MARQUETTE -- In a crumbling economy, trades and construction may be the answer for some wanting to build a career. The number of construction and related jobs in Michigan is projected to grow almost seven percent between 2008 and 2018, and contractors are looking for apprentices.
"Apprenticeships are a great thing," said Rob Berg, Superintendent with Gundlach Champion. "It's a great way for us to try out new employees."
Contractors credit two main things for the rise in need for skilled trade workers: recent retirements in the industry and the rise in Brownfield projects.
"The things we're seeing is some growth in the industry coupled by retirements. There's some government money out there, and there's grants available that help folks get started," said Tony Retaskie with the U.P. Construction Council.
When apprentices enroll in a local vocational school, like the Local 1510 Carpenters, they immediately become part of a union, and they get all the benefits that come with it.
"With the union you get a good wage, health care benefits and a pension," said apprentice Mike Beito.
After four years of training, the possibilities for a hard working apprentice are endless, from journeyman to superintendent.
"I was an apprentice 18 years ago, and now I'm running projects and have been for the last twelve years," Berg said. "Generally if you're ambitious and are interested in running work, there's the opportunity pretty much in six years."
But make no mistake--working a trade is not for everyone. The world of construction is a neverending roller coaster with economic ups and downs. But if you hang on tight, those in the field say you get what you put in.
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