Facilities Management, Human Resources Pilot Apprenticeship Program recruiting full-time employees to skilled trade positions

If you're interested in learning a skilled trade as a full-time, benefits-eligible employee of WVU while building a long-term career, check out the Facilities Management Pilot Apprenticeship Program. Those accepted into the four-year program will train with highly skilled, knowledgeable professionals who will serve as mentors to apprentices as they gain valuable hands-on training and classroom instruction.

Challenging Opportunity:

The Pilot Apprenticeship Program was established in 2007 to develop a team of qualified, skilled craft workers tailored to meet the specialized needs of the University environment. The program offers participants the opportunity to advance their careers at WVU through a combination of on-the-job training, technical education and classroom instruction. Upon completion of the four-year program, apprentices achieve Department of Labor certification in their respective trade - such as carpentry, electrical, HVAC, general trades, millwright or plumbing.

Major Goals:

"Two major goals of the program are to provide a path for career development within our organization and to plan for future openings," said Randy Hudak, director of Facilities Management. "With more skilled trade workers nearing retirement, the apprenticeship program is a key strategy to bridge that gap." According to Don Himes, maintenance manager in the electrical shop, "We need to develop new talent to replace the wealth of knowledge that we could loose over the next several years." A.J. Morris, one of two apprentices currently work in the unit, believes the program is beneficial. "The apprenticeship program gives me the opportunity to learn a skill that I'm interested in," he said.

A Team Approach:

Each apprentice is assigned to work with an experienced craft worker to develop technical knowledge and skills and to learn more about the University's operational systems. Apprentices also gain experience in problem solving and working in a team environment.

Apprentices are full-time, benefits-eligible employees of WVU earning a competitive wage. As participants successfully complete each phase of the program, their wage and pay grade increases. Each year requires 1,600 hours of on-the-job training and 145 hours of classroom and technical education.

Upon successful completion of the apprenticeship program, apprentices become trades specialists within the Facilities Management organization. They are also eligible for certification by the United States Department of Labor (DOL) Office of Apprenticeship and the State of West Virginia.

Position Descriptions:

For each year of the Pilot Apprenticeship Program, there is a unique position description that provides specific information about qualifications, job duties and responsibilities. Review each position descriptions by trade and program Year.

Applying For The Pilot Apprenticeship Program:

The first step to gaining employment with West Virginia University is completing an employment application. Candidates interested in the Pilot Apprenticeship Program must possess a high school diploma or GED and a valid driver's license. Applicants are not required to have any general trade skills or previous experience; an aptitude test will be given to determine the appropriate trade skill most beneficial to the candidate.

Please mail completed application to:
West Virginia University
One Waterfront Place
PO Box 6640
Morgantown, West Virginia 26506-6640

Applications remain active for one year after receipt by the WVU Division of Human Resources. The application can be filled out electronically, but must be printed and mailed to the address above. You are encouraged to submit a resume with your application.

Contact Information:

For more information:
Visit our Frequently Asked Questions

Paul Zepp
Assistant Director
Facilities Management
304-293-6362
Paul.Zepp@mail.wvu.edu