TURNING YOUR TRAINING INTO A DEGREE

Journey-level workers who have completed a state-certified apprenticeship in the jurisdiction of the North Central States Regional Council can apply that craft training directly toward a two-year college degree. Northeast Wisconsin Technical College (Green Bay, Wis.), Hennepin Technical College (Eden Prairie, Minn.), Metropolitan Community College (Omaha, Neb.), Des Moines Area Community College (Ankeny, Ia.) award credits for the classroom work and hands-on training that members perform during their apprenticeship. Upon completion of the apprenticeship, members generally have about two-thirds of the credits they need toward a two-year degree.

 

The colleges’ two-year associate degrees respond to the growing role that formal education plays in the workforce. They also give North Central States Regional Council members a head start toward pursuing a managerial role later in their career.

 

In Wisconsin, journey-level workers who complete their apprenticeship can receive 39 college credits toward an Associate Degree in Individualized Technical Studies/Journeyworker. To receive the degree they will need to complete seven required courses for a total of 21 additional credits. (Some of the required courses have prerequisites, so members may have to take additional courses before they are eligible to take the required degree classes.)

 

In Minnesota, apprentices who graduate to journey-level status will receive 47 credits for the instruction they receive during their Regional Council apprenticeship. They will need 19 more credits to complete an Associate in Applied Science degree in Apprenticeship Technology. Thirteen of the credits come from four required classes; the remaining six credits are electives. (Again, some of the required classes have prerequisites.)

 

In Nebraska, apprentices who have achieved journey-level status will have 56 credits from apprentice training and 15 credits from apprentice job training toward the 98 credits required for an associate degree. An additional 27 general education credits are required, including courses in technical writing, oral and written reports, applied mathematics, introduction to psychology or sociology, human relations skills and microcomputer fundamentals.

 

In Iowa, apprentices who earn their journey-level certificate will have earned 42 credits toward the 64 hour minimum to earn the Associate in General Studies degree. You will receive 10 credits for related classroom instruction that is completed in your apprenticeship program. You will need an additional 12 credits from general classes such as communications, social and behavioral sciences, math and science.

 

The colleges offer a variety of options for taking the required classes, including online, weekend, video and self-paced study.

 

 

HOW TO ENROLL IN CLASSES

FOR MEMBERS

A. Check the calendar of currently scheduled classes. A current schedule can be found at each Training Center and in the Training section on the Regional Council’s website, www.northcountrycarpenter.org. If a class is scheduled, follow the signup procedure for that class and location.

 

B. Classes will be added on demand. If there is no class scheduled for the training you want, contact the Training Center near you to have your name put on their sign-up list for that class. If there is no active list for that class, ask the Training Center to start a new list.

 

When a sufficient number of members pre-enroll for a particular class, a specific class date will be set. The Training Center will contact you with details about the class. You will be asked to make a commitment to attend. If you reserve a spot in that class, you are expected to follow through and attend the class as scheduled.

 

FOR SIGNATORY CONTRACTORS

Contact the Training Center in your area for information on customized training for your UBC employees. We will work with you to develop a training plan that fits your needs. Options include classes at the Training Center just for your crews, on-site training at the jobsite or at your facility on a date specified by you. This training is provided to our Signatory Employers at no charge for UBC members in good standing.

 

ENROLLMENT QUALIFICATIONS

To enroll in training classes:

1. You must be a Journey-Level or Apprentice Carpenter, Millwright, Floor Coverer, Interior Systems or Pile Driver AND You must be a Member in good standing, with a current dues card from a UBC Local Union. OR…

 

2. You must be an Employer signatory to a North Central States Regional Council of Carpenters Labor Agreement. OR…

 

3. You must be a specifically identified, “pre-qualified” employee of a Signatory Employer. Before you enroll in any class, please make sure you can verify that you have fulfilled any prerequisites or prior training. Cross-training in a different craft is permitted.

 

CLASS COST

With rare exception, courses are offered free of charge to UBC members in good standing and to Signatory Employers. (For some courses, members may have to pay a fee and for books.)