Union Construction Craft Laborer Apprenticeship – Lima
Trade Schools and Apprenticeships in Ohio / Union Construction Craft Laborer Apprenticeship – Lima
Union Construction Craft Laborer Apprenticeship – Lima, OH
Program Information
The Union Construction Craft Laborer Apprenticeship in Lima, Ohio, offered through the Ohio Laborers’ Training and Apprenticeship Program, provides a structured pathway into one of the most versatile and in-demand trades in the construction industry. As the training division for LIUNA (Laborers’ International Union of North America) and the Laborers’ District Council of Ohio, this program prepares apprentices to become highly skilled laborers capable of working across multiple construction specialties. Unlike many skilled trades that focus on one narrow discipline, construction craft laborers are trained to work in heavy highway construction, building construction, masonry support, environmental remediation, utilities, demolition, and landscaping.
Apprentices receive training that blends classroom instruction with extensive hands-on experience. Classroom coursework includes construction math, blueprint reading, equipment safety, material handling, environmental hazard awareness, and OSHA compliance. Apprentices also learn specialized skills such as concrete placement and finishing, asphalt work, scaffold erection, pipe laying, mason tending, traffic control, trench safety, and general jobsite operations. These foundational skills ensure that graduates are able to perform a wide range of tasks that support contractors across Ohio’s construction industry.
On the job site, apprentices work under the supervision of experienced journeymen laborers, gaining practical experience on active construction projects. Work may include preparing job sites, building forms for concrete, assisting machine operators, installing erosion control, supporting pipe crews, handling tools and materials, and participating in demolition or deconstruction operations. Because the role is physically demanding, apprentices must be prepared to work in various weather conditions and perform repetitive lifting, bending, digging, and equipment operation. The union places a strong emphasis on safety, ensuring that every apprentice is trained to recognize hazards, follow site protocols, and operate equipment responsibly.
One of the most significant advantages of this program is that all training is provided at no additional cost, and apprentices earn while they learn. This makes the apprenticeship accessible to individuals starting their first career as well as those transitioning from other industries. Graduates of the program are equipped with the skills needed to secure long-term employment with union contractors and advance within the construction laborer career path, eventually becoming journeymen or moving into foremanship or specialty roles.
Program Length
One-year registered apprenticeship that includes 4,000 hours of paid on-the-job training and 432 hours of classroom instruction.
Program Requirements
- Must be at least 18 years old
- Valid identification and ability to meet employment eligibility requirements
- Ability to perform physical labor in outdoor environments
- Willingness to follow safety procedures and union training standards
- Reliable transportation to job sites and training centers
Compensation & Benefits
- Hourly wage ranging from $20.71 to $34.52 depending on experience and progression
- Union-sponsored training at no additional cost
- Health insurance, pension, and additional member benefits
- Opportunities for advancement into journeyman laborer roles
- Steady work with union contractors across Ohio
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.