Program Specifics
There are two programs, each taking a different
timeframe to complete. Cement masons, three years;
plasterers, four years. There are different pay
ranges for each field. A cement mason apprentice
starts at approximately $13/hour and journey level
workers begin at more than $24/hour. A plasterer
apprentice begins at more than $12/hour and journey
level workers earn almost $24/hour. Additional
benefits like medical, dental and vision insurance
and a retirement pension increase the total wage
value. Applications are accepted March 1 through
October 31 from 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. and may be
obtained at the Plasterers & Cement Masons
Apprenticeship Training office at 1819 Hymer Ave. in
Sparks.
▲ All applicants must be at least 18 years of
age.
▲ Applicants should possess a high school diploma
or its equivalent before
journey
level worker status is granted. In addition,
apprentices must be able
to
read and write English.
▲ Applicants must be physically capable of
performing the essential functions
of
the apprenticeship program and subsequent work.
▲ Apprentices may be asked to pass a drug test as
a condition of
employment.
▲ The apprenticeship program offers equal
opportunity to all people regardless
of
race, age, color, gender, religion, nationality or
sexual orientation.
▲ A written test and oral interview are part of
the application process.
▲ Once accepted, an applicant remains on the list
for two years. The program
hopes
to accept up to 25 new apprentices each year.
▲ Classroom instruction is in two semesters, with
the first starting in February
and
the second beginning in September. Each semester is
for 10 Saturdays
for
a total of 144 hours a year.
▲ There is no cost for school. Books for cement
apprentices run
approximately
$150. There is no book charge for plasterers. Tools
for both
programs
run about $250.
▲ Apprentices must have a valid driver’s license
and reliable transportation as
a
condition of employment.
▲ Once indentured as an apprentice, the
apprentice is expected to become a
member
of the Plasterers & Cement Masons Union, the fees of
which are:
An initiation fee of $175 is paid as follows: $75 up
front with the
balance
being set up on as a payroll deduction.
Monthly dues are $7.
