Minnesota Teamsters Construction Apprenticeship Training Program

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

Application Process

Application Availability: Year-round

Steps:

1. Download apprenticeship application from website
2. Complete and submit application
3. Contact coordinator to confirm submission and interview scheduling
4. Attend interview in Duluth or Twin Cities metro area (exact dates available from coordinator)
5. If selected, complete required technical college training if mandated by committee
6. Begin apprenticeship placement

Required Materials:

• Completed application form
• High school diploma or GED documentation
• Valid Minnesota/Wisconsin driver's license
• DOT physical examination (conducted upon acceptance)
• Drug test (required upon acceptance)

Interview Details:

• Interviews conducted by JATC committee
• Evaluation includes assessment of experience and competence
• Locations: Duluth and Twin Cities metro area
• Exact dates available from coordinator

Contact for Details:

• Phone: 763-754-7878 (office) or 612-581-3430 (cell)