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From apprenticeship to specialized, safety, and professional development training, our programs help you build a skilled, capable workforce.

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Build Your Future in Construction

The Associated Builders and Contractors of San Diego offers structured, earn-while-you-learn apprenticeship programs that build a stronger workforce and create lasting career pathways in the skilled trades. Whether starting a career or growing your team, our programs deliver measurable results.

Who Is Apprenticeship For?

Future Tradespeople

Start a Career in the Skilled Trades

Earn competitive wages while you train, gain real experience on the job, and finish with credentials recognized across the industry. Apprenticeship is a debt-free path to a skilled career with strong earning potential.

Explore Career Paths
For Workers

Contractors & Employers

Strengthen Your Workforce Pipeline

Build skilled, job-ready talent trained to your standards and to public works requirements. Apprenticeship helps you reduce hiring risk, improve retention, and staff your projects with confidence.

Partner With ABC
For Employers

Trades We Support

ABC San Diego offers nationally credentialed apprenticeship programs across multiple skilled trades一each with the potential to lead to a secure career.

Electrical

Design, install and maintain electrical systems that power homes, businesses and infrastructure. Work with all applications from lighting and machinery to alternative energy and digital controls.

Electronic Systems Technician

Install and service the connected systems behind modern buildings, including security, networks, audio/video and energy-efficient technologies, that are at the forefront of solar, communications and smart-building innovation.

HVAC

Fabricate and install the heating, ventilation and air systems that keep buildings safe and comfortable; operate computerized fabrication equipment and turn detailed plans into precise finished work.

Plumbing

Install and repair water and wastewater systems that make up part of the infrastructure of every building; apply code knowledge and problem-solving to keep residential and commercial systems running safely.

Pipes

Design and install the pipelines that carry water, gas and chemicals through commercial and industrial systems. Precision work for those who take pride in getting every detail right.

How to Apply

Becoming an apprentice with ABCSD takes five steps, from application through your first day on the job. Here’s what to expect at each stage of the process.

001
Application
Complete an application and register for the next entrance test. Applicants must be at least 18 and have a high school diploma, GED or equivalent. Electrical applicants must have proof of a passed algebra course.
002
Written Competency Test
Take the entrance test of basic math and reading skills. You must pass both sections to move forward in the selection process.
003
Oral Interview
Upon passing the written test, sit for an in-person interview with the apprenticeship committee.
004
Enrollment
Attend orientation and complete your apprenticeship and school forms. All applicants must pass a drug screening before final acceptance, and electrical and EST applicants must pass a color-vision screening.
005
Employment & Training
Work for a member contractor and earn paid, on-the-job training while attending classes about two nights a week. Earn college credit for every course passed, with tuition fully waived.

Required Qualifications

  • Must be at least 18 years of age
  • Have a high school diploma, GED, or high school equivalency
  • Electrical applicants only: proof of completing an algebra class with a C grade or higher
  • Be legally authorized to work in the United States
  • Have reliable personal transportation

Real Labs.
Real Instructors.
Real Careers.

“A lot of people get into the trades because they want to work with their hands. Having the opportunity to do that in a controlled setting, not just in the field, is important. The classroom portion and knowledgeable staff have life experience, and that gives people a real opportunity to better themselves.”

Andrew, Plumbing

ABCSD Apprentice

Apprenticeship as a Modern Workforce Strategy

For contractors, apprenticeship is one of the most reliable ways to build a skilled, dependable workforce. ABCSD helps you train craft professionals to your standards, reduce turnover and hiring risk and meet prevailing wage and public works requirements with confidence. It’s a long-term investment in the people your projects depend on.

Become an Apprentice

Start Your Apprenticeship

Earn a paycheck while you train, graduate with no student debt and build a career in one of San Diego’s most in-demand industries. Applications are open now.