Apprentice wages are based on the current Journeyman hourly wage of $59.55 per hour. 1st Year Apprentices start at 50% of that wage and increase to different percentages each year of the Apprenticeship: 2nd year 55%, 3rd year 60%, 4th year 70%, and 5th year 75%. A 1st Year Apprentice is on probation for 1 year. After that year is completed, the contractor begins paying into their pension plan. Health care is provided after each member has completed a qualifying period and is part of the benefits package.