Minnesota Teamsters Construction Apprenticeship Training Program

Minnesota Teamsters Construction Apprenticeship Training Program

Funder: Teamsters Local 120

Geographic Scope: Minnesota, Wisconsin, and union jurisdiction areas

Focus: Training individuals to operate construction equipment including dump trucks, belly trucks, water trucks, cement trucks, and road repair equipment

Eligibility Requirements

• Minimum Age: 18 years old
• Education: High school graduate or GED diploma required
• Physical Requirements: Must be physically fit to perform construction equipment operation work and pass a DOT physical examination (includes drug test upon acceptance)
• Driver's License: Valid Minnesota or Wisconsin driver's license with clean driving record for past 3 years required

Program Structure

• Duration: 2 years total
• Classroom Training: 180 hours per year (360 hours total) plus rodeo training
• On-the-Job Training: Minimum 2,000 hours required
• Probationary Period: Not more than 500 hours, not extending over 4 months
• Training Location: Dakota Technical College
• Job Referrals: All apprentice jobs referred by union in ranking order

Work Requirements

• Transportation: Apprentices responsible for own transportation to work anywhere in union jurisdiction
• Work Hours: Variable, can include days or nights, ranging 8-15 hour shifts
• Starting Wage: 60% of journeyworker wage
• Wage Increases: 10% raise per 500 hours worked
• Full Journeyworker Status: After 2,000 hours on the job

Selection Process

• Applications accepted year-round
• All applicants meeting minimum qualifications placed in eligibility pool
• Interview, evaluation, and scoring by JATC committee
• Committee evaluates experience and competence; may require up to 50 hours technical college training
• Number of apprentices selected based on industry needs
• Applicants placed in apprenticeship positions by ranking order
• Non-selected applicants remain on eligibility list for 2 years
• Interviews held in Duluth and Twin Cities metro area

Contact Information

• Coordinator: George McMahon, Apprenticeship Coordinator
• Office Phone: 763-754-7878
• Cell Phone: 612-581-3430
• Mailing Address: P.O. Box 48157, Coon Rapids, MN 55448
• Email: mnteamsterapprenticeship@hotmail.com