For many, apprenticeships offer the unique opportunity to learn a trade while also earning a paycheck. And for the most part, that is true. But there is so much more to an apprenticeship than meets the eye! That’s because an apprenticeship is more than just a job: it’s a path to a successful career.
Local 132 of Southern Ohio is a Plasterers and Cement Mason union that provides labor union support to plasters and cement masons throughout Ohio, Kentucky, and Indiana. We are committed to providing our members with the training and education they need to be successful in their careers — and for some, that starts with finding the right apprenticeship. Contact Local 132 if you have any questions about apprenticeships or our labor union support.
Definition of Apprenticeship
Training in an art, trade, or craft under a legal agreement that defines the duration and conditions of the relationship between the journey level person and the apprentice or learner. Once the agreement is complete, the apprentice becomes a journeyman.
These positions offer great pay and on-the-job training, with no previous experience or education necessary to become successful.
Applications for Apprenticeships
Training in an art, trade, or craft under a legal agreement that defines the duration and conditions of the relationship between the journey level person and the apprentice or learner. Once the agreement is complete, the apprentice becomes a journeyman.
These positions offer great pay and on-the-job training, with no previous experience or education necessary to become successful.
- Cincinnati: Call Andy Kitchens 513-616-5531 for Cement Masons or Kevin Gowsell 513-616-5678 for Plasterers
- Columbus: Call Rory Haines 614-496-5734 for Cement Masons or Kevin Gowsell 513-616-5678 for Plasterers
- Dayton: Call Greg West 937-604-6056 for Cement Masons or Kevin Gowsell 513-616-5678 for Plasterers
- Portsmouth: Call Chuck Dolen 606-922-3305 for Cement Masons or Kevin Gowsell 513-616-5678 for Plasterers
History of Apprenticeship
The term “Apprenticeship” dates back as early as 2000 BC with the Scriber of Egypt. Family members passed the skills from generation to generation. As tools become more complex, the domestic apprentice came into play. Children (usually males in the household) were indentured to a craftsman or artisan to learn a skill or trade. The child lived with the craftsman for room and board and learned a trade or occupation.
The child was indentured until the agreement between the parent and craftsman was met. Through the years there was limited opportunity for education and children were still expected to work in mills, mines, and textile factories. These children worked under dangerous and hazardous conditions and many times made less pay than the adult worker. There was no labor law and no adult supervision to protect these young workers.
The model of the domestic apprentice disappeared with the expansion of building and manufacturing during the Industrial Revolution (1750-1850). During the Industrial Revolution compensation in the form of defined wages, working hours, and child labor laws were established. As Apprenticeship continues to evolve, in 1937, Congress enacted the National Apprenticeship Act, known as the Fitzgerald Act. This Act resulted in more formalized regulations, controls, and safeguards for apprentices. The Act incorporated cooperation with the Secretary of Education and brought together employers and labor to develop and enforce regulations. The Act would include DOL regulations, required Safety measures and training, defined training requirements such as related technical instruction (RTI) and on-the-job training (OJT). In 1957 the DOL granted status to the State of Ohio, as a State Apprenticeship Agency. All apprentices are registered with the Ohio State Apprenticeship Council (OSAC). Apprenticeships have helped build America from its early colonial beginnings to the present day. Among early apprentices who went onto national distinction were George Washington (surveyor), Benjamin Franklin (printer) and Paul Revere (silversmith).
The Benefits of an Apprenticeship
If you’ve never considered an apprenticeship or heard of an apprenticeship, you’re not alone. Many people don’t know that apprenticeships exist in a wide range of industries, from construction and information technology to plastering and cement work. An apprenticeship is a great way to learn new skills and offers a variety of benefits to both apprentices and the businesses that hire them.
If you’ve never considered an apprenticeship or heard of an apprenticeship, you’re not alone. Many people don’t know that apprenticeships exist in a wide range of industries, from construction and information technology to plastering and cement work. An apprenticeship is a great way to learn new skills and offers a variety of benefits to both apprentices and the businesses that hire them.
- Provide a direct path to a good job and career
- Offer an equal opportunity for all
- Require no previous experience or education
- Can be completed in as little as two years
- Turn you into a journeyman in your trade of choice
- Set you up to earn a great wage, with excellent fringe benefits
- Allow you to retire with a pension
- Introduce you to top-notch training from experienced professionals
- Give you access to affordable healthcare and other benefits
Additionally, businesses that invest in apprenticeships reap the rewards of having a skilled labor force. According to the U.S. Department of Labor, apprenticeships create a pool of highly-skilled workers, reduce employee turnover rates, increase productivity and profitability, and more.
If you’re interested in starting an apprenticeship, the first step is to find a registered program. If you’re interested in a plastering or cement mason apprenticeship, Local 132 of Southern Ohio is here to provide you with the resources, support, and tools you need to be successful!
How to Know If an Apprenticeship Is Right for You
If you’re still on the fence about whether or not an apprenticeship is right for you, ask yourself the following questions:
- Do I want to learn a trade while also earning a paycheck?
- Am I interested in a plastering or cement mason career?
- Do I want to be set up for success with top-notch training from experienced professionals?
- Do I want to earn a good wage with excellent fringe benefits?
- Do I want to have access to affordable healthcare and other benefits?
If you answered yes to any of the above questions, then an apprenticeship might be right for you!
Join Local 132 of Southern Ohio
If you’re interested in starting an apprenticeship, Local 132 of Southern Ohio is the perfect place to start. We are dedicated to helping our union members and local workers get the support and tools they need to be successful. Contact us today to learn more about how we can help you achieve your goals or connect you with an apprenticeship opportunity!