MTC differs from existing job training programs in that while the student is learning a new skill, he or she will be paid as an apprentice carpenter, even while he or she is not qualified for that position. Training in life skills, such as developing a work ethic and money management abilities, will be included to ensure continued success in the training program. Once the apprentice has reached a level of ability and education that allows him or her to perform to industry standards, every effort will be made to provide the apprentice with job placement assistance. Some examples of such assistance would be training in writing a resume and interviewing for a job. In addition, MTC is developing relationships with companies in the construction industry that are willing to hire MTC apprenticeship graduates. Once the apprentice has been placed in a job in the industry, continued mentoring and life skills training will be provided for up to one year in order to aid the apprentice’s transition from the MTC program to an industry position. MTC will remain committed to the achievement of each apprentice by addressing any circumstance that may prevent his or her success and by providing possible solutions. If a situation arises in an apprentice’s life that prevents him or her from being successful in the MTC program or in their job placement, MTC staff will make every effort to connect him or her with existing services provided in the Wellston or St. Louis region.

Applications for entrance into the MTC program will be similar to a job application, with the exception that the potential apprentice will not be hired because of his or her skill, but rather because of his or her willingness to learn the skills being taught. Applicants will not be discriminated against because of gender, race, color, or national or ethnic origin. The applicant will be required to agree to an annual renewable contract, which will include but not be limited to periodic drug testing, classroom training of at least three hours weekly during the school year, participation in periodic community outreach service projects, Bible studies, OSHA safety training, and enrollment in GED classes (if the participant has no high school diploma). Upon hiring, the apprentice will earn an hourly wage of approximately $9 to $12 per hour for approximately 35 hours each week. At the time of contract renewal, the apprentice’s wage will be negotiated according to an evaluation of his or her progress in the application of the skills learned. If the apprentice is meeting the standards of the program, he or she will have the option of remaining in the program to continue his or her training and education annually for up to four years. MTC will provide job placement assistance for all students at whatever level of skill and education they achieve.

Upon hiring, MTC will immediately pair the apprentice with a trained volunteer mentor who will commit to meeting with the apprentice at least two times per month during that year. MTC plans to provide classroom instruction during the school year of the Wellston school district. This will include curriculum which meets the approval of the Department of Labor. On-the-job training will be conducted by a staff member who is skilled in cabinet-making and operation of shop machinery. The apprentice learns his or her trade through the production of cabinetry, furniture, and millwork that is sold to the general public. Upon successful completion of the program, apprentices receive a Department of Labor certificate of completion.

More Than Carpentry maintains an apprentice/trainer ratio of no more than 5/1 to allow for individual intensive training. Therefore, the first year there will be no more than five apprentices hired. In each consecutive year thereafter, up to five additional apprentices will be hired. MTC plans to hire all apprentices in the fall of each year to maintain consistency in the curriculum. From time to time, however, MTC may hire laborers and then accept him or her into the apprentice program in the upcoming school year if he or she desires. Other positions may become available as a result of the MTC apprenticeship program, such as housekeeping, administrative, delivery driver, etc., as needed. These positions will participate in all aspects of the MTC program except for the classroom apprentice-specific instruction.

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