Apprenticeship Process
Apprenticeship Applications – Silver Bow JATC | UA Local 41
The Silver Bow Joint Apprenticeship and Training Committee (JATC), in partnership with UA Local 41, accepts apprenticeship applications biannually through our online application platform.
Application Periods:
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January 1 – June 30
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July 1 – December 31
Applications submitted during these periods are used to establish a hiring roster for potential apprenticeship openings in the plumbing, HVAC, pipefitting, and welding trades.
Apprenticeship opportunities may occur in the following Montana counties: Beaverhead, Blaine, Broadwater, Cascade, Chouteau, Deer Lodge, Gallatin, Granite, Hill, Jefferson, Judith Basin, Lewis & Clark, Liberty, Madison, Meagher, Park, Phillips, Pondera, Powell, Silver Bow, Sweet Grass, Teton, Toole, and Valley.
Program Overview:
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5-year apprenticeship program
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Full-time employment with a signatory contractor
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Online coursework and in-person training at the JATC training center
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Minimum 7,500 hours of on-the-job training
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Minimum 450 hours of classroom instruction
Wages & Benefits:
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Apprentices start at 50% of the Journeyperson wage rate ($45.45)
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5% wage increases every six months, based on the current Journeyperson scale
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Paid health insurance
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Participation in three pension plans
Applications are accepted online only during the designated application periods.
Apprentice Application Timeline
📝 1. Apply Online
Submit your application during an open application period and upload all required documents. Documents may be scanned or submitted as clear photos. Résumés and additional supporting documents may also be included.
🧮 2. Entrance Examinations
After the application period closes, applicants are scheduled to take a two-part entrance exam:
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Math (basic math, fractions, pre-algebra, basic geometry)
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General knowledge
Exam details are sent by email 1–2 weeks after the application period ends. Exams are administered at the JATC training center in Butte, MT.
📧 3. Results & Interview
Applicants are notified of exam results by email.
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Applicants who pass both exams advance to the interview process
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Applicants who do not pass may reapply during a future application period
Interview dates and times are provided by email.
📋 4. Hiring List Placement
Applicants who meet the minimum interview ranking score are placed on the hiring list based on combined exam and interview scores.
Placement on the hiring list does not guarantee employment.
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The hiring list remains active for up to two years
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Applicants who decline two job offers will be removed from the list
🏗️ 5. Job Offer & Program Entry
When a signatory contractor requests an apprentice, the highest-ranked available applicant is offered the position first. Applicants who accept a job offer are officially entered into the apprenticeship program and begin work and training.
💼 6. Work, Train, Advance
Apprentices work full time for a signatory contractor while completing required classroom instruction. Apprentices receive scheduled wage increases and full benefits as they progress through the program.
Requirements
The availability of apprenticeship positions is based on workforce demand and the volume of work performed by signatory contractors within the service area.
Application Requirements
👤 Minimum Eligibility Requirements
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Must be 18 years of age or older
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Must possess, or be able to obtain, a valid driver’s license
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Must be available to test and interview when scheduled
▶️ Watch the Required Video
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Review the mandatory apprenticeship informational video prior to applying
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Viewing the video is required before moving forward to testing and interviews
📝 Submit Your Application
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Complete the online application in full
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Upload all required documentation, which may include:
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High school transcript, GED, or HiSET
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Driver’s license
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Military documents (if applicable)
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Résumé or additional supporting materials
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Ensure all required documents are ready before submitting your application.
The Silver Bow Joint Apprenticeship and Training Committee and UA Local 41 operate apprenticeship and employment programs in compliance with all applicable federal and state equal opportunity laws and regulations.
Call
406-494-3051 ext 2