Study compares paid training of construction crafts apprenticeships to cost of college

Area students are encouraged to register for upcoming Apprenticeship Information Expo

A new study has shown that construction apprenticeships now lead to an estimated pay for high school graduates’ first four years of work ranging from $170,000 to $225,000 plus benefits and pension contributions.

Information received by the Southern Illinois Builders Association compares that pay for on-the-job training to the typical cost of about $90,000 for four years of college:

Now, high school students in the eight-county Metro-East area have the opportunity to explore these paid apprenticeship options at the Construction Careers Expo taking place Oct. 24 to 26, 2023 in Belleville.

Students must pre-register with their school’s teachers or counselors, according to Donna Richter, CEO of the Southern Illinois Builders Association.

Each student will have the opportunity for a hands-on learning experience in a range of activities. Skilled trades journeymen from Union locals will be demonstrating their skills and discussing their apprenticeships at the Expo.

The Southern Illinois Builders Association produces the Career Expo in conjunction with the Southern Illinois Construction Advancement program.

Information about specific apprenticeships is at www.siba-agc.org/VideoLinks or by calling (618) 624-9055.