Apprenticeship Programs
Apprenticeship programs integrate systematic on-the-job training, guided by an experienced master-level practitioner in an occupation, with classroom instruction. The federal government, in cooperation with the states, registers apprenticeship programs that meet federal and state standards. The best programs—which provide multiple industries with highly skilled workers who earn family-sustaining wages—are registered with government agencies, operated by sponsors representing labor and management organizations and funded through collectively bargained contributions to tax-exempt trust funds.
Building and Construction Trades Apprenticeship Programs
- Painters and Allied Trades Finishing Trades Institute
- Ironworkers
- Heat and Frost Insulators
- Boilermakers National Joint Apprenticeship Program
- Electrical Workers/National Electrical Contractors Association National Joint Apprenticeship Council
- Bricklayers Masonry Institute
- Elevator Constructors National Elevator Industry Educational Program
- Plasterers and Cement Masons
- The Sheet Metal Workers International Training Institute
- Plumbers and Pipe Fitters
- United Union of Roofers and Waterproofers
- Operating Engineers
Manufacturing Training and Apprenticeship Programs
- Machinists (IAM) Apprenticeship
- UAW Apprenticeships
- UNITEHERE! Local 11 Hospitality Training Academy
- USW Apprenticeship
Labor-Management Partnerships
By partnering with employers, unions help working people develop in-demand skills to power the next generation of American-led innovation.
Joint labor-management training programs in the building and construction industry contribute about $1.5 billion to the American economy every year.
We combine forces to offer opportunities for working people in many other industries including health care, construction, manufacturing, hospitality and aerospace.
The Alliance for Employee Growth and Development is a partnership with the Communication Workers of America and the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers.
The USW Institute for Career Development pursues the goal to help every worker attain his or her full potential, both as an employee and as a human being, in the competitive and challenging environment that lies ahead.
The United Auto Workers alliances with Ford and GM drive innovation in labor-management relations, improve the lives of union members, and propel the auto industry into a pattern of profitable growth for the 21st century.
The Kaiser Permanente Labor Management Partnership covers 115,000 union-represented workers, 14,000 managers and 19,000 physicians.
Work With Us
We are a diverse and powerful coalition of unions committed to a better life for working people. If you believe in justice and equality, then a career in the labor movement is right for you. Here are some job opportunities to use your skills to give people a voice at work. Join us in the fight for living wages and worker’s rights.
Current Job Openings
- Data Infrastructure - Data Systems Administrator
- Data Infrastructure - Director of Data, Analytics & Infrastructure
- Data Infrastructure - Southern District Data Coordinator
- Data Infrastructure - Southwest District Data Coordinator
- Data Infrastructure - West District Data Coordinator
- Economic Power and Growth - Assistant Director of Growth Strategies
- Political/Electoral & Issue Mobilization - CHWR Director
- Political/Electoral & Issue Mobilization - Mobilization Deputy for Program & Outreach
- Political/Electoral & Issue Mobilization - National Field Director
- Transportation Trades Department - Legislative Representative
Additional job openings in the labor movement
Additional Opportunities
Become a Union Organizer
Union organizers are on the front lines of activism, building power while engaging in the important social and economic issues facing working families. Organizers are a resource for working people who are interested in forming in union. The Organizing Institute develops and promotes the craft of organizing. We recruit and train new organizers; collaborate in solidarity with community allies; and share innovations and strategic campaigns for social justice.
Become a Strategic Researcher
Strategic corporate researchers work for labor unions, environmental justice groups and community-based organizations. Strategic researchers provide insights on corporate ownership, finances, organizational structure and connections and help progressive organizations understand the sources of corporate power.
Strategic Research Summer School
The AFL-CIO Center for Strategic Research and the Cornell School of Industrial and Labor Relations offer a week-long “bootcamp,” June 10-15, 2018, conducted at Cornell University in Ithaca, New York.
The course is designed for students and others who want to make corporations accountable by working as researchers in unions and social change organizations. The course offers a regular track and an advanced track with an additional research and writing requirement. It is open to individuals applying on their own and to individuals sponsored by unions and other organizations. Partial scholarships are available to non-sponsored individuals who opt for the advanced track. Inquire if interested in obtaining course credit. For more information, email [email protected], call 607-269-7246, or visit the course website.