Build your career.
Build our region.

The Builders Guild is a unique labor/management initiative of the building and construction trade unions and local professional contractor associations.

Why the trades

$0

Tuition-free training

Joint apprenticeship programs teach you the trade while you work.

Paid

Earn while you learn

Apprentices earn livable wages well above minimum wage.

Benefits

Health care and pension

Coverage and retirement benefits come with the career.

20+

Trades to choose from

From electricians and carpenters to ironworkers and roofers.

Our mission

To promote quality construction, give labor and management a forum to work together on shared concerns, and create career opportunities for men and women interested in the demanding and challenging construction industry.

Learn more

Who we bring together

Building and construction trade unions and local professional contractor associations, working side by side to advocate for the commercial construction industry.

See our members

Pricing at a glance

Joining a program should never be a barrier. Here is what participation costs.

Apprentices and students

$0 tuition
  • Joint apprenticeship training
  • Paid on-the-job learning
  • Application guidance
Get started

Contractor associations

$12,000 per year
  • Seat at the labor/management forum
  • Workforce pipeline access
  • Industry advocacy
Join the Guild

Event sponsors

from $15,000 per event
  • Logo placement and recognition
  • Reach students, trades and employers
  • Custom packages available
Sponsor

Figures are starting amounts. Full pricing details

About the Guild

The Builders Guild Inc. is a unique labor/management initiative of the building and construction trade unions and local professional contractor associations.

We promote quality construction, provide a forum for labor and management to work together on issues of common concern, and create career opportunities in the construction trades. The Guild is an advocate for the commercial construction industry across our region and beyond.

What we do

Open doors. We introduce veterans, graduates and career changers to the trades.

Connect partners. Unions and contractors solve shared problems together.

Advocate. We speak up for quality commercial construction.

Our Members

Trade unions and contractor associations, united behind quality construction.

Building trades

  • Boilermakers
  • Bricklayers
  • Cement Masons
  • Carpenters
  • Electricians
  • Elevator Constructors
  • Insulators
  • Ironworkers
  • Laborers
  • Operating Engineers
  • Painters
  • Plumbers
  • Roofers
  • Sheet Metal Workers
  • Sprinkler Fitters
  • Steamfitters

Contractor associations

Local professional contractor associations partner with the unions to train and employ skilled workers.

Become a member

Apprenticeships

Regardless of educational background or experience, joint apprenticeship training puts you on the path to a skilled trade.

  • Boilermaker
  • Bricklayer
  • Cement Mason
  • Commercial Carpenter
  • Drywall Finisher
  • Electrician
  • Elevator Constructor
  • Floor Coverer
  • Heavy Highway Carpenter
  • Glazier
  • Insulator
  • Ironworker
  • Laborer
  • Mill Cabinet Worker
  • Millwright
  • Operating Engineer
  • Painter
  • Pile Driver
  • Plasterer
  • Plumber
  • Roofer
  • Sheet Metal Worker
  • Sprinkler Fitter
  • Steamfitter

How to apply

1. Pick a trade

Explore the trades and find one that fits you.

2. Check application periods

Each trade accepts applications at set times.

3. Apply and test

Complete the application and entry testing.

Students & Parents

A trade career is a real alternative to a four-year degree.

Rates and benefits

Apprentices earn wages that rise as skills grow, plus health care and pension benefits.

Apprenticeship vs. college

Earn while you learn and finish training without tuition debt.

CTE and CTC programs

Career and technical education can be a strong first step.

Getting accepted

Show up on time, prepare for testing and bring a strong work ethic.

Questions

Do I need experience?

No. Apprenticeships are built for beginners.

Is training really free?

Joint apprenticeship programs are tuition-free, and apprentices are paid for work on the job.

Who can apply?

Veterans, high school graduates, college or technical school graduates and career changers.

Events

Build On 2026

Our flagship event connecting students, trades and employers. Register or sponsor through our contact page.

Application period updates

Contact us to learn which trades are currently accepting applications.

Pricing

Clear costs for everyone who works with the Guild.

Apprentices and students

$0 tuition
  • Joint apprenticeship training
  • Paid on-the-job learning
  • Application guidance
Get started

Contractor associations

$12,000 per year
  • Labor/management forum seat
  • Workforce pipeline access
  • Industry advocacy
Join

Trade union members

$10,000 per year
  • Joint initiative participation
  • Recruitment and outreach support
  • Shared marketing
Join

Event sponsors

from $15,000 per event
  • Logo placement and recognition
  • Student and employer reach
  • Custom packages
Sponsor

Pricing questions

Do apprentices pay anything?

Joint apprenticeship tuition is $0. Tools or required items vary by trade.

Can membership dues change?

Yes. Amounts are set annually and confirmed in writing.

Do you offer custom sponsorships?

Yes. Contact us for a package that fits your goals.

Amounts shown are starting figures and may change.

Contact

Questions about apprenticeships, membership or events? Send us a note.

The Builders Guild Inc.

9791 Roundstone Circle
Fort Myers, FL 33967

(412) 921-9000
info@thebuilderguild.site

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