St. Louis Catholic HS Introduces Students to Careers in Union Construction
Why don’t more follow?
As a proud member of the Laborers International Union of North America (LIUNA), the union of construction laborers, I am aware that there are still some career paths outside the college track that will earn you a family-supporting wage. One of the best starts with a union-sponsored apprenticeship in one of the construction trades.
When someone enrolls in a union apprenticeship program, they can expect a combination of classroom education with on-the-job training. Where a college student earns tuition, the apprentice is paid for his or her on-the-job training. And that’s not all – union members receive 100% employer-paid health insurance and a pension to cover them in retirement. (You heard that right, in 2024 America union-side construction workers still have pensions!) And while the work is hard, it’s rewarding; it’s not unusual for a union electrician or plumber to pull down a six-figure salary, especially if they work some overtime during the year.
You would think that Catholic high school guidance counselors and principals would welcome union apprenticeship coordinators with open arms. You would be wrong. I have heard of countless efforts to offer these opportunities to Catholic school students, only to be waved away. Our parents don’t want their kids thinking about alternatives to college, they usually explain.
Now I’m excited to report that I heard about a school that said yes: St. Mary’s in St. Louis.
The initiative was organized by two men who DID appreciate the value of a career in the trades. St. Mary’s alum Jake Hummel (a union electrician who is today the leader of the Missouri AFL-CIO) and St. Mary’s Principal Mike England decided to go one step further than career days and actually set up a pre-apprenticeship program in the building trades to offer as an elective to students.
Interested students received their gear, such as steel-toed shoes and hard hats, participated in the same basic safety training that union construction workers receive, then had an opportunity to visit the training centers run by each trade (e.g. carpenters, plumbers, electricians, bricklayers) and try their hand at the work. On graduation they will have a leg up in the competitive process of securing an apprenticeship in the craft of their choice and starting a successful career.
As Catholics we believe that all work has dignity, and should respect those who choose a skilled trade instead of college – including when they are our own children. If your school would like to find out more about introducing students to careers in the building trades, please contact me at [email protected]
I’m happy to hear this, because not every person is college material; and where would we be without the trades?! There’s absolutely nothing wrong with working with your hands.
Our kids need exposure to all possible careers. As long as they enjoy it and find it purposeful in life.
As a fan of both Aquinas and Luther, why does this have to religious? Also, much of this stems from an odious notion in this country that a kid who doesn’t go to a traditional college is a failure AND unnecessary to the functioning of society. Further social investment in training and high education in “blue” collar jobs will improve our nation’s economy.
I’m so glad to hear this!! I agree – apprenticeship should be encouraged as much as college. My son pursued an apprenticeship in HVAC after high school. Now at 23 he has no college debt and just purchased a home. College is not for everyone – only 64% graduate in 6 years (https://nces.ed.gov/fastfacts/display.asp?id=40). That leaves over 1/3 paying for college without earning a degree.
SO glad to hear about St. Mary’s HIgh School. Indeed such a program is needed in that area (our Motherhouse is about 2 miles from there). The principal is indeed innovative, and Jake Hummel is well-respected around here.
thanks, Clayton!
Barbara Jennings, CSJ
Congratulations. Creating Apprenticeship opportunities for young folks sets them on a path to a wonderful career in the construction industry. Additionally, the trades provide high wages, health care and retirement benefits. And additionally, if at any time during the career in the trade they choose, they could work their way through college.
I started in the Operating Engineers and after a few years, I decided to obtain a college degree. Completing my degree, I returned to the trade. A few years later I was elected by the IUOE and went on to lead the union as Business Manager.
To my point, learning a trade through an apprenticeship offers unlimited opportunities.
A side note I need to squeeze in is with high wages in the trade, I am able to support my Parish with weekly contributions.
Blessings all,
Allan
That’s amazing! I am also a LiUNA! Member, and one of the first apprenticeship graduates at my little local back in Ohio. College isn’t for everyone, (certainly not me after high school) but my entire time in the apprenticeship- to the current day, I have been surrounded by people that wanted to see me succeed.
Thank you for sharing this. Our students do need to know and understand there are various options to become productive and active citizens. As adults we need to take the stigma away from trade jobs being only for those that couldn’t make it to college. The prosperity of our nation will need trade workers that will build it and live in it.