Alaska Apprenticeship Training Coordinators Association
Trade Schools and Apprenticeships in Alaska / Alaska Apprenticeship Training Coordinators Association
Alaska Apprenticeship Training Coordinators Association (AATCA) – Statewide Construction Apprenticeships
Programs Offered
- Apprenticeships in Over 16 Construction Trades
- Including Carpentry, Plumbing, Welding, and Electrical
- Hands-on, Paid Training with Industry Certifications
Program Overview
The Alaska Apprenticeship Training Coordinators Association (AATCA) coordinates apprenticeship programs across more than 16 construction-related trades statewide. The programs combine formal classroom instruction with structured on-the-job training, ensuring apprentices gain real-world experience and technical knowledge. Each program is developed in partnership with local unions, training centers, and industry partners to meet Alaska’s workforce needs.
AATCA apprentices receive industry-recognized certifications and earn while they learn, preparing them for rewarding, high-paying careers in fields such as carpentry, electrical work, welding, heavy equipment operation, and plumbing.
Hands-On Training
Apprentices gain valuable field experience under the supervision of skilled journeyworkers while completing classroom courses in:
- Construction safety and OSHA standards.
- Blueprint reading, mathematics, and trade-specific technical skills.
- Installation, maintenance, and repair of construction systems and equipment.
- Tool operation, welding, and machinery use.
- Workplace professionalism and project teamwork.
Certification & Licensing Prep
- Completion leads to Journeyman status in the chosen trade.
- Programs are registered with the U.S. Department of Labor.
- Graduates earn trade-specific certifications recognized statewide and nationally.
Career Paths & Salary Outlook
- Apprentice: Earn while gaining skills in construction, utilities, or industrial trades.
- Journeyman: Eligible for full trade pay and union membership upon completion.
- Advanced Roles: Opportunities include foreman, estimator, project manager, or instructor.
Program Length
- Programs typically last 3–5 years depending on the trade.
- Each includes a mix of classroom education and on-the-job training hours.
Admission Requirements
- At least 18 years of age (varies by program).
- High school diploma or GED.
- Completion of trade-specific aptitude tests or physical assessments.
- Commitment to completing classroom and field training requirements.
Compensation & Benefits
Apprentices earn competitive wages that increase as they progress through the program. Participants receive full-time employment benefits such as health insurance, retirement plans, and paid training through AATCA-affiliated unions and contractors.
Cost & Financial Support
All apprenticeship programs coordinated by AATCA are tuition-free. Apprentices are paid employees who receive classroom and field training at no cost while earning certifications recognized throughout the construction industry.
Location
Alaska Apprenticeship Training Coordinators Association (AATCA)
Statewide across Alaska
Programs offered through multiple union training centers and trade associations.
Apprenticeship Cost & Career Outlook
This is a Registered Apprenticeship Program — meaning you will earn while you learn.
- Paid on-the-job training with increasing wages
- Classroom or technical instruction provided by the program
- No tuition costs — apprentices are paid during training
- Nationally recognized credential upon completion
Because apprenticeships are managed through the U.S. Department of Labor, College Scorecard data for tuition and earnings does not apply. Apprenticeships provide real-world experience and a direct path to journeyman-level wages without student debt.
Step-by-Step Career Guides
The programs and apprenticeships listed on this page relate to hands-on skilled trades. Explore the guides below to learn about training paths, licensing, salaries, and what to expect in each career field.