Job, Career, and Apprenticeship Information
Opportunities for High School Students and Adults With and Without a High School Diploma
West High School Job and Career Fair; October 8, 2009
Information complied by Jonathan Davis
Job, Career, and Apprenticeship Information
Opportunities for High School Students and Adults With and Without a High School Diploma
Introduction 3
I. General Information About Apprenticeships 3
II. Employer and Company Information—Opportunities and Contact Information 4
Construction Training, Inc—Skilled Trades Apprenticeship Readiness Training (START) Program 4
Building and Construction Trades Council of South Central Wisconsin 4
Madison Area Builders Association (MABA) 5
Plumbers Local 75 6
Wisconsin Operating Engineers 7
Alliant Energy 8
M&I Bank 9
UW-Credit Union 10
Placon Corporation 11
Madison Public Library 12
Wal-Mart 13
Barnes, Inc 14
Roundy’s Supermarkets Inc 15
UW-Madison 16
Job Service-South Central Wisconsin 17
III. Job, Career, Training, and Internship Information 18
IV. Contact Information 19
Introduction
The exhibitors in the West High School Job and Career Fair provided the information for this booklet. Since five of the exhibitors provided information about apprenticeships, the first section in this booklet is about apprenticeships. The second section provides detailed information about each of the exhibitors including job and career opportunities, requirements for employment, and contact information.
The third and fourth sections provide a convenient way to find specific information found in section two. The third section lists exhibitors that provide various types of career and job related opportunities. The fourth section is the contact information for each exhibitor.
I. General Information About Apprenticeships
Apprenticeship is a structured system of training designed to prepare individuals for skilled occupations. It combines on-the-job training under the supervision of experienced journey workers with related classroom instruction. Apprentices who successfully complete the prescribed number of hours of training in an apprenticeship program become certified skilled workers. A written agreement between the apprentice and the apprenticeship program is registered with the Bureau of Apprenticeship Standards, Department of Workforce Development.
Apprenticeship offers several unique benefits: You "earn while you learn" - you can make a living wage with health insurance, retirement and other benefits while learning skills in a trade. As your skill level increases by learning the trade both in the classroom and on the job site, your wages also increase. After completion of an apprenticeship program, your journey-level status is recognized nationally.
Apprenticeship is a rewarding but demanding choice that requires determination, commitment and a good attitude to succeed, but for those who meet the challenges of apprenticeship, the rewards are substantial. A journeyworker typically receives an excellent wage and benefit package anywhere in the United States. He or she is a highly trained and skilled worker whose qualifications are recognized and respected throughout the industry. Apprenticeship is one of the best ways to acquire work experience and training to establish yourself in a career in the skilled trades.
Apprenticeships are available in the construction, industrial, and service fields. For more information on apprenticeships go to http://dwd.wisconsin.gov/apprenticeship/ .
II. Employer and Company Information—Opportunities and Contact Information
Construction Training, Inc—Skilled Trades Apprenticeship Readiness Training (START) Program
Description of Program
The Skilled Trades Apprenticeship Readiness Training (START) Program is a six-week program designed to help candidates gain access to one of the seventeen construction trade apprenticeships available in the Madison area. The program includes instruction in reading, math, workplace safety, blueprint reading, spatial visualization, and resume writing. It covers the application procedures and requirements for each of the apprenticeships.
Contact Information
Mary Watrud, Program Coordinator
Skilled Trades Apprenticeship Readiness Training (START) Program
810 West Badger Road
Madison, WI 53713
608-628-3118
http://btrades.com/images/START1.pdf
Building and Construction Trades Council of South Central Wisconsin
Description of the Organization
The Building and Construction Trades Council of South Central Wisconsin is a labor organization representing over four thousand construction trades men and women in nine counties in South Central Wisconsin. They represent nineteen individual Union Locals, comprised of 17 different construction crafts/apprenticeships.
Job, Career, and Apprenticeship Information
The Crafts Laborer Apprenticeship is the only apprenticeship that does not require a high school diploma or a GED. This is a physically demanding career and requires a minimum score on a reading and math test. Also, reliable transportation to job sites and training is required. For information on this apprenticeship see http://www.btrades.com/constructionCraftlabors.htm.
All other apprenticeships require a GED or high school diploma. The building and construction apprenticeships are in the following areas: Bricklayers/Tilesetters/Masons, Boilermakers, Carpenters, Electricians, Elevator Constructors, Heat and Frost Insulators, Iron Workers, Operating Engineers (Heavy Equipment), Operative Plasterers and Cement Masons, Painters/Decorators, Plumbers, Roofers, Sheet Metal Workers, Steamfitters, Sprinkler Fitters, and Teamsters (truck drivers). Each apprenticeship has different entry requirements. Many require a specified ability in math and reading. For more information see http://www.btrades.com/apprenticeships.htm. For the most update information such as testing and entry requirements, please contact the individual union directly. For union contact information see http://www.btrades.com/Affiliates.htm.
