In partnership with IALR, Daniel Builders, LLC, a commercial and industrial construction services company, has signed its first carpentry apprentice, Ulises Jimenez. The carpentry apprenticeship is a four-year program, or 8,000 hours. The technical instruction occurs during the first two years, which is what Jimenez is currently obtaining for two nights a week at the Virginia Technical Institute in Altavista. The last two years of the apprenticeship will consist of on-the-job training and mentoring by professionals.

After successful completion of his carpentry apprenticeship, Jimenez will receive a Journeyworker’s Credential which includes a Completion Certificate and a Journeyworker’s card. The Journeyworker’s credential is a portable national credential that demonstrates that a worker has mastered the skills and competencies required for an occupation. Journeyworkers are also qualified to train and mentor apprentices.

Jimenez graduated from George Washington High School in 2013. After graduation, he was working in his family’s restaurant business but was not completely satisfied. When the COVID-19 pandemic took place, he decided it was time to try something new, which is what led him to the program.

IALR’s apprenticeship program is a facet of the ExperienceWorks framework which facilitates employer outreach and development of registered apprenticeship positions in partnership with regional employers and the Virginia Department of Labor and Industry.