OUR APPRENTICES

Apprenticeship is a promise for an exciting and challenging career in construction – and a chance to make a difference in our schools, hospitals, roads, homes, playgrounds, shopping malls and more!


Apprenticeship provides you the opportunity to “earn while you learn” with a master craft worker! While you are an apprentice your wages will increase based on your success – as your skills and knowledge improve, so will your income!

Supervision: Journey level on-the-job supervisors are technically competent to train apprentices and assist the apprentices to learn all facets of the trade. Our journey workers are mentors to our apprentices! Our firms are dedicated to providing a safe and productive on-the-job training experience.

How do you get started? The Alliance seeks apprentice candidates with a strong work ethic, a team-player attitude, a willingness to learn and a commitment to excellence. If you meet the minimum requirements, contact the Alliance now!

Recruitment: All apprentice applicants must complete an online application in its entirety according to the policies established by the Alliance. All apprentices must pass a drug screen as a condition of enrollment. Women and minorities are strongly encouraged to apply!


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Laborers - All Regions

As a Skilled Construction Craft Laborer Apprentice with Merit Apprenticeship Alliance, you will be provided on-the-job training (OJT) and related instruction in the Laborer trade.  The on-the-job training involves physical labor in heavy highway, building and environmental construction tasks. 

Basic knowledge of materials, methods and tools of construction are helpful.   

Through a combination of on-the-job training and related instruction, the apprentice will learn how to: 

  • Participate in site/project preparation and maintenance 
  • Clean a construction site to eliminate possible hazards 
  • Participate in the operation and care of tools and equipment 
  • Erect and disassemble scaffolding, shoring, braces and other temporary structures 
  • Load and unload trucks and haul and hoist materials 
  • Signal equipment operators to move machinery, equipment and materials 
  • Tend pumps, compressors and generators to provide power for tools and equipment 
  • Install utility, sewer and pipe construction 
  • Perform road construction activities involving asphalt, concrete and concrete supports, highway signs, guard rails and landscaping 
  • Work in excavations (with weather protection), fencing and masonry operations.  

Classroom training (related instruction) is provided during the off-season.  Supplemental unemployment insurance may be available when completing classroom training.  

Candidates must be a minimum of 18 years of age, and have a valid driver’s license.  In addition, apprentices must provide their own reliable transportation to and from jobs sites and all classroom training (related instruction). Apprentices must be willing to travel for the purpose of successfully completing related instruction and on-the-job training through employment assignments. 

Selected individuals must, as a condition of entry into the program, pass a drug screen, and will be subject to random drug testing in compliance with our commitment to our drug-free policy.  

Applicants must have their own reliable transportation and be willing to travel for the purpose of successfully completing on-the-job training through employment assignments and to related instruction classes.  

Wages: $17 per hour (for private work) in the first apprenticeship term.  Wages increase based on the apprentice’s completion of on-the-job and classroom training.  Wages for “public work” are approximately 20% higher.  

The Alliance provides apprentices with a Benefit Trust which includes an automatic 5% 401(k) contribution on fringe supplement deposits, health insurance, vacation/sick time and supplemental unemployment insurance.

Ironworker - Eastern NY

As an Ironworker Apprentice with Merit Apprenticeship Alliance, you will be provided on-the-job training in the ironworking trade and perform tasks in building, highway and heavy construction projects. 

Basic knowledge of materials, methods and tools of construction are helpful.  Welding experience a plus.   

Through a combination of on-the-job training and related instruction, the apprentice will learn how to: 

  • Operate hand and power tools involved in rigging, cabling, bolting, reinforcing steel, welding and a variety of other equipment. 
  • Install reinforcing bars and steel mesh to strengthen concrete structures and roadways 
  • Assemble and install fabricated structural metal products for industrial, commercial, and large residential buildings 
  • Weld and bolt structural steel for buildings and bridges 
  • Construct and install fencing, guard rails and protective structures 
  • Rig heavy machinery & equipment for hoisting 
  • Construct window wall and curtain wall exteriors 

Classroom training (related instruction) is provided.  Supplemental unemployment insurance may be available when attending classroom training. 

