About the Skilled Trades
- A Skilled Trades Worker is someone who has completed an apprenticeship training program and received a journey person card. Journey persons working in the auto industry use their specialized skills in machine maintenance and the tooling areas, and are represented by the UAW.
- Each of the Detroit Three automakers offers a sligltly different list of skilled trades apprentice programs. UAW-Chrysler Apprentice Trades.
- The Web version of the Occupational Outlook Handbook published by the U.S. Department of Labor provides in-depth descriptions of a number of the apprenticeable trades found in the auto industry, including Electrician, Machine Repairer, Automotive Mechanic, Machinist, Millwright, Pipefitter-Plumber, Sheet Metal Worker, Welder, and Tool and Die Maker.
Application requirements for Skilled Trades employment
Candidates are asked to submit a resume and proof of journey person status. Journey person proof is in the form of either a Certificate of Completion of Apprenticeship from the U.S. Department of Labor or letters from employers which verify eight (8) years or more of hands-on job experience. Journey person letters must be on company letterhead, dated, signed by human resources and must reflect classification, dates served in the classification, and what candidate did in that capacity.
Where to apply for Detroit Three Skilled Trades positions
Ford Motor Company Apply at individual plants. See White Pages for list of plants.
General Motors Apply at individual plants. See White Pages for list of plants. Additionally, GM accepts hard copy resumes at GM North America Staffing Center, PO Box 69, Nutting Lake, MA 01865-0069.
Chrysler Apply in person or send a resume and copies of credentials to DaimlerChrysler Human Resources Services Center, 3675 E. Outer Drive (at Mt. Elliott), Detroit, MI 48234. (313) 369-7022. Additionally, DaimlerChrysler accepts hard copy resumes at DaimlerChrysler Corporation, Skilled Trades-INT, CIMS 449-08-24, PO Box 420, Detroit, MI 48231-9927.