Apprenticeship Program Description

The AGC Unilateral Apprentice Training Program is a competency-based training composed of on the job training and classroom related instruction (usually one night a week). It is an “earn as you learn” program where you receive pay for your full time job, regular pay increases based on a percentage of journeyworker pay as you progress through the program, and the only possible cost to the apprentice is the textbook (see below). Upon completion of the program graduates receive a Journeyworker certificate issued by the State of New Mexico, which is good for life in all fifty states.

The AGC Unilateral Apprentice Training program offers an alternative to traditional time-based training. Competency-based training emphasizes the ability to perform specified skills and tasks, rather than assuming that a particular amount of time spent in the program will result in the acquisition of required knowledge. Our Carpentry, Masonry, and Glazing Apprenticeship programs are designed to be four-year programs, but can be finished in as little as two years. Our Laborers Apprenticeship program is designed to be two years, but can be finished in as little as one year.

Textbook Policy: You may be asked to pay for your textbooks. Please check with your employer. Textbooks are approximately $90.00 per level, and there are typically four levels, depending on the craft you are particpating in.

Attendance Policy: During each school year (Aug. to May), apprentices are required to complete at least 144 instructional hours, commonly called “related instruction”. Record of attendance is determined by signatures on the required weekly sign-in sheets. Three unexcused absences may result in your termination from the program, and possibly employment. Note: any apprentice who is assigned to a jobsite that requires him/her to commute further than 50 miles will be an excused absence and will complete correspondence work as long as you notify your instructor of the reason for your absence. (A minimum of 4 hours of “face-to-face” classroom instruction per month is required for students doing correspondence coursework). Correspondence work must be submitted to the instructor, graded and filed. All assignments must be made up.

On the Job Training (OJT): The OJT reporting cards are the responsibility of the apprentice to keep accurate and up-to-date, and to return them, twice a month, to the AGC office (address below). Employer time cards are not acceptable. Apprentice will not be advanced if OJT cards are not up-to-date.

Wages: It is possible that the wages of the apprentice may decrease from current pay level, based on the identified percentage of the journeyworker wages, as outlined for the specific trades. Apprentice must discuss wages with his/her individual employer.

Probationary Period: All apprentices employed pursuant to the standards shall serve a probationary period not to exceed the first 1000 hours of employment.

Advancement: The Committee shall periodically review the progress of each apprentice to determine his/her progress in both on-the-job performance and in classess of related instruction. Each apprentice shall be eligible for advancement to the next pay period upon completion of 2,000 hours of on-the-job experience. If the apprentice’s progress has been satisfactory in work performance and in related instruction, the Employer will advance the apprentice to the next pay period of apprenticeship. The Committee may also grant extra advancement during the apprenticeship to an apprentice who demonstrates outstanding progress and ability.

Complaint: Situations resulting in a complaint regarding this apprenticeship program should be brought to the attention of the AGC Apprenticeship Committee in writing, as soon as possible after the situation. Written comments should be sent to the Apprenticeship Adminisrator, AGC Office, 1615 University Blvd., NE, Albuquerque, NM 87102 or call (505) 842-1462. Any apprentice who feels that he/she has been unjustly treated by the program, may also contact the Director, State Apprenticeship Council, 501 Mountain Rd., NE, Albuquerque, NM 87102 or call (505) 841-8990.

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