Many would-be apprentices are older, however. Those interested must pass a test and an interview before they get their names on the list. We look for mechanical skills, mathematical skills, and mental maturity. He also likes the career path marked out by the union's continuing education program, whereby workers earn raises for completing more advanced training. Schiller said his reputation for treating his workers right helps keep his employee roll filled.
Recruiters focus on high schools, women's organizations, career days, and state fairs.
Donaldson said the union anticipates the need for more labor, and many locals have developed innovative programs to boost recruiting. We're trying very hard to advance the quality and size of our instructor base to meet what we perceive as the need for more and more skilled craftsmen. Steps the union has taken to improve training include rewriting the curriculum, developing a formal three-year training program for instructors, advanced instructor training for specific course certification, and an instructor's college degree program. Apprenticeship committees accordingly removed age limitations and expanded the population at which they target career information. A turnover rate of 50 percent is common.