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Programs

Pre-Apprenticeship Certificate Training (PACT)

EB HibbsThe Pre-Apprenticeship Training Program was one of 50 programs established across the country in 1978 by the Home Builders Institute to provide economically disadvantaged, at-risk individuals with building trades training. Today, it is the only one still in operation. 

This training program offers building trades & facilities maintenance training, life skill instruction, job placement services, and follow-up with program graduates within South Hampton Roads. Hands-on experience is gained through a construction project that benefits the community.
The Pre-Apprenticeship Training Program is 10 to 12 weeks long and classes are held Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. at the Building Trades Academy behind Tidewater Builders Association in Chesapeake, VA.

Eligible applicants are 18 years or older, low-income South Hampton Roads residents with a valid drivers license and can not have any felonies.  Training is free to those who are eligible dependent upon available funding.

To apply, interested participants must come to an orientation held every Tuesday at 9 or 11:30 a.m. You do not need to make an appointment or bring anything to orientation. It’s generally one hour long.

Facility Maintenance Registered Apprenticeship

Tidewater Builders Association (TBA), in cooperation with the Tidewater Multifamily Housing Council and the Building Trades Academy, is introducing a two-year facility maintenance apprenticeship program. TBA is one of four pilot projects nationwide selected by the Home Builders Institute, the workforce development arm of the National Association of Home Builders, to increase recruitment into registered apprenticeships. This project is funded by a grant awarded by the Office of Apprenticeship, as implemented by the US Department of Labor’s Employment and Training Administration. Funding was received in August 2009 to create the first registered apprenticeship program for facility maintenance in Virginia while enrolling 25 individuals over a two-year period.

“Registered apprenticeship is a formalized, structured training program combining on-the-job training and related technical instruction in which paid employees receive practical and technical training in a highly skilled occupation. Apprenticeship can last from one to six years (occupation-dependent). During this time, apprentices work and learn under the direction of experienced [tradespersons]. Wages for apprentices increase at regular intervals as their job skills increase. At the successful completion of the apprenticeship, they become skilled certified journey-level workers and receive a nationally recognized certificate.”
- US Department of Labor 

The Facility Maintenance registered apprenticeship will consist of 4,000 hours of on-the-job experience and 288 hours of classroom related-instruction over the two-year period. Apprentices will be responsible for demonstrating professional punctuality, attendance, appearance and attitude. Each apprentice will responsible for maintaining a record of his/her work experience and training on the job and in the related technical instruction and for having this record verified by his/her supervisor at the end of each month.

Apprenticeship will provide workers with:

  • Higher-wage opportunities
  • Opportunity to earn as you learn
  • Increased marketability and job security
  • Knowledge of green principles
  • Portable credentials recognized nationally

Apprenticeship will provide employers with workers who are:

  • Quality skilled & trained
  • Motivated & dedicated
  • Green educated
  • Loyal & long-term
  • Leaders & supervisors
  • Licensed & credentialed

Applicants meet the following minimum qualifications:

  1. Be at least 18 years of age
  2. Have a valid drivers license
  3. Must be “bondable”
  4. Have a GED or high school diploma
  5. Able to read and complete math at the eighth grade level or higher

How do you apply for the program?
Request program information and application forms to be sent to you via mail or e-mail. To receive more information and an application form, contact the Building Trades Academy or the Tidewater Multifamily Housing Council.

TBA is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer. The recruitment, selection, employment, and training of apprentices during their term of training, shall be without discrimination because of race, color, religion, national origin or sex.

Standard of Apprenticeship Powerpoint Presentation, 2011

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