Candidates must be a minimum of 18 years of age, possess a high school diploma or equivalent, and have a valid driver’s license.  In addition, apprentices must provide their own reliable transportation to and from jobs sites and all classroom training (related instruction). Apprentices must be willing to travel for the purpose of successfully completing related instruction and on-the-job training through employment assignments. 

Wages: $17 per hour (on private work) in the first term.  Wages increase based on the apprentice's successful completion of on-the-job and classroom training.  Wages on "public work" are approximately 20% higher. 

The Alliance provides apprentices with a Benefit Trust which includes an automatic 5% 401(k) contribution on fringe supplement deposits, health insurance, vacation/sick time and supplemental unemployment insurance.   

Candidates must complete an online application for consideration.   

Operator - Eastern NY

As a  Heavy Equipment Operator Apprentice with Merit Apprenticeship Alliance, you will be provided on-the-job training (OJT) and related instruction in the Heavy Equipment Operator trade. The on-the-job training involves physical labor and heavy equipment tasks on building, highway and heavy construction projects. 

Prior construction experience is helpful. 

Through a combination of on-the-job training and classroom instruction, the apprentice will learn how to safely perform pre and post - operational checks, operate and maintain the following equipment: 

  •         Rollers and Compacting Machines 
  •         Graders 
  •         Bulldozers 
  •         Tractors, Loader 
  •         Trenching Machine 
  •         Shovels & Backhoes
  •         Pumps 
  •         Pavers (gutter, concrete) 
  •         Concrete saws, pavement breakers 
  •         Concrete, stone, asphalt spreaders, screed and finishing machines 
  •         Pumps, sewer pumps and related equipment. 

Classroom training (related instruction) is provided during the off-season. Supplemental unemployment insurance may be available when completing classroom training. 

Candidates must be a minimum of 18 years of age, possess a high school diploma or equivalent, and have a valid driver’s license.  In addition, apprentices must provide their own reliable transportation to and from jobs sites and all classroom training (related instruction). Apprentices must be willing to travel for the purpose of successfully completing related instruction and on-the-job training through employment assignments. 

Selected individuals must, as a condition of entry into the program, pass a drug screen, and will be subject to random drug testing in compliance with our commitment to our drug-free policy.  

Wages: $17 per hour (on private work) in the first term.  Wages increase based on the apprentice's successful completion of on-the-job and classroom training.  Wages on "public work" are approximately 20% higher. 

The Alliance provides apprentices with a Benefit Trust which includes an automatic 5% 401(k) contribution on fringe supplement deposits, health insurance, vacation/sick time and supplemental unemployment insurance.   

Carpenter - Eastern NY

As a Carpenter Apprentice with Merit Apprenticeship Alliance, you will be provided on-the-job training (OJT) and related instruction in the Carpentry trade.  The on-the-job training involves physical labor and performance of tasks on building, highway and heavy construction projects. 

Basic knowledge of materials, methods and tools of construction are helpful.   

Through a combination of on-the-job training and related instruction, the apprentice will learn how to: 

  • Operate measuring and woodworking hand and power tools of all types 
  • Build and place straight concrete forms, irregular forms and footings 
  • Frame floors, walls, roofs, stairs, and scaffolding on both residential and heavy construction projects 
  • Construct batter boards, partitions, doors, and windows; box out concrete walls, stairs and roofs 
  • Install outside finish materials. Layout and install doors, jambs, windows, exterior trim and hardware, apply insulation, finish gable ends, install gutters and construct and set columns 
  • Fit, sand and install interior doors and windows, apply trim, install acoustics and drywall, weld (as it applies to the trade) and install plastics and resilients 
  • Perform rigging and signaling; understand materials and blue prints 

Classroom training (related instruction) is provided during the off-season. Supplemental unemployment insurance may be available when completing classroom training. 

Candidates must be a minimum of 18 years of age, possess a high school diploma or equivalent, and have a valid driver’s license.  In addition, apprentices must provide their own reliable transportation to and from jobs sites and all classroom training (related instruction). Apprentices must be willing to travel for the purpose of successfully completing related instruction and on-the-job training through employment assignments. 

