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OTAJTF

Ohio Teamsters Apprenticeship and Journeyman Training Fund

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Apprenticeship

Responsibilities of an Apprentice

If you are thinking about becoming an apprentice, it is important to know what is expected of you. We will deploy all our resources to make your journey a good one, but you must pull your weight too.


Attend

To attend regularly and complete satisfactorily the required hours of instruction in subjects related to the driving trade.

Secure

To have secured a Class “A” CDL from the State of Ohio or surrounding states prior to completing the 144 hours of related training and before the expiration of the probationary period.

Perform

To perform diligently and faithfully the work of the trade, and to perform other pertinent duties as may be assigned by the employer.

Respect

To respect the property of the employer and to abide by the working rules and regulations of the employer.

Maintain

To maintain records of work experience and training received on the job and in related instruction.

Complete

Completion a minimum of 2,000 hours of on the job training and a minimum of 144 hours of related instruction.

Develop

To develop safe working habits and conduct yourself and your work in a manner to assure your own safety and that of your co-workers.

Work

To work for your assigned employer until completion of the term of apprenticeship unless reassigned to another employer or terminated by the Trustees.

Conduct

To conduct yourself at all times in a creditable, ethical, and moral manner, realizing that much time, money and effort will be spent in affording you an opportunity to become a skilled driver.

Endeavor

To be punctual and to attend all related instruction and on the job training and to endeavor to the best of your ability to perfect the required knowledge and skills of the industry.

Understand

To understand that a drug and alcohol-free finding, in accordance with Department of Transportation regulations (49 C. F. R. Part 40) and Federal Highway Administration regulations (49 C. F. R. Part 382) is necessary to maintain eligibility in the apprenticeship program.

Cost of Becoming an Apprentice

Although the program is absolutely FREE to you as an apprentice, the value of the education you will receive is upwards of $7,000. There are fees associated with obtaining your CDL Class A license that the program does not cover. The costs below are approximate and can vary by location.

Application for Permit$28
Testing Fee$115
DOT Physical$50
Drug TestCovered by Apprenticeship Program

Apprenticeship Wages and Advancements

This is a learn-while-you-earn program. That means, as soon as you obtain your Class A CDL license and start on the job training, you will be making a percentage of what the Journeymen make. The longer you stay on the job and the more hours you work, the higher percentage of Journeyman wages you will make.

Length of ServiceHours of Work Experience% of Journeyman Wages
0-6 months +0 to 499 hours80%
after 6 months +500 hours85%
after 12 months +1,000 hours90%
after 18 months +1,500 hours95%
after 24 months +2,000 hours100%

Credit For Previous Experience

Do you already have a Class A CDL license? GREAT! You can earn up to a maximum of 1,000 hours of credit toward your 2,000 on the job training hours. You also earn more while you learn. Our Training Coordinator will evaluate your driving skills, run you through a safety refresher course and send you on your way so you can safely and confidently start your career with one of our contributing employers.

Probationary Period

Just like all other employment, apprentices are subject to a probationary period. In this case, the period is no more than 500 hours of employment extending over not more than four (4) months. During probation, the apprenticeship program and/or apprentice may cancel the apprentice’s registration without pre-condition, simply by notifying the other party and the Ohio State Apprenticeship Council.

What Journeymen Teamsters are Saying

We certainly can understand the love for big trucks, playing in the dirt and driving on the road that you helped build. This is what fellow Teamsters love about their career as a Heavy Highway driver in the construction industry. Here is what some of them have to say:

Being on your own, driving to different places and enjoying the scenery.

Mike Riffle, Local 284

I enjoy driving, so it’s something that’s not a job. When you enjoy it- it’s just natural.

Durrell mcghee, Local 20

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