What being a Laborer is about
A Laborer must have a sound understanding of all work performed by building tradespersons because they are the tender of the industry and most commonly tend to brick masons, plasterers, carpenters, and operating engineers. They’re one of the first trades on the construction site assisting in the clearing and preparation of the site using compacting equipment. They also dig trenches, erect scaffolding, assist in demolition, install sewers, set braces, mix concrete, or tend to machines that mix or pump concrete and cement. Laborers operate and maintain numerous power tools such as the concrete vibrator, chipping hammer, tamping machine, jackhammer, power grinder, sod cutter, trenching machine, and various saws. The Laborer is exposed to all weather conditions and at times works in undesirable and hazardous conditions such as extreme heights or extreme depths hundreds of feet under the ground. The job is physically demanding and requires large amounts of lifting, carrying, loading and unloading.
General Qualifications
- Age 18 or older
- Minimum Education: High School Diploma or GED-if applicant has not completed high school or equivalent, the applicant must, if accepted into the program, pursue his or her GED within the first year of the program.
- Valid Driver’s License
- Must be able to pass drug screen
- Good physical condition and manual dexterity.
- Recommended High School Classes: General Math, Mechanical Drawing, Blue Print Reading, Small Engine Repair, Wood Shop.
Laborer Apprenticeship Program
- Applicant must provide high school diploma or GED, birth certificate, valid driver’s license, and social security card to the personal interview.
- Length of Indentureship (Apprenticeship): 4 years
- 11 weeks of classroom/hands on training
- 4 weeks off-site training per year at the Indiana Laborer’s Training facility
- 1,000 hours of on-the-job training is required