Laborers

Click here for a list of occupations to which this description applies.

The Work
Laborers work on highway construction projects, doing clearing, grade checking, stake hopping, culvert installation, equipment signaling and traffic control. Laborers work on utility construction including excavation, shoring, pipelaying, manhole placement and construction, backfill, compaction, transferring of grades, and grade checking and measuring. In building construction and housing, laborers' work includes excavation, footing and foundations, carpenter tending, compaction, concrete placement, power and hand tools, general clean-up and mason tending (hod carrying) for brick layers. Environmental laborers do asbestos removal, hazardous waste, and radiation clean-up.

Working Conditions
Laborers perform very physical work, digging, carrying, pulling and bending usually outside in all kinds of weather for long hours at times. They need reliable transportation and must be able to travel 70-80 miles from home to construction sites.

The Apprenticeship
The apprenticeship lasts 2 1/2 to 3 years, with 4,000 hours of on-the-job training and approximately 144 hours of classroom training at no out-of-pocket cost to the apprentice.

Apprenticeship Entry Requirements

• At least 18 years of age
• Physically able to perform work of the trade
• Successful completion of pre-construction training class
• Ability to pass a drug test
• 10th grade education or equivalent