Skills, Qualities, and Preparation
Entry requirements for each apprenticeship vary greatly. In general, the work is physically demanding, reliable transportation is needed, along with the ability to work indoor and outdoor with variable weather conditions. An individual must be hardworking, reliable and honest.
Recommended high school courses include General Math, Algebra, Geometry, Shop courses Chemistry, Print Reading, Basic Science, and English. Become familiar with each apprenticeship in order to best plan your high school courses and experiences.
Networking Opportunities
It is possible to job shadow, conduct informational interviews, and tour their facility. Contact Scott Vaughn at 608-256-3161.
Contact Information
Scott Vaughn, Director
Building and Construction Trades Council of South Central Wisconsin
1602 S. Park Street
Madison, WI 53715
608-256-3161
Company Website: http://www.btrades.com/
Madison Area Builders Association (MABA)
Description of the Association
MABA is a local association that attracts builders and artisan contractors in the Dane County Area. This group utilizes resources and joins together to represent the interests of construction. MABA is a great conduit into all areas of construction and businesses that support the construction industry.
Job, Career, Apprenticeship, and Internship Information
Internships may be available to high school students through multiple companies.
In general, positions in the construction industry require a high school diploma or a GED. Entry into the field may be through either an apprenticeship or further education. For more information see http://www.maba.org/ under Education/Careers. Requirements for these positions are a high school diploma, basic educational skills, and a desire to further advance your career through apprenticeships and training.
Skills, Qualities, and Preparation
The building and construction industry requires an employee that is dedicated and hardworking with organizational, math, management, and operational skills. Having a desire to make construction a career is most important to MABA. This industry is great for a life long career.
Networking Opportunities
Job shadow, informational interviews, and tours are possible. Call Kathryn Sundquist at 608-288-1133 to coordinate this.
Contact Information
Kathryn Sundquist, Membership Director
Madison Area Builders Association (MABA)
5936 Seminole Centre Court
Madison, WI 53711
608-283-1133
Company Websitewww.maba.org
Plumbers Local 75
Description of Business
Plumbers Local 75 provides plumbing apprenticeships.
Job, Career, and Apprenticeship Information
A high school diploma or a GED is required for a plumbing apprenticeship as well as passing an aptitude test battery. Plumbing apprenticeships combine structured, on-the-job training with related classroom instruction. Apprenticeships provide a complete education in all aspects of the craft, and training extends beyond the specific skills required by any one employer. Apprentices are employed by a contractor for the term of their apprenticeship, receiving wages and benefits. Upon successful completion of the 5-year/8,000 hour program and passing the state licensing examination, one will possess a Journeyman Plumber's license and have earned up to 30 college credits.
During the required classroom instruction, the plumbing apprentice learns how to use, care for, and safely handle the tools and materials used in the trades. Apprentices learn safety techniques necessary to establish a safe working environment, including the safe use of ladders, scaffolding, fall protection, and the need for trench shoring to prevent cave-ins. Plumbers must be aware of the potential dangers of hazardous and toxic substances in their workplace, and the protective measures required.
Skills, Qualities and Preparation
Possessing both math and mechanical skills with the ability to work with your hands are necessary for a career in plumbing. It is also important to show up on time and to be self-motivated.
Networking Opportunities
Tours can be arranged by contacting Scott Hamilton at or 414-359-1318.
Contact Information
Scott Hamilton, Training Director
Plumbers Local 75
11175 W. Parkland Ave.
Milwaukee, WI 53224
414-359-1318
Company Website: http://www.plumbers75.com/
Wisconsin Operating Engineers
Description of Business
Wisconsin Operating Engineers is a union and a training center. They offer both apprenticeships and ongoing training for heavy equipment operators.
Job, Career, and, Apprenticeship Information
Wisconsin Operating Engineers offers apprenticeships in the operation of different types of heavy construction equipment. The training includes both classroom and field experience.
Skills, Qualities, and Preparation
A high school diploma or a GED is required for this apprenticeship as well as good communication skills, following work safety procedures, and being responsible. To succeed in this profession, an individual must be willing to take instructions, be on time for work, work well with others, show respect for others, and to be drug free. Operators need to be in good physical condition and have a good sense of balance, the ability to judge distance, and eye-hand-foot coordination. Some operator positions require the ability to work at heights. High school courses in automobile mechanics are helpful because workers may perform maintenance on their machines. Also useful are courses in science and mechanical drawing.
