At ABCSD, we believe in building people through the merit shop philosophy: projects and personal advancement should be awarded based on performance, skill, and achievement. As a respected national association, we’ve been setting the standard for safety, quality, and integrity in the construction industry since 1950 — and we’re not about to stop now. 

Our flexible, affordable craft and safety training leads to industry-recognized, national credentials for today’s leading construction positions. Together, we help individuals train, transform, and triumph as they pursue meaningful careers advancing their potential and building strong communities. ​ 

Follow These Five Easy Steps

Application
Complete an ABCSD application for the next written entrance test of basic math and reading skills. Applicants must be 18 or older and provide proof of a high school diploma, GED or equivalent. Electrical applicants must also include proof of completion of a basic algebra course with a “C” or better.
Written Competency Test
On your scheduled test day, present a picture/photo ID in order to test. You must pass both math and reading sections to advance to the next step in the selection process.
Oral Interview
After passing the written entrance test, you will be scheduled for an in-person panel interview with the Apprenticeship Committee.
Registration & Mandatory Drug Test
At the enrollment step, you will attend orientation and complete your apprenticeship and school forms. All applicants must pass a drug test prior to final acceptance into the program. Electrical and EST applicants must pass a color vision screening.
Employment & Training Process
As an ABCSD apprentice, you will work for an ABCSD member contractor and receive paid on-the-job training. You will also attend school to complete your theory and technical classroom requirements, typically two nights per week. You will earn college credits from the Chabot Las-Positas Community College District for each course you complete.

For more information, please call 858-513-4700 or email info@abcsd.org

The recruitment, selection, and training of apprentice for the San Diego Apprenticeship Training program shall be without discrimination of color, national origin, gender, or sexual orientation.

EOE/M/F

Entrance Test Preparation

Prepare for the Associated Builders and Contractors APPRENTICESHIP ENTRANCE TEST!

SELF-STUDY – Search the internet for McGraw Hill TABE (Test of Adult Basic Education) and review the practice problems in basic reading and math. 

Here are a couple websites with practice problems:

The San Diego Community College District, Continuing Education, offers independent learning labs for basic reading and math. See more information on page two.

APPRENTICESHIP programs provide a unique combination of paid on-the-job work experience and classroom instruction. These programs require the applicant to have a High School Diploma or GED and a passing score on an entrance test.

Programs offered through the San Diego Associated Builders and Contractors require the following score levels on the TABE entrance test:

TradesReading Grade LevelMath Grade Level
Plumbing/Pipefitting8.08.0
Sheet Metal8.010.0
* Electrical / EST10.09.6

* Electrical apprentices must also show that they have completed an Algebra course with a grade of “C” or higher. Algebra credit may be earned at many of the continuing education learning centers listed on page two of this flyer.

For more information contact the Associated Builders and Contractors at (858) 513-4700 or go to www.abcsd.org.