Ready to jumpstart your career? Our region needs a diverse, dedicated, and skilled workforce to bring Sound Transit’s multibillion-dollar, three-county, 252-mile system expansion to life.
If you’re looking for an entry point to the construction trade, Sound Transit’s apprenticeship programs can help you develop skills to build projects essential to everyday life. Start your path with the Construction Apprenticeships Guidebook, available in English and Spanish.
A career path that pays off from day one
Did you know you can get paid to learn a construction trade as an alternative to college? Apprenticeship programs give you hands-on experience, competitive wages, and real-world skills without the student debt, if college isn’t the pathway for you.
| Apprenticeship | College | |
|---|---|---|
| Earning potential | $20-$35/hour + benefits & pension | $0 |
| Cost over 4 years | $0 | Average tuition $118,262 |
| Work experience over 4 years | 4 years industry experience | Entering the industry after school, excluding possible internship experience |
Adapted from Cost of attendance – Office of Admissions and Tuition & Expenses | Student Financial Services | Washington State University
Earn from day one — Apprenticeship earnings start at $20-$35/hour with regular pay raises. Once you finish your apprenticeship, wages range from $36-75/hour plus benefits and retirement.
Full benefits package during apprenticeship — Healthcare for you and your family, retirement, and more.
Job security — There’s a high demand for skilled workers in our region.
Work you can be proud of — Build essential infrastructure and see the impact every day.
No experience? No problem.
Our partners offer pre-apprenticeship programs that prepare you for success by:
- Helping you master construction fundamentals & earn trade certifications.
- Teaching you about various construction trade pathways.
- Providing assistance with transportation, childcare, and more.
Apprenticeship programs help you gain the skills and support you need to succeed. And apprenticeships and pre-apprenticeships don’t just teach you the skills; they’ll also provide support in landing a great job.
- Hands-on learning: Gain real-world experience from skilled tradespeople.
- Industry connections: Get connected to hiring contractors.
- Job placement & financial support: Résumé skill building, interview prep, and financial aid for tools and gear.
- Pathway to a lifelong career: Step into a high-demand field with long-term opportunities for growth and advancement.
Start your journey to a stable career with strong earning potential today.
Build a career you can count on
With Sound Transit’s massive expansion underway, the demand for skilled tradespeople has never been higher. Apprenticeships connect you to careers as a :
- Carpenter
- Heavy equipment operator
- Ironworker
- Cement mason
- Pipe fitter
- Painter
- Electrician
- Plumber
... and more!
How to get started
Get the tools, training, and support you need to start earning while you learn in three easy steps:
- Download the guidebook.
- Find a program near you.
- Apply!