Local 143
Plasterers' & Cement Masons'
APPRENTICESHIP
About Local 143 Apprenticeship >
The Cement Masons' and Plasterers' trades provide many opportunities for advancement and with the proper effort on the part of the Apprentice, they can be the most rewarding careers. These are both time-honored professions and on top of that ESSENTIAL! Many challenges lie ahead of you both on the job site and in your related instruction classes. The pride and excitement you will experience, and the tangible rewards you will reap will greatly outweigh the difficulties inherent in meeting those challenges.
What does a Cement Mason do?:
Cement masons pour concrete for a wide variety of construction projects including buildings, bridges, roads, pools and residential. You will have the opportunity to provide artistic finishes such as colors, stains, texture stamping, and polishing to projects while using a wide variety of tools and machinery.
About the Cement Mason Apprenticeship:
• It is a three-year program
• You EARN AS YOU LEARN with on-the-job training
• You attend 144 hours of classroom training annually
What does a Plasterer do?:
A Plasterer Hand applies plaster with a trowel to interior and exterior ceiling and wall surfaces. Using their own hands, Plasterers can create anything they can visualize!
About the Plasterer Apprenticeship:
• It is a four-year program
• You EARN AS YOU LEARN with on-the-job training
• You attend 144 hours of classroom training annually
Apprenticeship Class Schedule >
Below you can find the most up to date information on our apprenticeship classes as well as the schedule. Click the box to expand for more details. 2024 class schedule TBA.
How to Apply for an Apprenticeship >
You may apply in person at our office any day of the week Monday - Friday 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM. excluding holidays.
Located at 3301 N. Boardwalk Dr. Champaign, IL 61822.
To apply bring:
1. Copy of ORIGINAL Certificate of Birth. Must be 18 years of age or older.
2. High School Diploma or GED certificate.
3. Driver's License
4. If applicable a copy of DD214 for proof of military service
5. A $20.00 application fee is required to cover the cost of the application. CASH ONLY.
The Local 143 Joint Apprenticeship and Training Fund (JATF) admits students of any race, color, national, and ethnic origin to all the rights, privileges, programs, and activities generally accorded or made available to students at the school. It does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national and ethnic origin in the administration of its educational policies or other school-administered programs.
There is no test or ranking for this program. We are "Intent to Hire". Once the applicant has met the requirements above, the applicant will be given a list of signatory contractors for the area in which they live along with a letter of introduction. The applicant at that time may visit the contractors listed to solicit their first job.
The local 143 JATF apprenticeship program is three years in duration. The apprentice will start at the first year level and must complete a minimum of 144 classroom hours annually and additionally work a minimum of 1200 hours in the field annually to be promoted to the next level.