APPRENTICESHIP/CRAFT TRAINING

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ABC Eastern Pennsylvania Chapter’s Apprenticeship Programs are registered with the U.S. Office of Apprenticeship, and the Pennsylvania Department of Labor.  ABC Eastern Pennsylvania Apprenticeship Trust has offered registered apprenticeship and craft training since 1967. 

Please contact the chapter if you have questions regarding “Class A” Apprenticeship and its implications to your business.

This affiliation gives trainees the opportunity to become a registered apprentice with the Department of Labor (DOL). In order to qualify, a trainee is required to complete an application and monitoring process with the DOL and must have an employer sponsorship.

ABC’s students are taught in ABC’s state-of-the-art training facilities conveniently located in Allentown, PA and in Harleysville PA.  

ABC currently provide hands-on instruction in a number of trade areas including:

• Carpentry
• Construction Craft Laborer
• Electrical
• Heavy Equipment Operator (HEO)*
• HVAC
• Masonry
• Painting
• Pipefitting
• Plumbing
• Sheet Metal
• Sprinkler Fitting

*Is offered in partnership with other ABC Chapters and Lehigh Career and Technical Institute (LCTI)

ABC Eastern Pennsylvania adds new programs frequently at the request of our members.  If you would like a trade or discipline added, then please contact the Chapter.

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WHAT IS THE ADVANTAGE OF REGISTERED APPRENTICESHIP?

ABC: BUILDING PEOPLE

TRAIN, TRANSFORM & TRIUMPH WITH ABC APPRENTICESHIP AND CRAFT TRAINING

ABC is trustworthy. Founded in 1950, ABC is a respected organization that holds the highest standards of safety, quality, and integrity. Workers who complete their credentials through ABC then carry the association’s positive reputation into their own careers. 

ABC is reachable. Quality training, flexible options, national certifications, and affordable tuition come together at ABC to make meaningful craft education accessible and achievable for everyone who wants to learn. 

ABC builds people. The merit shop philosophy that guides ABC’s training programs and member companies empowers individuals to pursue their greatest potential and make the most of their natural talents. This fosters pride, responsibility, and achievement. 

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WHAT IS UNIQUE ABOUT ABC? 

At ABC, we believe in building people through the merit shop philosophy: that projects and personal advancement should be awarded based on quality, skill, and achievement. You are in control of your own destiny — and with scholarships, national competitions, task-oriented learning, networking opportunities, and more, we will help you reach your goals. It is time to achieve the construction career and successful lifestyle you want.

• Quality, flexible, competency-based craft training with little to no debt
• Industry-recognized, national credentials and certifications recorded in national database
• Certified instructors who are experts in their field
• Relevant training programs aligned with industry demands
• Continuing education opportunities
• The confidence of connecting with a trusted and longstanding national association

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ABC EASTERN PA EDUCATION TEAM 

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HOW TO ENROLL IN ABC TRAINING PROGRAMS

To apply and register for an Apprenticeship or Craft Training Program, applicants must complete all necessary application and registration materials. Incomplete applications will be returned until finalized. Please contact our Director of Admissions for questions.

Once you have requested enrollment and registration forms, you will be provided the following paperwork: 

STUDENT APPLICATION FORMS: 

1. Application for Enrollment
2. Student Authorization and Release Form
3. I-9, Employment Eligibility Verification
4. Photocopy of current, valid driver’s license
5. Photocopy of social security card
6. Two letters of recommendation for apprenticeship from any non-relative
7. Certified/Official copy of High School transcript or GED delivered to ABC in a sealed envelope. 

EMPLOYER FORMS: Required for Registered Apprenticeship Enrollment 

1. Pennsylvania Apprenticeship Agreement Form – Appendix B
2. Employer Acceptance Agreement for Non-Joint Employers – Appendix E

What is the difference between Craft Training, and Registered Apprentice?

CRAFT TRAINING: Craft trainees may be self-employed, looking for employment, or sent by an employer who does not wish to register them as apprentices. Students who are enrolled in training, but are not registered apprentices, are referred to as “Craft Trainees”. Students who are not sponsored by an employer are referred to as “Self-students”. 

REGISTERED APPRENTICE:  You are employed by an organization which is sponsoring you. Our apprenticeship programs provide classroom, hands-on lab exercises, and on-the-job learning (OJL). When a registered apprentice successfully completes the required classroom training, and on-the-Job learning hours, he/she becomes a Journeyperson in his/her trade. Because of the knowledge and abilities their training has provided, they are entitled to a higher pay-rate. Also, while enrolled in a registered apprenticeship program, employees are mandated to receive scheduled pay rate increases as their training progresses.