Trades & Apprenticeships
Earn while you learn — great pay, no college debt
Skilled trades are one of the best-kept secrets in career planning. Electricians, plumbers, carpenters, and HVAC technicians in Philadelphia regularly earn $60,000–$100,000+ per year. And unlike college, you earn money while you train through union apprenticeship programs.
Practical next steps
Understand the trades landscape in Philadelphia
Main trades: Electrician (IBEW Local 98), Plumber (Local 690), Carpenter (Local 158), HVAC/Steamfitter (Local 420), Sheet Metal (Local 19), Ironworker (Local 401), Painter (DC 21).
Research which trade fits you
Electricians work with wiring. Plumbers with water systems. Carpenters with wood structures. HVAC techs with heating and cooling. Shadow someone in a trade if you can.
Get your high school diploma or GED first
Every apprenticeship program requires a diploma or GED. YouthBuild Philadelphia and Philadelphia Job Corps can help you earn yours while getting hands-on trade training.
Contact the Philadelphia Building & Construction Trades Council
They coordinate all union apprenticeship programs in Philadelphia. Their website lists current openings.
Apply to the JATC for your chosen trade
Each trade has a Joint Apprenticeship Training Committee. Applications open on a set cycle — check timing carefully.
Prepare for the aptitude test
Most programs require basic algebra and reading comprehension. Khan Academy's free algebra courses are exactly what you need.
Consider a pre-apprenticeship program
Orleans Technical College, Trades for a Difference (TFAD), and the Building Trades' pre-apprenticeship program increase your acceptance rate.
Understand what apprenticeship life looks like
Apprenticeships last 4–5 years. You work full-time earning real wages ($15–22/hour to start, growing each year) and attend classes 1–2 evenings per week.
Resource starting points
- Philadelphia Building & Construction Trades Council
Hub for all union apprenticeship programs in Philadelphia.
Organizations featured in this guide
- Philadelphia Building & Construction Trades Council
Coordinates all union apprenticeship programs in Philadelphia for every major trade.
- Orleans Technical College
Trade-focused technical college with pre-apprenticeship and certificate programs.
- YouthBuild Philadelphia
Earn your GED while learning construction trades. Ages 18–24. Paid training program.
- Trades for a Difference (TFAD)
Pre-apprenticeship program that prepares youth for union apprenticeship applications.
Helpful things to know
The money is real
A Philadelphia journeyman electrician earns $60–80/hour in wages and benefits. A senior plumber can earn $100K+.
Application windows are specific
Programs often only accept applications for a few weeks per year. Watch the Building Trades website closely.
Common questions
Do I need prior construction experience?
No. Apprenticeship programs are designed to train people from scratch.