At UMC, Inc., we’ve accomplished many things and taken on some fantastic projects. Of course, it’s always fulfilling to complete a brand new project and see the results of all our hard work and effort, but the thing we are most proud of is our apprenticeship program.
In the trades, apprenticeships are a way of life. Young, eager students learn from certified, older, and more experienced professionals who pass on their skills to the next generation. At UMC, Inc., we’re proud of the apprenticeship program we’ve established and how it’s helped many of our employees earn their journeyman status and advance their careers.
Many of our apprentices start in our pre-apprentice program. This program often begins while they’re in high school, and they come to work part-time on the job site, earning credit and skills until they graduate. DeeAnn Devey, our HR manager, regularly visits high schools and introduces the program to students. She especially likes to reach out to struggling students looking for alternative career paths. Her presentations focus on the benefits of a career in the trades and how our program can help each person reach their potential.
After graduation, you can apply to become a full apprentice. We typically run a fall and spring class, and you will need to pass a drug test and a background check. Once your application is accepted, you will begin the program. UMC, Inc. covers 100% of your tuition and 50% of the costs of your books. You’ll be working while you go to school two nights a week. It’s a challenging program, but you’ll learn on the job, and you can graduate with no student loans!
We’ve seen some incredible growth and success through our apprenticeship program. Here are two stories that stand out:
First, we’d like to tell you a bit about Chase Frandsen. Chase started as an untrained green hire and worked through our apprenticeship program. He graduated and earned his journeyman certification. But Chase didn’t just stop there. He now leads our virtual design and construction (VDC) department and is an integral part of our team. In this role, Chase leads a team as they pre-package supplies and kits for each of our projects. Their work saves us time on the job site and increases our productivity!
Next, we’d like to share James Hemmert’s story. Like Chase, James started as a green hire and worked hard in the apprenticeship program. But he didn’t pass his journeyman test the first time. We all rallied behind James and provided him with the extra support and knowledge he needed to succeed. When he retook the test and passed, he called DeeAnn to share the news. As our HR Manager, she works closely with our apprentices and oversees the program. She was James’ cheerleader throughout the whole process and it was thrilling for her to see him succeed. Now, James serves as one of our site superintendents.
We share these stories with you because we are so proud of our employees’ progress, especially those who started out in our apprenticeship program. We may build buildings and work with fantastic partners but knowing we’ve helped others find a fulfilling, challenging career is the best feeling in the world. If you are interested in joining our team as an apprentice, please reach out to us at (801) 254-4038. We’d love to help you succeed!
