Cianbro Institute
Trade Schools and Apprenticeships in Maine / Cianbro Institute
Cianbro Institute
Program Information
The Cianbro Institute is the formal apprenticeship and workforce training division of Cianbro, one of the largest employee-owned construction companies in the United States. The Institute delivers registered apprenticeship programs designed to prepare individuals for long-term careers in heavy construction, industrial, and infrastructure-related trades. Training is structured to integrate classroom instruction with paid, full-time on-the-job experience on active Cianbro projects across the company’s operating regions.
Apprenticeship pathways offered through the Cianbro Institute include Electrical, Millwright, Pipefitting, Welding, and additional skilled trades that support large-scale construction and industrial work. Each program follows a competency-based model that emphasizes safety, productivity, and technical accuracy. Apprentices begin by learning foundational skills such as jobsite safety, tool usage, and basic trade concepts before progressing into more advanced, trade-specific tasks performed under the supervision of experienced journey-level professionals.
Electrical apprentices receive instruction focused on industrial and commercial electrical systems commonly used in power generation, manufacturing facilities, and infrastructure projects. Millwright apprentices develop skills related to the installation, alignment, maintenance, and repair of complex mechanical equipment. Pipefitting apprentices learn piping systems used in industrial process environments, including layout, fabrication, and installation techniques. Welding apprentices are trained in multiple welding processes and procedures used in structural, industrial, and fabrication settings, with an emphasis on quality control and adherence to specifications.
Classroom instruction through the Cianbro Institute reinforces on-the-job learning and covers topics such as trade mathematics, blueprint reading, codes and standards, equipment operation, and advanced safety practices. Training is aligned with nationally recognized apprenticeship standards, ensuring that skills developed are transferable and recognized throughout the construction industry. This combination of structured instruction and real-world application allows apprentices to steadily build technical competence while earning wages.
Program Length
Cianbro apprenticeship programs generally span three to five years, depending on the trade. Apprentices complete up to 8,000 hours of paid on-the-job training over the course of the program. In addition to work experience, apprentices receive a minimum of approximately 576 hours of related classroom instruction annually. Progression through the program is based on successful completion of required training milestones and demonstrated skill development.
Program Requirements
Applicants must be at least 18 years of age and possess a high school diploma or equivalent. A valid driver’s license is required, along with the ability to pass a pre-employment physical examination and drug screening. Apprentices are expected to commit to full-time employment and training for the duration of the program, including working in physically demanding environments and traveling to project sites as needed. Additional trade-specific requirements may apply depending on the apprenticeship pathway.
Graduates of Cianbro Institute apprenticeship programs are prepared to continue working within Cianbro or pursue journey-level employment opportunities across the construction and industrial sectors. The program is designed to support long-term career development through structured advancement, ongoing training, and exposure to complex, large-scale projects.
Apprenticeship Cost & Career Outlook
Cianbro Institute is a Registered Apprenticeship Program — meaning you can earn while you learn through paid on-the-job training in Construction.
- Paid on-the-job training with step increases as you progress
- Classroom / technical instruction is part of the program structure
- Training costs are often low — but you may still pay for tools, books, or fees
- Credential earned at completion is recognized by employers in the industry
Registered apprenticeships are overseen by the U.S. Department of Labor or a State Apprenticeship Agency. Because these programs aren’t traditional colleges, College Scorecard tuition and earnings data usually doesn’t apply.
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.