Trades Apprentice

Join the UVA Multi-Craft Registered Apprenticeship Program! Are you passionate about working with your hands and eager to learn new skills? The University of Virginia's Facilities Management team is excited to announce openings for our Multicraft Registered Apprenticeship Program!

For over 40 years, this program has provided a unique opportunity to gain trade skills through full-time, on-the-job learning. This year, candidates will enter the program in a pre-designated track as a Plumber, HVAC Mechanic, or Electrician. For the first two years, participants will build a strong foundation in general multi-craft maintenance skills, learning the basics of all three trades.

This broad training prepares you for the more specialized work to come. In the final two years, participants will focus exclusively on their chosen trade—Plumbing, HVAC, or Electrical—gaining in-depth, hands-on experience. Upon completion, graduates will have two certifications: one as a Multi-Craft Maintenance Mechanic and another in their specialized trade.

While prior work experience is helpful, it is not required. Every minimally qualified applicant, who submits all required application materials, will undergo a phone screening to determine their suitability for the program, based on their employability skills, including initiative, problem-solving, teamwork, technical aptitude and drive. Why Join Us?

• Diverse Learning Opportunities: Train to become a skilled Electrician, Plumber, or HVAC Mechanic. You'll support construction renovation and maintain essential equipment and systems. • Comprehensive Training: We provide all the training, courses, tools, safety gear, and uniforms you need at no cost.
• Career Growth: This one-year, restricted position can be renewed annually based on your performance both in the classroom and in the field. You'll have regular checkpoints to track your progress and skill development. • FM Values: We value respect, integrity, stewardship and collaboration.

What You'll Do: • Engage in practical experience across various craft occupations through structured on-the-job training and educational courses, developing increasing familiarity with the skills and best practices of assigned trade. • Assist skilled journey level mechanics in performing routine system maintenance, preventative maintenance, building, construction, equipment repair and related tasks. • Learn essential safety, health, and job skills for construction and maintenance performing all work in accordance with safety and health rules and procedures, such as OSHA, federal, state, and local regulations.

• Participate in engaging classroom instruction designed to build foundational knowledge of your chosen trade, including industry standards, safety practices, and technical concepts. Dynamic Work Environment and Conditions: • Employees are required to lift weights up to 50 lbs. and climb ladders and stairs to complete tasks.

The job requires repetitive motion using both hands. Employees must also be able to work in extreme temperatures, at heights up to 30 feet, and in confined spaces, carrying tools and parts as needed. • The working hours for these positions are usually Monday to Friday, 7:00am to 3:30pm.

• Occasional evening, night, or weekend work may be necessary due to scheduled overtime or to address emergency situations, including adverse weather conditions; snow duty is mandatory during such events. Minimum Requirements: • Education: Applicants must possess a high school diploma or equivalent by the start date of the position. • Ability to read, comprehend, and communicate clearly in the English language at minimum of a 9th grade level.
• Applicants must be a minimum of 16 years of age by the start date of this position. • Pass comprehensive reference and background checks. • Health Screening/Vaccination: This position requires compliance with UVA Health Policy OCH-002.

Vaccinations may be required in accordance with University policy and/or applicable state and federal regulations. • Valid driver’s license preferred. Benefits: This is a non-exempt, benefit-eligible position with paid vacation and holidays.

Employee benefits package highlights include: • Starting salary of $20.00/hour. • 22 days of paid time off, increasing with service; 15+ paid holidays each year, in addition to paid time off; Parental and Community Service Leave. • Health plan options.

• Retirement through the Virginia Retirement System. • Employee wellness program with activities to earn up to $500/year. To Apply: The online application deadline is May 15, 2026.

The program is slated to begin in mid-August 2026. Please apply online and search for R0082076. Internal applicants may search and apply for jobs on the UVA Internal Careers website.

Complete the application, and upload the following Required materials: • Cover letter • Resume • Letter of Recommendation Upload all materials into the resume submission field; multiple documents can be submitted into this one field. Alternatively, merge all documents into one PDF for submission. Applications that do not contain all required documents will not receive full consideration.

References will be completed via UVA’s standardized process Skill Survey. A total of five references will be requested via SkillSurvey during the final phase of the interview process. A minimum of three references are required.

For information about the apprenticeship and training please contact: 434-297-6379 or fm-apprenticeship@virginia.edu. For information about the application process or general questions about employment at the University, please contact Marcus Rozier, Academic Recruiter at hjv5vm@virginia.edu. The University of Virginia is an equal opportunity employer.

All interested persons are encouraged to apply, including veterans and individuals with disabilities. Learn more about UVA’s commitment to non-discrimination and equal opportunity employment.