About Us
What is Apprenticeship?
Apprenticeship is the world’s oldest form of education. It is sometimes called the original four year degree. It is a combination of on-the-job training and classroom instruction. Apprentices spend about 90% of their apprenticeship learning form a journeyman craftsman, while being paid a lesser wage. An apprentice actually “earns as he learns”. As an apprentice develops job skills and becomes proficient, he or she is given scheduled wage upgrades, until journeyman status is reached. Apprenticeship is a proven effective model of education that is implemented in many occupations.
EW & NI Cement Masons Apprenticeship Program
The EW & NI Cement Masons Apprenticeship Program has been providing training for cement mason apprentices and journeymen since 1957. We provide training in all phases of concrete finishing, including commercial and residential flatwork, curb and gutter, steps, paving, decorative concrete, overlayments and underlayments, and patching and repair.
The EW & NI Cement Masons Apprenticeship Program is a 4,000 hour program, meaning an apprentice normally graduates after 4,000 hours of on the job training. Apprentices are also required to complete 160 hours of RSI (related supplemental training) each year they are an apprentice. Some of the subjects covered during RSI are: Industry Orientation, History and Production of Concrete, Concrete Design, OSHA Safety Training, First Aid, Construction Math, Blueprint Reading, Estimating, Decorative Concrete, and Overlayments and Underlayments. Apprentices are well prepared after completing their training to enter the workforce as qualified journeyman craftsmen.
Wages and Benefits
Apprentices start at 60% of journeyman scale. After each 1,000 hours of on-the-job training an apprentice receives a 10% wage increase. At 4,000 hours an apprentice is eligible to become a journeyman and receive journeyman wages. Journeyman scale is currently $24.08 per hour.
Cement Masons, including apprentices, receive employer paid health insurance and a pension. Health insurance includes health, dental, and vision benefits. Health benefits cover the participants spouse and children.
Apprenticeship Links
Apprentice Registration & Tracking System: https://fortress.wa.gov/lni/arts/
OPCMIA Local 72 Apprenticeship: Facebook Link
