Explore careers in the building, construction and fire trades. Construction apprenticeships offer a path to career success, with graduates typically earning starting wages of $75,000 or more a year. With apprenticeship, individuals can earn while learning getting hands-on-experience alongside classroom instruction.
Find an apprenticeship program
How to become an apprentice
Imagine earning $75,000+ a year with great benefits, no student debt, and the satisfaction that you built it. Construction careers can offer this, plus the chance to work outdoors, use your hands, and be part of building California.
Women can expect more earning power in building and construction trades. There is a real need in the construction industry for skilled workers—as many current workers retire without enough skilled replacement. The building and construction trades need women, and California is committed to helping them to succeed.
Many women start with pre-apprenticeship or apprenticeship readiness programs to prepare for formal apprenticeships. These programs help people to develop the skills and confidence they need to excel.
Step 1: Research trades that interest you and match your skills and goals.
Step 2: Use the apprenticeship search tool to find programs in your area.
Step 3: Contact programs directly to learn about application requirements and timing.
Step 4: Prepare for any required tests or applications.
Step 5: Apply when programs are accepting applications.
Search for an Apprenticeship Program
Building California Construction Careers
Tradeswomen Inc.
California Apprenticeship Coordinators Association
Apprenticeships combine paid work experience with classroom learning. If you enroll into an apprenticeship program, you'll work under experienced professionals while attending classes to learn your trade. Programs typically last 2-5 years. Upon graduation, you are a journeywoman and receive a nationally recognized certificate.
Successful apprentices have perseverance, ambition, and initiative. Educational requirements vary by program-some require a high school diploma; others have no educational requirements. Most programs need you to be proficient in English.
Division of Apprenticeship Standards
Find an Apprenticeship Program
Construction trades offer diverse career opportunities with strong job security and advancement potential. Construction and building trade apprenticeships provide a clear map for career progression that leads to mastering highly in-demand skills, which often leads to job security and paves the way for fulfilling successful careers.
Building Trades: Electrician, carpenter, plumber, and operating engineer are just a few of the crafts you might consider. These trades typically work on residential and commercial construction projects.
Heavy Construction: Road building, bridge construction, utility installation, and site preparation.
Specialty Trades: Welding, masonry, tile setting, glazing, and crane operation.
Search Programs by Trade
Each apprenticeship program sets its own application periods and requirements. Programs may require aptitude tests, physical exams, or interviews. Some have age requirements or need a driver's license.
Contact programs directly to learn about open application periods, as timing varies by program and location. Don't wait - many popular programs have limited spots and competitive application processes.
How to Become an Apprentice
Requirements vary by program but may include:
Age: Most programs require applicants to be at least 18 years old, though some accept 16-17 year olds.
Education: Requirements range from no formal education to high school diploma or equivalent.
Physical: Some trades require physical fitness tests or medical exams.
Testing: Many programs require an aptitude or other kinds of test.
The Equal Representation in Construction Apprenticeship (ERiCA) Grant provides funding to expand opportunities for women, non-binary individuals, and underrepresented populations in construction.
The grant helps remove barriers by covering childcare costs, providing outreach, and improving worksite culture. Many ERiCA-funded programs specifically support women entering construction careers.
ERiCA Grant Information
Women in Construction Apprenticeships
Northern California Carpenter Training (NCCT) Apprentice, Jordyn Martinez began her career as a carpenter by joining the NCCT apprenticeship program in January of 2024. In April 2024 she began working for signatory contractor S+B James on a modernization project at Sheldon High School, her first job as an NCCT apprentice. S+B James foreman, Noah Teegarden says, “Jordyn is an excellent apprentice, she . . . Read More
The Equal Representation in Construction Apprenticeship (ERiCA) Grant funding has been instrumental in expanding outreach efforts to recruit and retain more women in the construction industry. For Gisele Herrera, a career in construction was about more than just a job – it was about building a future. As a first-year heavy-duty repair apprentice with Operating Engineers Local 3 (OE3), Gisele saw the opportunity as an entry into a high-demand career while securing financial stability. . . Read More
In 2001, I enrolled in welding and skilled trades classes at Laney college. During my semester, a woman by the name of Beth Youhn from Tradeswomen ... Read More
When I was 17, I decided to pursue a Doctors' degree in children’s psychology. After a year of studying psychology ... Read More
September 2025
