Contractor Apprentice Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Associated Builders and Contractors (ABC) NorCal is seeking an experienced and motivated Apprenticeship Operations Director to lead and oversee one of California's premier state and federally approved apprenticeship programs.

This is a unique opportunity for someone who enjoys building strong teams, improving operational processes, ensuring regulatory compliance, and working alongside contractors, educators, industry partners, and government agencies to develop the next generation of skilled construction professionals.

If you are a strategic thinker who thrives in a fast-paced environment and enjoys making a meaningful impact, we encourage you to apply.

What You'll Do

As the Apprenticeship Operations Director, you will provide leadership and oversight for all aspects of ABC NorCal's apprenticeship programs, including operations, compliance, program development, contractor support, and team management.

Key responsibilities include:

Program Leadership

• Lead the daily operations of ABC NorCal's apprenticeship programs.
• Supervise and mentor apprenticeship and facilities staff.
• Develop and implement strategies to strengthen and grow apprenticeship programs.
• Identify opportunities for operational improvements and process efficiencies.

Compliance & Regulatory Oversight

• Ensure compliance with California Division of Apprenticeship Standards (DAS), U.S. Department of Labor (DOL), and all applicable state and federal regulations.
• Maintain apprenticeship standards, policies, and program documentation.
• Prepare annual compliance reports, audits, Cal-Plan submissions, grant documentation, and program self-assessments.

Contractor & Apprentice Support

• Serve as a trusted resource for sponsoring contractors.
• Provide guidance on apprenticeship procedures, training requirements, contributions, and program compliance.
• Oversee contractor and apprentice concerns while working collaboratively toward positive resolutions.
• Support apprenticeship recruitment, retention, and workforce development initiatives.

Operations & Administration

• Manage apprenticeship databases, including FlashPoint.
• Oversee apprenticeship records, reporting, grants, funding opportunities, and quality assurance.
• Monitor contribution processes and ensure compliance with Trust requirements.
• Coordinate apprenticeship graduation and special program initiatives.

Industry & Board Relations

• Represent ABC NorCal at industry meetings, committee meetings, and apprenticeship conferences.
• Prepare reports and presentations for Trust Boards and ABC leadership.
• Collaborate with contractors, educators, legal counsel, government agencies, and industry partners to strengthen apprenticeship opportunities throughout Northern California.

What We're Looking For

The ideal candidate is an experienced operations leader who combines strong organizational skills with excellent communication and relationship-building abilities.

Qualifications include:

• Experience managing operations, workforce development, apprenticeship, education, construction, or compliance programs.
• Demonstrated leadership and supervisory experience.
• Strong project management and organizational skills.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities while maintaining exceptional attention to detail.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to build productive relationships with contractors, apprentices, government agencies, and industry partners.
• Experience interpreting policies, regulations, and compliance requirements.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office and database management systems.
• Knowledge of apprenticeship programs, workforce development, construction, or public agency compliance is highly desirable.

How we got our start
Associated Builders and Contractors (ABC) was founded in 1950 when seven contractors gathered in Baltimore, MD to create an association based on the shared belief that construction projects should be awarded on merit to the most qualified and responsible low bidders. The courage and dedication of those seven contractors – Charles Mullan, C.K. Wells, Jr., Philip Cloves, Ernest Shultz, Edward Colwill, Charles Knott and Edward Dickinson – helped quickly spread the merit shop philosophy and ABC became the fastest growing association in the United States.

Where we are now
Today, ABC is a national trade association with 68 Chapters and 22,000 members representing more than 19,000 construction and industry-related firms. We are the VOICE OF THE MERIT SHOP® and the only organization to serve contractors, subcontractors, suppliers and associates of all trades who want to conduct business in an unrestricted market regardless of labor affiliation. Our services include federal, state and local government representation, legal advocacy, education, workforce development, communications, technology, recognition through national and chapter awards programs, employee benefits and information on best practices and business development.

Our mission: To promote free enterprise by advancing the merit shop philosophy in the construction industry through education, advocacy and business services.

ABC Northern California’s history
ABC Northern California (ABC NorCal) was founded in 1976 in Concord, CA. In summer 2008, we expanded our office and training space and moved to our current 26,000 square-foot home in Livermore, CA. Today we represent close to 500 large and small companies across Northern California and train 300+ apprentices per year.