Elevator Constructor at International Union of Elevator Constructors Local 19 Joint Apprenticeship Committee (IUEC)

Time-BasedRegistered ApprenticeshipUnionPaid Training

at International Union of Elevator Constructors Local 19 Joint Apprenticeship Committee (IUEC) in Seattle, WA

About This Program

The International Union of Elevator Constructors Local 19 Joint Apprenticeship Committee (IUEC) sponsors a union Elevator Constructor apprenticeship in Seattle, WA. This JATC program is jointly administered by labor and management to deliver structured, standards-based training for a trade that demands both technical precision and physical skill. Apprentices receive pay throughout the program.

The four-year apprenticeship includes 8,000 hours of on-the-job training and 576 hours of related technical instruction. Apprentices work in the field alongside IUEC Local 19 journeymen, learning to install, service, maintain, repair, and modernize elevators, escalators, and related equipment across a range of commercial and residential projects. Classroom instruction covers electrical systems, hydraulics, mechanical components, safety codes, and technical drawings.

Graduates earn journeyman status with IUEC Local 19 and are fully qualified Elevator Constructors with access to union wages, benefits, and reciprocity across IUEC locals nationwide. Seattle's thriving construction market makes this an especially strong time to enter the elevator trade through this well-established union apprenticeship program.

Wage & Training

Journeyman Wage

$47

BLS 2023

OJT Hours

8,000

Apprenticeship.gov 2025

RTI Hours

576

Apprenticeship.gov 2025

Duration

4 years

Apprenticeship.gov 2025

Wage data is the national median for this occupation (BLS, May 2023), not specific to this program.

How to Apply

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

Cost$0 (earn while you learn)
Duration4 years
Starting wage$25.00/hr
Journeyman wage$46.56/hr
CredentialJourneyman card

Trade School

Cost$5,000–$20,000+
Duration6–24 months
Starting wageEntry-level
ExperienceHands-on labs
CredentialCertificate / diploma

Licensing in Washington

Elevator Constructors in Washington are required to hold a license. Licensing is issued by Washington State Department of Labor and Industries, Elevator Program.

View full Washingtonlicensing requirements →

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