What are the upgrade requirements for trade show installers?

ANSWER: Click Here

In what cities are the classes held?

ANSWER: Santa Fe Springs and San Diego

What are the class descriptions?

ANSWER: Go here and click class title for requirements or view all class decriptions on one form

Where is the Local 831 website?

ANSWER: Local 831 Official Website

Do I have to be a union member to attend the classes?

ANSWER: Yes, you must be a current member.

Where can I get specialty tools?

ANSWER: Go to the Resources page for links/info.

What documents are required to apply?

ANSWER: All applicants must provide the following original documents when applying:

• Valid California Identification Card or Driver's License (official document only; no copies or substitute forms of identification will be accepted)
• Original Social Security Card (no copies will be accepted)
• Original High School Diploma, GED, Associate Degree, or higher, or official sealed transcripts (no copies will be accepted)
• Current resume (must include employment dates)
• DD Form 214 (if applicable)

Please use this time to gather all of your required documents. Some documents can take several weeks to obtain, and not having them ready could cause you to miss the enrollment deadline.

What are the enrollment requirements?

ANSWER: To be eligible for the apprenticeship program, applicants must:

• Pass a basic math test covering fractions, decimals, percentages, and measurements.
• Pass a pre-employment drug screening scheduled through our office.
• Attend an in-person interview conducted by a committee appointed by the JATC.
• Be available to attend five days of required training and orientation.

What happens if I do not pass or complete an enrollment requirement?

ANSWER: Failure to pass or complete any of the enrollment requirements will require you to reapply during the next enrollment period and restart the enrollment process.

How should I prepare for the math exam?

ANSWER: We strongly encourage you to practice and review basic math concepts while waiting for the enrollment period to open. Keeping these skills fresh will improve your chances of successfully passing the math test.

What should I study for the math exam?

ANSWER: Please focus your studies on:

• Fractions
• Decimals
• Percentages
• Measurements, including conversions

Are there any recommended study resources?

ANSWER: The following resources are provided for your convenience and are not affiliated with or endorsed by the California Tradeshow & Sign Crafts Apprenticeship Program:

• KhanAcademy.org - Search for "5th Grade Math."
• MathIsFun.com - Search for worksheets covering fractions, decimals, percentages, and measurements.
• ChatGPT - Use ChatGPT to practice math problems, receive step-by-step explanations, review concepts, and generate practice quizzes covering fractions, decimals, percentages, and measurements.

What are the terms of the apprenticeship program?

ANSWER: To help you prepare for the commitment required if you are selected, please review the following apprenticeship terms:

• The apprenticeship is a three-year program requiring completion of 3,600 hours of on-the-job work experience and 482 class hours.
• Apprentices are required to sign an Apprenticeship Agreement acknowledging and agreeing to all rules, conditions, and requirements established by the JATC.
• All apprentices complete a six-month, 600-hour probationary period.
• Apprentices must complete a minimum of 160 hours of related training instruction each year in addition to their on-the-job training.
• Apprentices are responsible for providing their own standard tools required to perform job duties.
• Apprentices must submit a monthly On-the-Job Training (OJT) Report as a condition of remaining in good standing within the program.

We encourage you to review these requirements carefully to ensure you are prepared for the time commitment, training, and responsibilities expected of all apprentices.

Do I get paid to attend classes?

ANSWER: Required school time shall not be compensated.

Is there a sample of the Entrance Evaluation?

ANSWER: We do not have a sample of the math test. We recommend reviewing and practicing fractions, decimals, percentages, and measurements using the study resources listed above.

How long is the Entrance Evaluation Test?

ANSWER: You are given one hour to take the Evaluation Test.

What if I can't find my High School Diploma/GED?

ANSWER: You can obtain official sealed transcripts from your school or school district.

How do I get a pay increase?

ANSWER: Apprentices must complete 180 days, 600 OJT hours, and 80 RSI hours to be eligible for a pay increase.

Where can I download the OJT Form?

ANSWER: You can download it right here at this link - OJT FORM