up to $77 per hour in pay and benefits. As an apprentice, you’ll learn the skills you need to be successful now and for the future. At the same time, you’ll start opening doors to virtually limitless opportunities – including management positions if you’ve got the desire to lead.
What’s best, your membership in a union means you’ll be well taken care of when it comes to competitive wages, better benefits, work-life balance, career growth, safer workplaces, the best equipment and tools, and so much more.
If you can answer YES to the following questions, you are eligible for a union apprenticeship!
- Are you at least 18 years old?
- Do you have a Social Security Card and Birth Certificate?
- Did you graduate from high school with passing grades in math and English?
- Are you able to take a general aptitude test?
- Are you able to read and understand English and understand verbal instructions and warnings given in English?
- Have you lived in the Greater Rochester region for at least 6 months prior to applying?
- Are you willing and able to travel to and from job sites within the local’s jurisdiction?
- Are you willing and able to attend all related classroom training?
- Are you willing and able to pass a drug and alcohol test after acceptance into the program?
- Are you physically able to perform the work of the craft which may include lifting and climbing?
Local Unions
Check out the list below. It provides an excellent overview of just what you can expect to learn and earn should you decide to pursue a career in the construction trades.
Boilermakers
Boilermakers construct, assemble, maintain, and repair stationary steam boilers and boiler house auxiliaries. They align structures or plate sections to assemble boiler frame tanks or vats, following blueprints.
Work involves use of hand and power tools, plumb bobs, levels, wedges, dogs, or turnbuckles. They assist in testing assembled vessels. Direct cleaning of boilers and boiler furnaces, inspection and repair of boiler fittings, such as safety valves, regulators, automatic-control mechanisms, water columns, and auxiliary machines are all included in boilermakers repertoire.
Mean Annual Wages: $59,400 plus benefits
Contact:
Boilermakers Local Lodge #7
Michael Bogue
(716) 667-0861
bml5zone007@gmail.com
Bricklayers & Allied Craftworkers
Brick masons, block masons, and stone masons create attractive, durable surfaces and structures.
For thousands of years, these workers have built buildings, fences, roads, walkways, and walls using bricks, concrete blocks, and natural stone. The structures that they build will continue to be in demand for years to come. The work varies in complexity, from laying a simple masonry walkway to installing an ornate exterior on a high-rise building. These workers use their own perceptions and a variety of tools to ensure that the structure meets the desired standards.
Brick/Block/Stone Mason, Mason, Mason Apprentice, Cement Masons – Mean Annual Wages: $75,480
Tile and Marble Setters – Mean Annual Wages: $73,310
Cement Masons – Mean Annual Wages: $68,550
Plasterers – Mean Annual Wages: $76,790
Contact:
Bricklayers and Allied Craftsworkers Local #3
Arthur Miller (585) 641-0750
Carpenters
Carpenters are involved in many different kinds of construction, from the building of highways and bridges to the installation of kitchen cabinets.
Carpenters construct, erect, install, and repair structures and fixtures made from wood and other materials. Working from blueprints or instructions from supervisors, carpenters first do the layout – measuring, marking, and arranging materials – in accordance with local building codes. They cut and shape wood, plastic, fiberglass, or drywall using hand and power tools, such as chisels, planes, saws, drills, and sanders. They then join the materials with nails, screws, staples, or adhesives. In the last step, carpenters do a final check of the accuracy of their work with levels, rules, plumb bobs, framing squares, and surveying equipment, and make any necessary adjustments.
Mean Annual Wages: $63,050
Contact:
Rochester Carpenters Joint Apprenticeship Training
(585) 436-1110
Construction Laborers
Construction laborers can be found on almost all construction sites performing a wide range of tasks from the very easy to the potentially hazardous.
They can be found at building, highway, and heavy construction sites; residential and commercial sites; tunnel and shaft excavations; and demolition sites. Many of the jobs they perform require physical strength, training, and experience. While most construction laborers specialize in a type of construction, such as highway or tunnel construction, some are generalists who perform many different tasks during all stages of construction. Construction laborers, who work in underground construction, such as in tunnels, or in demolition are more likely to specialize in only those areas.
Mean Annual Wages: $42,000
Contact:
Laborers Local #435
Lori Sheldon, Apprenticeship Coordinator
(585) 546-8460
Finishers (Tapers)
A drywall finisher and taper plays a crucial role in preparing gypsum walls for painting, wallpapering, or other final treatments. After drywall panels are installed, it’s the finisher’s job to create a smooth, seamless surface by applying joint compound over the seams and screw holes. Using tape to reinforce joints, they build up multiple layers of compound, sanding between applications to eliminate imperfections. This meticulous process not only enhances the appearance of the finished wall but also strengthens the structure by preventing cracks and other damage over time.
The work of a drywall finisher is essential to achieving a high-quality final product. Their expertise is especially important in areas with natural lighting, where shadows can easily reveal flaws. Without their craftsmanship, the project would lack the refined finish that clients expect.
Mean Annual Wages: $49,357
Contact:
DC#4 Local 150
716-565-0303
info@dc4.org
dc4.org
District Council #4 Finishing Trades Institute
ftiwcny@dc4.org
Glaziers & Painters
Glaziers work in the Finishing Trades as industrial and commercial painters, drywall finishers, wall covers, glaziers, glassworkers, and billboard posters. They install glass in windows, skylights, store fronts, and display cases, or on surfaces, such as building fronts, interior walls, ceilings, and tabletops.
