The Admission Process
Being Selected for Boot Camp
When new apprentices are needed, we go to our list and select the group at the top of the list. Typical Boot Camp groups range from 20 to 30 Applicants. When you are called for the Boot Camp, if you are unable to answer your phone, you will have 24 hours to return the call to the Northeastern Apprenticeship Training Office AND complete the DOT physical and drug test. If you receive the call and accept a spot in the Boot Camp, you will be required to pass a drug test as well as a criminal background check. In addition to that, we will also check your motor vehicle driving record to determine if you can obtain a CDL and / or if you can reasonably be insured to drive a vehicle when you go to work. Failing any of those three items will result in your invitation to Boot Camp being rescinded and you will be removed from the Waiting List.
What is Boot Camp?
Boot Camp is a training course that is run for 6 to 8 consecutive weekends. Apprentices are not paid for Boot Camp classes or any other Northeastern Apprenticeship Training classes and / or training. You will be expected to attend each Saturday and Sunday during that period and failure to make the commitment and attend the classes will result in the cancellation of your Apprenticeship Agreement and your time in the program will come to a quick end. If you cannot make the commitment to the entire Boot Camp, you should not accept the invitation when you receive it. The first 40 hours of training will involve climbing instruction. At the end of the climbing instruction, you will be required to pass a climbing test. Failure to successfully complete the climbing test will result in the cancellation of your Apprenticeship Agreement and your time in the program will come to a quick end in this case as well. Once you get past the climbing portion of the training, you will be given classes, such as OSHA T&D, Rigger Signalperson, Knot Tying, etc. These classes are intended to give you the knowledge to hit the ground running when you get to your first job. You will also be set up with an email account as well as your online course material. When your Boot Camp is complete, you will be put to work as soon as possible. Frequently, apprentices will go to work before the Boot Camp is complete, but it is also possible that you will wait weeks or even a few months depending on the demand for Apprentices. It is worth noting that in the past few years, most apprentices are working before the Boot Camp ends or very soon afterward.
Things to Note about Boot Camp
The current cost of your first year online access and course material is $545. You will be required to pay the $545 on the day that is listed on the schedule you are given. In addition to that, you will be required to purchase hand tools to have with you when you show up for your first job. You will also be required to purchase climbing gear shortly after the conclusion of the Boot Camp. The tools and equipment can easily cost in the $1,000 to $3,000 range depending on what you want to spend and what you choose to buy. You need to keep these costs in mind so you are prepared for them when the time comes. YOU WILL BE REQUIRED TO ATTEND ALL BOOT CAMP CLASSES.
