Laborers provide much of the physically demanding labor at building, highway and heavy construction projects, tunnel and shaft excavations and demolition sites. In addition to assisting other trades workers, construction craft laborers clean and prepare sites, dig trenches, set braces to support the sides of excavations and clean up rubble and debris. They perform a variety of excavation, tunneling and pipe work, and work on their own on highly specialized tasks. The installation of utility pipe, for example, requires the set up and operation of laser guidance equipment for precise pipe elevation and placement. Tunnel and shaft projects require workers to be trained and experienced in the use of drilling equipment and explosives. Construction craft laborers operate jackhammers, earth tampers, cement mixers, buggies, skid steer loaders, “walk behind” ditchdiggers, small mechanical hoists, laser beam equipment, and surveying and measuring equipment. In addition to working on building and transportation projects, construction craft laborers work on other projects, such as hazardous waste cleanup and asbestos and lead abatement. In hazardous waste removal, they may: operate, maintain, and read monitoring devices; perform material and atmospheric sampling; build, clean, or maintain facilities for hazardous material removal and decontamination; and package and transport hazardous or radioactive materials.

Must be at least 18 years old; must present birth certificate; must be a legal resident of the United States; must have original Social Security card; must have a high school diploma or a G.E.D. certificate; must present high school transcript; must have valid driver’s license and reliable transportation; must be able to speak, write and read the English language; must pass drug screening; must pass a written test; must pass a physical exam; and must pass an aptitude test.

APPRENTICESHIP PROGRAM: