Elevator Constructor at International Elevator Constructors JATC LU 33
at International Elevator Constructors JATC LU 33 in Des Moines, IA
About This Program
International Elevator Constructors JATC Local Union 33 offers this union Elevator Constructor apprenticeship in Des Moines, IA. Administered through the Joint Apprenticeship and Training Committee, this program combines the training resources of the IUEC with employer partnerships to deliver a rigorous, paid pathway into the elevator construction trade. Apprentices earn wages from their first day on the job.
The four-year program consists of 8,000 hours of on-the-job training and 576 hours of related technical instruction. Working under the supervision of journeyman mechanics, apprentices learn to install, maintain, troubleshoot, and repair elevators, escalators, and related equipment. Technical instruction covers electrical and mechanical theory, hydraulic systems, control circuits, and ASME safety codes relevant to the trade.
Graduating apprentices attain journey-level elevator constructor status and full IUEC membership. Des Moines continues to see commercial and institutional construction activity that sustains strong demand for qualified elevator mechanics, making this an excellent long-term career investment for motivated individuals in the region.
Wage & Training
Journeyman Wage
$47
OJT Hours
8,000
RTI Hours
576
Duration
4 years
Wage data is the national median for this occupation (BLS, May 2023), not specific to this program.
Elevator Constructor Career Outlook
National Median
$46.56/hr
~$96,844.8/yr
Apprentice Start
$25/hr
Earn while you learn
Job Outlook
Elevator constructor employment is projected to grow faster than average, driven by new high-rise construction, elevator modernization requirements, and building code changes mandating accessibility upgrades. The small size of the workforce relative to the installed base of equipment means strong job security. Aging elevator systems in major cities require ongoing modernization, creating sustained demand.
What to Expect as an Elevator Constructor Apprentice
Duration
4 years of combined on-the-job training and classroom instruction
On-the-Job Training
~40 hours/week of hands-on work under journeyman supervision (8,000 total hours)
Classroom Instruction
576 hours of related technical instruction (~144 hours/year)
Paid Training
You earn a wage from day one, starting at a percentage of the journeyman rate and increasing as you progress
Time-based program: You'll progress through the program based on completing a set number of hours in both on-the-job training and classroom instruction.
This is a union-affiliated program. Union apprenticeships typically offer strong benefits packages, pension contributions, and structured career advancement through the local hall.
Trade School vs. Apprenticeship for Elevator Constructor
Apprenticeship
Trade School
Licensing in Iowa
Elevator Constructors in Iowa are required to hold a license. Licensing is issued by Iowa Division of Labor, Elevator Safety Bureau.
View full Iowalicensing requirements →Reviews
No reviews yet. Be the first to share your experience!
See something wrong? Help us improve this page.