Introduction
Are you currently a high school junior or senior interested in a career in Carpentry?
Consider becoming a Youth Carpenter Apprentice with Milwaukee Fire Department's Construction & Maintenance team!
Selected students will enroll in the State of Wisconsin Department of Workforce Development Youth Apprenticeship Program (DWD-YAP) through their school-appointed consortium.
Application Period Opens:
Application Period Closes:
*Informational Session and Structured Interview:
(*Subject to change
)
Thursday, August 6, 2026
Friday, August 21, 2026
Thursday, August 27, 2026
Purpose
Under the direction of the Facilities Manager and jobsite mentors, Youth Carpenter Apprentices receive hands-on training while completing construction tasks aligned with the Wisconsin Youth Apprenticeship competencies.
Apprentices work full-time during the summer and part-time during the school year.
Essential Functions
- Read blueprints, plans, and specifications.
- Interpret symbols and procedures.
- Assist with the execution and identification of job preparation needs.
- Assist with the development of a job task plan.
- Select tools and materials.
- Operate hand tools, light-duty tools, and other equipment safely.
- Assist with the installation of material.
- Demonstrate accuracy using various instruments to measure.
- Maintain a clean and safe work environment.
- Demonstrate quality craftsmanship.
- Assist with interior and exterior rough framing or forming.
- Assist with interior and exterior framing or forming finishing.
We welcome qualified individuals with disabilities who are interested in employment and will make reasonable accommodations during the hiring process in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) of 1990, as amended by the Americans with Disabilities Act Amendments Act (ADAAA) of 2008.
Conditions of Employment
The Youth Carpenter Apprentice must be willing and able to do the following:
- Work during shop hours: Monday - Friday, 7:30 AM - 4 PM.
- Work 15 - 20 hours per week during the school year and full-time during the summer, with a minimum of 450 work hours completed at the end of year 1 and 900 hours completed at the end of year 2.
- Utilize reliable transportation with the ability to report on time at the work location for the assigned work shift.
- Withstand a wide range of weather conditions.
- Be subject to hazards and atmospheric conditions, such as noise, vibrations, moving mechanical parts, fumes, odors, dust, mists, gases, and oil or other fluids.
- Perform medium work; ability to exert up to 50 pounds of force occasionally, up to 20 pounds of force frequently, and up to 10 pounds of force constantly to move objects.
- Stand, walk, climb, balance, crouch, crawl, grasp, reach, push, pull, and perform repetitive motions.
- See and hear and remain safe within constantly changing environments.
- Wear personal protective equipment (PPE).
Required pre-employment tests include the following:
- Physical/ w 50lb Lift
- Audiogram
- Vision
- Non-DOT drug test
Minimum Requirements
1. At least 16 years of age at the time of appointment.
2. Enrollment as a high school junior or senior at the time of appointment.
NOTE 1: Candidates must be on track to graduate; verification will be requested from the candidate's high school.
NOTE 2: Candidates selected to the Youth Carpenter Apprentice - Fire Construction and Maintenance program must participate in the State of Wisconsin Department of Workforce Development Youth Apprenticeship Program (DWD-YAP). For more information, see this link: https://dwd.wisconsin.gov/apprenticeship/ya/applicants.htm.
IMPORTANT: The students selected for the Youth Carpenter Apprentice (Fire Department) title are required to seek admission to the DWD-YAP through their school-appointed consortium. For the Consortium list, see this link: https://dwd.wisconsin.gov/apprenticeship/contacts.htm#youthApprenticeshipConsortiums.
3. Valid driver's license or Class D instruction permit at the time of appointment.
NOTE: A valid driver's license is required within 60 days of appointment and must be maintained throughout employment. A valid Wisconsin driver's license is required for a full-time, regular appointment.
4. Good driving record at the time of appointment or at the time of obtaining a license and throughout employment.
5. Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) 10-hour safety training course completion within 60 days of appointment.
NOTICE: Please do not attach your academic transcripts to your employment application. The hiring department will verify candidates' education as part of the background screening process before extending any job offers.
Knowledge, Skills, Abilities & Other Characteristics
TECHNICAL
- Ability to demonstrate mechanical aptitude.
- Ability to identify and safely operate common hand tools and power tools.
- Ability to learn and understand mechanical systems.
- Ability to learn and identify construction and building system components.
- Ability to follow safety and security regulations and practices.
- Ability to effectively use technology and apply it to the workplace.
- Ability to perform quality work effectively and efficiently.
INTERPERSONAL
- Ability to develop positive work relationships.
- Ability to communicate effectively with others.
- Verbal skills to convey information to others.
- Written skills to document work-related information.
- Ability to collaborate with others and work effectively in teams with diverse backgrounds.
- Ability to demonstrate active listening.
PROFESSIONALISM
- Ability to maintain professionalism.
- Ability to stay organized and complete tasks promptly.
- Ability to maintain composure under pressure.
- Ability to carry out responsibilities in an ethical, professional manner.
- Ability to show initiative and self-direction to prioritize and carry out responsibilities.
- Ability to demonstrate adaptability to change.
- Honesty, integrity, and responsible use of organizational resources.
Current Salary
The hourly salary (Pay Range 9MN) is
$15.92, and the resident incentive hourly salary is
$16.55 per hour.
Selection Process
THE SELECTION PROCESS will be job-related and will consist of one or more of the following: an evaluation of education, experience, and/or responses to supplemental questions; a written or performance test; a structured interview; or other assessment methods. The Department of Employee Relations reserves the right to call only the most qualified candidates to structured interviews and performance examinations. Structured interviews may include written exercises. Selection process component weights will be determined by further analysis of the job.
INITIAL FILING DATE - The selection process will be held as soon as practical after the deadline listed above. Receipt of applications may be discontinued at any time after this date without prior notice. However, recruitment may continue until the City's needs have been met. Qualified applicants will be notified of the date, time, and place of the selection process components. Unless otherwise required by law, the City of Milwaukee will not provide alternative dates or times for the selection process. The applicant is responsible for attending all phases of the job selection process at the time and place designated by the City of Milwaukee.
Additional Information
- APPLICATIONS and further information can be accessed by visiting www.jobapscloud.com/MIL.
- If you would like assistance completing an application, please contact the Department of Employee Relations at (414) 286-3751 or staffinginfo@milwaukee.gov.
- The Department of Employee Relations is in City Hall, 200 E. Wells St, Room 706, Milwaukee, WI 53202.
Conclusion
EEO - 702
The City of Milwaukee values and encourages diversity and is an equal opportunity employer.