Networking Opportunities
To job shadow or conduct informational interviews contact Willie D Ellis at or 1-715-228-4911. To tour the facility, contact Don Sperberg at .
Contact Information
Willie D Ellis
Wisconsin Operating Engineers
W11584 State Hwy 21
Coloma, WI 54930
715-228-4911
Company Website: http://woetrainingcenter.org/
Alliant Energy
Description of Business
With headquarters in Madison, Wisconsin, and Cedar Rapids, Iowa, Alliant is an energy company with nearly 5,000 employees and approximately 1 million electric and 420,000 natural gas customers. Their employees make a difference in the way we live, work and play. Streetlight, hospitals, movie theaters and more – their employees provide safe, environmentally sound and reliable energy in Iowa, Minnesota and Wisconsin.
Job, Career, and, Apprenticeship Information
The position of meter reader is for individuals with a high school diploma. This position requires a person who enjoys being outdoors, walking, attention to detail, and punctual.
Alliant Energy offers in house apprenticeship programs. To learn about these programs please go to http://www.alliantenergy.com/Careers/SkilledTrades/index.htm and click on Apprenticeships. All apprenticeships require a high school diploma or a GED.
Skills, Qualities, and Preparation
Alliant Energy looks for individuals with a high school diploma or GED and with good communication skills, both oral and written, detail oriented, puctual, good work ethic, reliable, leadership skills, self-starter, motivated, and being willing to work as a team. Most important are being a team player and thinking of ways to be more efficient and to be creative.
Networking Opportunities
Job Shadowing and tours are available by calling 1-800-ALLIANT (24 hours)
Contact Information
Alissa Spencer, Talent Acquisition Specialist II
Alliant Energy
4902 N Biltmore Lane
Madison, WI 53718
608-458-4802
Company Website: www.alliantenergy.com
On-line applications: www.alliantenergy.com/careers
Alliant energy is a publicly traded company. Its symbol is LNT.
M&I Bank
Description of Business
M&I is a national financial services provider with over $60 billion in assets. Building quality relationships with customers, communities, and employees has enabled M&I to thrive for more than 160 years. M&I’s financial success has been noted by U.S. Banker and Business Week magazines.
As one of the largest financial institutions in the Midwest, M&I is headquartered in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, and has expanded its presence in key markets located in Arizona, Florida, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Minnesota, Missouri and Wisconsin.
Job, Career, and Internship Information
Internships are available for high school students. Most of the internship opportunities tend to be within the retail banking division, i.e. Teller positions. Students receive on the job training through a formal training program and individual training on the job to provide them with technical skills to perform the job duties. In addition, employees are given the opportunity to job shadow with other business lines to gain additional knowledge and experience.
The Part-time Customer Service Representatives (Tellers) position is open for high school students who are at least 16 years old.
There are positions available for adults who are at least 18 years old both with and without a high school diploma. There are varied positions within Retail Banking, Loan Services and the 24-hour Call Center. Specific skills for open positions are available to be viewed on the M&I website at www.mibankcareers.com
M&I offers in house training. Training may range from job specific/technical training to soft skill training opportunities. A wide range of online training opportunities and webinars are also offered.
Skills, Qualities, and Preparation
M&I looks for candidates that have the following skills:
· Good customer service, people skills
· Attention to detail
· Ability to Communicate
· Professional
· Punctual
· Teller positions: cash-handling experience is desired, but not required
Networking Opportunities
Job shadowing and tours are available by contacting Ellen Molitor, at 608-283-5716.
Contact Information
Ellen Molitor, AVP, Human Resources
M&I Bank
One West Main Street
Madison, WI 53703
608-283-5716
Company Website: www.mibankcareers.com
Job applications are available on-line.
M&I is a publicly traded company. Its symbol is MI
UW-Credit Union
Description of Business
UW Credit Union is a growing, federally insured financial institution and a leading provider of affordable home loans, education loans, and consumer loans to the university communities of Wisconsin. UW Credit Union's 350 employees serve the financial service needs of more than 139,700 members through world-class technology systems, and through a convenient network of 16 branch locations and more than 60 ATMs. With assets totaling more than $1.2 billion, UW Credit Union is ranked nationally among the nation's leading credit unions. Founded over 75 years ago by members of the University of Wisconsin community, UW Credit Union continues to operate as a not-for-profit, member-owned financial cooperative with locations in Madison, Middleton, Milwaukee, Sun Prairie, Stevens Point, Green Bay, and Whitewater, Wisconsin.