Selected individuals must, as a condition of entry into the program, pass a drug screen, and will be subject to random drug testing in compliance with our commitment to our drug-free policy.  

Wages: $17 per hour (on private work) in the first term.  Wages increase based on the apprentice's successful completion of on-the-job and classroom training.  Wages on "public work" are approximately 20% higher. 

The Alliance provides apprentices with a Benefit Trust which includes an automatic 5% 401(k) contribution on fringe supplement deposits, health insurance, vacation/sick time and supplemental unemployment insurance.   

Cement Mason - New Jersey

As a Cement Finisher/Mason Apprentice with Merit Apprenticeship Alliance, you will be provided on-the-job training (OJT) and related instruction in the Cement Finisher/Mason trade.  The on-the-job training involves physical labor in heavy highway, building and environmental construction tasks. Basic knowledge of materials, methods and tools of construction are helpful.    

Through a combination of on-the-job training and related instruction, the apprentice will learn how to:  

  •  Level and set screeds 
  • Rod and tamp concrete 
  • Drying and dewatering techniques 
  • Join and edge 
  • Float and trowel
  • Apply special effects 
  • Finish and wash concrete 
  • Patch and grind concrete
  • Running base and curbs 
  • Install sills, steps, stairs and sidewalks 
  • Stakes, grades and forms 

Classroom training (related instruction) is provided during the off-season.  Supplemental unemployment insurance may be available when completing classroom training.  

Candidates must be a minimum of 18 years of age, and have a valid driver’s license.  In addition, apprentices must provide their own reliable transportation to and from jobs sites and all classroom training (related instruction). Apprentices must be willing to travel for the purpose of successfully completing related instruction and on-the-job training through employment assignments.  

Selected individuals must, as a condition of entry into the program, pass a drug screen, and will be subject to random drug testing.   

Applicants must have their own reliable transportation and be willing to travel for the purpose of successfully completing on-the-job training through employment assignments and to related instruction classes.  

Wages: $17  per hour (for private work) in the first apprenticeship term.  Wages increase based on the apprentice’s completion of on-the-job and classroom training.  Wages for “public work” are approximately 20% higher.  

The Alliance provides apprentices with a Benefit Trust which includes an automatic 5% 401(k) contribution on fringe supplement deposits, health insurance, vacation/sick time and supplemental unemployment insurance. t Mason - New Jersey

As a Cement Finisher/Mason apprentice with Merit Apprenticeship Alliance, you will be provided on-the-job training (OJT) and related instruction in the Cement Finisher/Mason trade.  The on-the-job training involves physical labor in heavy highway, building and environmental construction tasks. Basic knowledge of materials, methods and tools of construction are helpful.    

Through a combination of on-the-job training and related instruction, the apprentice will learn how to:  

  •  Level and set screeds 
  • Rod and tamp concrete 
  • Drying and dewatering techniques 
  • Join and edge 
  • Float and trowel 
  • Apply special effects 
  • Finish and wash concrete 
  • Patch and grind concrete 
  • Running base and curbs 
  • Install sills, steps, stairs and sidewalks 
  • Stakes, grades and forms 

 Classroom training (related instruction) is provided during the off-season.  Supplemental unemployment insurance may be available when completing classroom training.  

Candidates must be a minimum of 18 years of age, and have a valid driver’s license.  In addition, apprentices must provide their own reliable transportation to and from jobs sites and all classroom training (related instruction). Apprentices must be willing to travel for the purpose of successfully completing related instruction and on-the-job training through employment assignments.  

Selected individuals must, as a condition of entry into the program, pass a drug screen, and will be subject to random drug testing.   

  Applicants must have their own reliable transportation and be willing to travel for the purpose of successfully completing on-the-job training through employment assignments and to related instruction classes.  

Wages: $15 per hour (for private work) in the first apprenticeship term.  Wages increase based on the apprentice’s completion of on-the-job and classroom training.  Wages for “public work” are approximately 20% higher.  

The Alliance provides apprentices with a Benefit Trust which includes an automatic 5% 401(k) contribution on fringe supplement deposits, health insurance, vacation/sick time and supplemental unemployment insurance.

Contact Risa Ennis at Risa@MeritAlliance.org