Veteran Trades Apprentice

The Department of Workforce Efficiency (D.O.W.E.) is recruiting veterans and transitioning service members for a paid Registered Apprenticeship with participating employers in the Austin and Central Texas area.

Applicants must be available to meet with the D.O.W.E. team in person in Austin on September 21 or September 22.

This is a full-time, earn-while-you-learn opportunity designed to help veterans transition into long-term careers in the skilled trades.

Apprentices work for participating employers while receiving structured on-the-job training and technical instruction in construction, safety, renewable energy, site development, and related skilled-trade work.

No prior construction experience is required.

Applicants must:

• Be a veteran or transitioning service member
• Be available for an in-person interview in Austin on September 21 or September 22
• Be 18 years of age or older
• Be authorized to work in the United States
• Have a valid government-issued photo
• Have reliable transportation to jobsites
• Be available for full-time work
• Be physically capable of performing the essential functions of the position, with or without reasonable accommodation
• Be able to understand jobsite safety instructions and required training in English
• Be willing to complete the Department of Workforce Efficiency Physical Statement

The Construction Craft Laborer Registered Apprenticeship is a 4,000-hour, time-based Registered Apprenticeship combining paid employment with structured training.

The program includes:

• 4,000 hours of paid on-the-job training
• 288+ hours of Related Technical Instruction
• Progressive wage increases as training milestones are completed
• Supervision and mentorship from experienced professionals
• An industry-recognized Journey worker credential upon successful completion

Apprentices may receive training in:

• Construction and jobsite safety
• OSHA safety practices
• Electrical hazard awareness
• Hand and power tool use
• Site preparation and development
• Material handling
• Concrete and general construction work
• Reading work prints, drawings, and jobsite schematics
• Solar and renewable energy construction
• Structural assembly and installation
• Fall protection
• Equipment and jobsite support
• Inspection and basic maintenance
• CPR and First Aid

Related Technical Instruction may be delivered through Safety LMS, Heat Spring, 360training, Udemy, and other approved training resources.

Depending on the participating employer and project, apprentices may:

• Assist with site preparation and construction activities
• Handle and organize construction materials
• Assist with concrete and general labor activities
• Assemble structures, modules, and support systems
• Use hand and power tools
• Read and follow drawings and work instructions
• Support solar, renewable energy, and infrastructure projects
• Perform basic inspections and maintenance
• Maintain clean, safe, and organized work areas
• Participate in toolbox talks and job hazard analyses
• Follow required PPE and jobsite safety procedures

This is a hands-on skilled-trades position. Apprentices should be prepared to:

• Work outdoors in varying weather conditions
• Perform physically demanding activities
• Stand, walk, bend, lift, and work on their feet for extended periods
• Work around active construction operations and equipment
• Use hand tools, power tools, and required safety equipment
• Travel to participating employer jobsites throughout Central Texas
• Work as part of a supervised team

• Earn while you learn
• No tuition cost to the apprentice
• Gain paid, hands-on work experience
• Receive structured training and mentorship
• Earn progressive wage increases
• Complete an industry-recognized Registered Apprenticeship
• Build career pathways in construction, renewable energy, utilities, infrastructure, and other skilled trades

Qualified applicants will be contacted to schedule an interview during one of the two in-person interview days.