Painters specialize in painting walls, equipment, buildings, bridges, and other structural surfaces, using brushes, rollers, and spray guns. They may remove old paint to prepare surface prior to painting. Painters may mix colors or oils to obtain desired color or consistency.
Glaziers – Mean Annual Wages: $58,470
Painters – Mean Annual Wages: $51,960
Contact:
DC#4 Local 677 (Glaziers & Glassworkers)
716-565-0303
info@dc4.org
dc4.org
District Council #4 Finishing Trades Institute
ftiwcny@dc4.org
Insulators
Insulators install many different types of insulation materials for the thermal protection of hot and cold mechanical systems.
Insulating is performed in virtually every type of residential and commercial building in the country, as well as industrial plants, chemical facilities, nuclear as well as fossil fuel power plants, military facilities, schools, universities, strip malls and underground piping systems. Insulators apply insulating materials to pipes or ductwork, or other mechanical systems in order to help control and maintain temperature.
Mean Annual Wages: $86,200
Contact:
Heat and Frost Insulators and Allied Workers Union Local #26,
Apprenticeship Training Program
(585) 323-1620
Ironworkers
Ironworkers raise, place, and unite iron or steel girders, columns, and other structural members to form completed structures or structural frameworks.
May erect metal storage tanks and assemble prefabricated metal buildings. Alternate Titles: Structural Iron & Steel Workers, Iron Workers Apprentice, Journeyman Iron Worker
Mean Annual Wages: $87,510
Contact:
Ironworkers Local #33
Scott Gardner, Business Manager
(585) 288-2630
Millwrights
Millwrights install, dismantle, or move machinery and heavy equipment according to layout plans, blueprints, or other drawings.
Millwrights are skilled in the erection, installation, and maintenance of production and plant machinery. Millwright work includes tasks of rigging, precision leveling and alignment, building bases and, erecting machinery which may involve welding.
Mean Annual Wages: $68,660
Contact:
Millwrights Local #1163
Apprenticeship Training
(315) 949-7031
Operating Engineers/Equipment Operators
Operating Engineers and equipment operators operate one or several types of power construction equipment, such as motor graders, bulldozers, scrapers, compressors, pumps, derricks, shovels, tractors, or front-end loaders to excavate, move, and grade earth, erect structures, or pour concrete or other hard surface pavement. May also repair and maintain equipment in addition to other duties.
Mean Annual Wages: $74,660
Contact:
International Union of Operating Engineers, Local #158
Bill Gray, Director
(518) 431-1044
Plumbers, Pipefitters & Steamfitters
Most people are familiar with plumbers who come to their home to unclog a drain or install an appliance.
In addition to these activities, however, plumbers, pipefitters, and steamfitters install, maintain, and repair many different types of pipe systems, including municipal water treatment plants to residential, commercial, and public buildings.
Mean Annual Wages: $78,260
Contact:
Plumbing & Heating Joint Apprenticeship & Training Council
John Carpenter, Apprentice Training Coordinator
(585) 338-1280
Roofers
Roofers cover roofs of structures with shingles, slate, asphalt, aluminum, wood, or related materials. May spray roofs, sidings, and walls with material to bind, seal, insulate, or soundproof sections of structures.
Mean Annual Wages: $64,080
Contact:
United Union of Roofers, Waterproofers and Allied Workers Local #22
(585) 235-0080
22roofer@gmail.com
Sheet Metal Workers
Sheet metal workers make, install, and maintain heating, ventilation, and air-conditioning duct systems; roofs; siding; rain gutters; downspouts; skylights; restaurant equipment; outdoor signs; railroad cars; tailgates; customized precision equipment; and many other products made from metal sheets.
They also may work with fiberglass and plastic materials. Although some workers specialize in fabrication, installation, or maintenance, most do all three jobs. Sheet metal workers do both construction-related work and mass production of sheet metal products in manufacturing.
Mean Annual Wages: $66,170
Contact:
Sheet Metal Workers Local #46
Mark Miller, Training Coordinator
(585) 647-3200
Sprinkler Fitter
Sprinkler Fitters work on installation, repair, and maintenance of fire sprinkler systems as part of a fire protection system.
They work in a variety of buildings such as mutli-family residential units, commercial buildings, hospitals, schools, powerplants, and factories. Data shown for sprinkler fitter is part of plumbers, pipefitters, steamfitters and sprinkler fitters information.
Mean Annual Wages: $78,260
Contact:
Road Sprinkler Fitters Local 669
Joint Apprenticeship Training Program
(410) 312-5202
UNiCON – TRACS Pre-Apprenticeship Program
A Great Place to Start
TRACS (Training Rochester Adults in Construction Skills) is a pre-apprenticeship program, offered by UNiCON, designed to provide interested individuals the basics of a union construction career. In partnership with the North American Building Trades Union (NABTU), TRACS is an eight-week program teaching Trades Futures Multi-Craft Core Curriculum (MC3) in nine key areas:
- Construction Industry Orientation
- Tools & Materials
- Construction Health & Safety
- Basic Math for Construction
- Heritage of the American Worker
- Diversity in the Construction Industry
- Green Construction
- Financial Literacy
Interested?
Please complete this Online Application.
Questions?
Contact Jasmine Gelsomino at jgelsomino@uniconrochester.com or
(585) 288-3440.