What is TIP?

Participants must: 

-be at least 18 years old by graduation of their session.

-have a valid driver's license

-have appropriate documentation to work in the US (signed social security card)

-have a high school diploma, GED, CHSPE, or equivalent 

-be able to do physical work

-have the ability to pass on-the-spot drug testing 

1. You must attend a 2-hour MANDATORY orientation (orientations run several times throughout the year- see the flyer above for the next orientation date).

2. At the end of orientation, you will be given a QR code/application link to fill out on site, in person. 

3. Following your completed application, you will be given two weeks to upload your required documentation via a QR code/link to a secure site. 

4. Your interview date will typically be 3-5 weeks before the cohort begins. 

5. If accepted into the program, you will receive an email with further instructions within the following 3 weeks. 

(You will also receive a short email notifying you if you were not accepted.)

No. You don't even need to know how to use a hammer!

The next class session will begin January 28th, 2025. In order to be considered you must attend a mandatory 2-hour orientation- bring a photo ID to gain entry to orientation. 

TIP is a 120-140 hour certificated apprenticeship readiness course, approximately 20 weeks (5 months) long. It's held two nights a week from 6-9pm, however, students are expected to be in class at 5:45pm. 

Currently, we have two sessions annually:

-Session 1: January 28th to June 12th, 2025 - Weds & Thurs nights from 5:45pm-9pm 

-Session 2: July to December - Tues & Thurs OR Weds & Fri nights from 5:45pm-9pm (depending on instructor/schedule)

TIP offers it‘s participants $100/month gas reimbursement as long as the participants bring in receipts and follow the simple protocols given! We have also just received a grant, which has made us able to assist our participants with childcare while a participant attends class (including travel time)! This has been a game changer for so many parents in apprenticeship readiness programs like ours and apprenticeships everywhere!

Participants may also be reimbursed up to $500 for work-related expenses when they get into an apprenticeship, (usually with help from our 1:1 coach/our guidance, which is absolutely normal). Sometimes placement into an apprenticeship even happens DURING the class session and participants choose to stay in our class to learn as much as possible.

No. TIP will give you tools, certifications, information, and 1:1 coaching needed to help you begin a career in the union building trades but does not guarantee employment in an apprenticeship. If you know for sure what trade you are interested in, we advise you to apply to that trade directly. That trade’s apprenticeship will teach you all you need to know about them, since we are unable to do so. If you are unsure which trade you are interested in, please come to one of our orientations and learn more about us! 

This is up to you! We have had participants placed 3 weeks into the program because they jumped on an opportunity, and participants who wait 3-4 years for their one trade. If you follow instructions, listen to your coach, and put in the effort, the faster you will be placed- so the timing is really up to you. As stated above; TIP will give you tools, certifications, information, and 1:1 coaching needed to help you begin a career in the union building trades but does not guarantee employment in an apprenticeship.