Why Become a Trade Apprentice
Local Trade Unions and Joint Apprenticeship Training Committees (JATCs) are affiliated providers of education for the Community College of Allegheny County. CCAC offers seven programs through these partnerships.
All lab fees and costs associated with the programs are supported by the JATC. CCAC is able to continue its mission of offering these programs through the college's affiliated partnerships. These high-demand programs within Pennsylvania would not be possible without this collaboration between CCAC and its JATC partners. Outstanding labs, highly qualified faculty, tools, supplies and employment are provided to the students by the apprenticeship locations.
Candidates who are interested in these apprenticeship programs must undergo a separate, competitive application process—much like our Allied Health and Nursing programs—and may receive information directly from the apprenticeship partners by clicking the "Learn More" button under each program description below.
Carpentry Apprenticeship, Certificate (339.1)
The Carpentry Apprenticeship program is a four-year certificate program that offers qualifying applicants occupational training under the sponsorship of the local Joint Apprenticeship Committee of the Building Trades and the Pennsylvania Department of Labor. The training prepares students to work in commercial building construction as skilled carpenters. Students may apply the 28 academic credits of the program toward an associate degree in Building Construction Estimating or Building Construction Supervision.
Electrical Construction Technology (IBEW), A.S. (608.3)
This five-year Associate of Science program offers qualifying applicants occupational education. Qualifying applicants are those covered by Third Party Agreements with their International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW) Locals, apprentices in the process of becoming Journeymen Wiremen, or Journeymen Wiremen who have already completed IBEW apprenticeship programs.
Electrical Distribution Technology A.S. and Certificate (708.2 & 702.1)
The Electrical Distribution Technology program is intended to prepare students for entry-level positions in the electrical utility industry as maintenance/installation technicians on electrical distribution systems.
The Electrical Distribution Technology program is open to all students. The program is, however, only scheduled based on industry need and capped with limited enrollment. Prior to registering for the CCAC program, students must be accepted by Duquesne Light. Selected Duquesne Light applicants must attend an orientation session and successfully complete a 40-hour basic wood pole climbing course prior to admittance into the program.
Heavy Equipment Operating Engineers Apprenticeship, Certificate (740)
This four-year certificate program offers qualifying applicants occupational training under the sponsorship of the local Joint Apprenticeship and Training Committee of the Western Pennsylvania Operating Engineers. The cooperative component of this program involves lecture and laboratory classes for 45 academic credits. A student may apply these 45 credits toward an associate degree in Building Construction Estimating or Building Construction Supervision. Instruction in this program encompasses a wide range of skills, including safety, plans and specifications, soil inspection and welding. The main focus is the operation of a wide variety of heavy equipment utilized in the construction industry.
Ironworker Apprenticeship, Certificate (289.2)
In this three-year program, students receive occupational training under the sponsorship of the local Joint Apprenticeship Committee. The CCAC component of the program comprises lecture and laboratory classes for 45 credits, which may be applied toward an associate degree in Building Construction Estimating or Building Construction Supervision. Upon completion of the certificate and the required job experience hours, graduates may work in commercial building construction as skilled ironworkers.
Plumber Apprenticeship, Certificate (389.1)
Construction trade technology training programs are open to all qualifying students. These programs are offered in conjunction with the Joint Apprenticeship Committees of the Building Trades and the Pennsylvania Department of Labor.
The state of Pennsylvania awards journeyman working papers to those who complete one of these apprenticeship programs. Upon completion of the certificate and job experience hours required by the Bureau of Apprenticeship and Training, students will be able to work in the commercial building construction industry as skilled plumbers.
Sheet Metal Worker Apprenticeship, A.S. and Certificate (379 & 391.1)
The four-year certificate program offers students occupational training under the sponsorship of the local Joint Apprenticeship Committee. Students receive classroom instruction, shop training and job experience in sheet metal work.
Upon completion of the certificate and required job training, graduates may find employment working as skilled sheet metal workers in areas such as commercial building construction, industrial duct fabrication and installation, and kitchen equipment fabrication and installation.
The four-year associate degree program offers student apprentices the opportunity to complete the coursework needed for an associate degree, which will prepare graduates for career advancement.