FAQs

Our apprenticeship program is 4 Years, consisting of 8000-OJT (on-the-job training) hours and 800 related instruction hour (in the classroom). Classes are held 5 times a year at the training center located in Albuquerque, NM. Each class is held Monday-Friday starting at 7:00 am to 3:30 pm. Class attendance is mandatory and apprentices may be compensated for attending classes. It is vital for Apprentices to attend class in order to advance and receive their scheduled pay raises.

Available jobs include welding, shop layout and fabrication craftsman, HVAC system design and installation technician, computer aided drafting, test and balance technician, HVAC service technician. As experience is gained, supervisory positions may become available.

Jobs are available across the entire state of New Mexico as well as parts of Western areas of Texas, which include Lubbock, Amarillo, El Paso, and the surrounding areas.

Apprentices pay no tuition and get to “earn while they learn”.

The current starting wage for a Pre-Apprentice in New Mexico is $15.19. Wage will vary in West Texas.

The current starting wage for a 1st year (1.0) Apprentice under the NM Collective Bargaining Agreement is $18.75/hour, with fringe benefits paid by employers. Wages increase upon successful completion of each semester in the program.

The starting wage for 1st year (1.0) Apprentice under the Lubbock/Amarillo Collective Bargaining Agreement is $13.66/hour, with fringe benefits paid by employers. Wages increase upon successful completion of each semester in the program.

Apprenticeship training is available to anyone living in New Mexico or the West Texas panhandle who meet the application requirements.

We do not make reservations or provide a hotel room for you. We do have special rates and arrangements that we will provide you with upon request. You will need to make your own reservations and will receive a subsistence allowance if you meet the requirements.

Employment is dependent on the current demand for employees in the construction industry located in New Mexico and parts of West Texas to include: Lubbock, Amarillo, El Paso and the surrounding areas.

YES. Apprentices are required to attend class 5 times a year for 40 hours a week each time. Failure to attend class will not only prevent apprentices from advancing but can also result in termination from the apprenticeship program.

There is no cost to you for classroom training.

After you have successfully completed the apprenticeship application process, you will be placed on our applicant list based on when you completed your application. You will receive a job call from us with an offer of employment once we reach your name on the list. Failure to return the call within the 10-minute grace period, means that you will be passed over and the next applicant will be called out.

All applicants for the apprenticeship program are not required to be a high school graduate or have received their GED certificate. However we do encourage you to complete High School or get your GED. If you have a Diploma or GED, you will be asked to provide a copy during the application process.

YES. You will need to get the proper paperwork from your VA office. We will verify your apprenticeship with us.

YES. You will need to provide a copy of all applicable certifications and a verification of the hours worked. We will then setup an prior experience skills test for you to take.

All Applicants must be 17 years of age or older.

A Pre-apprentice is an individual who accepts a job call for a pre-apprentice. As a pre-apprentice you will receive a reduced wage rate of $15.19 in NM, rates vary for West Texas.