Job prospects are hot for careers in construction. In Southern California, 9,400 jobs were added in March 2019, the most of any sector. That was followed by an April of even more notable gains. In fact, data from the U.S. Department of Labor shows employment of construction laborers and helpers is projected to grow faster than the average for all occupations. 

Southern California Partnership for Jobs (SCPFJ) represents more than 90,000 union workers throughout Southern California’s 12 counties. Its alliances with organized labor and construction management professionals serve to rebuild both the state’s economy and construction workforce. To address skilled workforce shortages in the building and construction industry SCPFJ advocates for expanded access to in-demand career training programs and apprenticeship opportunities.

Programs for Carpenters

The Southwest Regional Council of Carpenters (SWRCC) is committed to supporting members, apprentices and journeymen alike, in their pursuit of excellence. With a network of 17 state-of-the-art training centers across six states, SWRCC transfers the skills and knowledge of experienced instructors to union members using cutting-edge, hands-on training. In the Southwest, skills training is a top priority because ensuring access to highly qualified and experienced carpenters helps keep contractors competitive. Being the best in the business means members understand the importance of doing the job right. 

Laborers Apprenticeship

The Laborers Training & Retraining Trust Fund administrates the apprenticeship program for Construction Craft Laborer, Laborers Cement Mason and Laborers Landscape & Irrigation Fitter. Applicants who are at least 18 years of age and physically able to perform the work of the trade are encouraged to apply to become a skilled individual in all aspects of a trade. Apprentices receive a paycheck in addition to the hours of on-the-job training toward certification.

Operating Engineer Apprenticeship

Operating Engineers Training Trust Local 12 (OETT) provides resources to train people to operate, maintain and repair heavy construction equipment such as dozers, scrapers, compactors, backhoes, motor graders and more. Operating Engineers also perform work as plant operators for rock plants and dredging equipment, and they act as special inspectors verifying the quality of construction work. They operate heavy construction equipment on high-rise buildings, roads and freeways, residential developments, dams, waterways, airports, and underground tunnels. OETT encourages individuals to submit an application prior to reaching the age of 18, but acceptance into the program will not occur until the age of 18.

Take the first step

Those considering a career in construction may have years of work experience elsewhere or may be a high school student without a day in the workforce. For any and all applicants, making the decision to be trained as a skilled professional is the first step toward an occupation which can become much more than just a job, but a promising and rewarding career. For more information please visit https://rebuildsocal.org/careers/

About John Hakel

John Hakel is the Executive Director at Southern California Partnership for Jobs.  A Partnership comprised of 2750 constructions firms who employ more than 90,000 union workers in the 12 counties of Southern California.  Their mission is to engage elected officials and educate the public on the need for continued infrastructure funding creating thousands of career constructions jobs in our communities.