If you are a registered apprentice in a participating union, you can receive free money from the state. It took about three weeks from the time of application for me to receive about $5k in December. https://wsac.wa.gov/wcg-apprentices

Hey folks, I started my union journey in November of 2023 and navigated the application process for many unions. I completed Pre-Apprenticeship Construction Training (P.A.C.T.) and a WSDOT-sponsored pre-apprenticeship for the Pile Drivers Union before becoming a Pile Driver Apprentice. I applied for Local 77 (Seattle City Light), Local 46 (Inside Wire), and Local 86 (Ironworkers) before deciding to become a Pile Driver, and I’ve helped family navigate being in LiUNA (Laborers). I’m still not satisfied with my experience in Local 196 and working to switch my books to Local 302 (Operating Engineers). If anyone has questions about the experience and process of navigating getting into the industry, I’m happy to share more.