In today’s competitive construction industry it is extremely important for any successful contractor to plan strategies for training and developing highly skilled employees. Here at Branco, we believe in the “grow your own employees” theory. Branco operates a Carpentry Apprenticeship training program certified by the U.S. Department of Labor’s Bureau of Apprenticeship and Training. We have trained countless apprentices in our program since its inception in 1993, and many have gone on to very successful careers!
Branco apprentices not only learn skills in the classroom, they gain invaluable experience by working alongside Branco journeymen carpenters. Our journeymen carpenters are professional craftsmen whose valuable experience and knowledge get passed on to our apprentices. The apprentice gains knowledge and hones their craft, while Branco gains a valuable and skilled employee. Graduates of our apprenticeship program are recognized and certified as Journeyman Carpenters by the U.S. Department of Labor. It truly is a Win-Win!
ACCOLADES AND MORE!
In 2015, Branco partnered with Crowder College in Neosho, Missouri, for the joint administration of the Carpentry Apprenticeship Program. This valuable partnership has blossomed and now even allows graduated apprentices to benefit from their experiential learning and to qualify for college credit through Crowder. At the end of the program, our apprentices have the option to be awarded actual college credit hours and an Advanced Construction Technology certificate. This program partnership is the first of its kind in the country! In recognition for this achievement, Branco was awarded the “2017 Distinguished Business Award” by the Missouri Community College Association for our ground-breaking efforts in forging the path for the Branco Carpentry Apprenticeship Program.
In 2019, we expanded our program and partnered with Ozarks Technical Community College’s (OTC) Center for Workforce Development to administer and provide instruction for Branco’s Carpentry Apprenticeship Program in the Springfield, Mo. area. The apprenticeship program provides on-the-job experience and classroom instruction to select employees.
Branco’s apprentices will receive classroom instruction a few hours a week at OTC’s Springfield campus as part of their work week. When they’re not in the classroom, the apprentices work alongside skilled craftsmen on active construction sites. Apprentices’ wages increase as they gain skill and experience, and they graduate the program as journeyman carpenters with a nationally recognized certificate of completion issued by the Department of Labor.
Program Overview
This is a 4-year program that consists of on-the-job training and attending class one night per week in the spring and fall semesters. Topics discussed in class may include safety, carpentry, concrete work, plan reading, and many other topics. Credit may be given to applicants for prior related experience on a case-by-case basis.
Apprenticeship Program Requirements
- Must be at least 18 years old
- Must have a high school diploma or GED
- Must not have more than a 10% disability
- Must be drug-free (Random drug testing is enforced)
- Must be able to pass a physical capacity exam (lift at least 70 lbs occasionally; 40-50 lbs frequently) and able to endure frequent climbing, stooping, kneeling, crouching, reaching, and handling.
- Must be able to work outdoors and travel as needed