APPLICATIONS OPENING MAY 6, 2026

The P.A.T.H. (Partnership for Apprenticeship and Training in Hampton Roads) program is a registered apprenticeship program with the U.S. Department of Labor. It combines 8,000 hours of paid on-the-job training (OJT) on real job sites with 144 hours of classroom instruction per year in collaboration with the Associated Builders and Contractors Virginia (ABC-VA). The Program's ultimate goal is to turn motivated individuals into skilled Acoustical Specialists.

An Acoustical Specialist is a highly skilled tradesperson focused on the "finish" and "function" of a building’s interior. While general carpenters build the frame, Acoustical Specialists are the experts who control how a room looks and sounds.

As an apprentice in the Rasnic P.A.T.H. program, you will master:

• Suspended Ceiling Systems: Installing high-end drop ceilings, cloud systems, and architectural grids in commercial spaces like offices, hospitals, and schools.
• Sound Control & Insulation: Installing specialized materials designed to absorb or block sound, ensuring privacy and clear acoustics within a room.
• Precision Layout: Using lasers and blueprints to ensure that every grid and panel is perfectly level and aligned.
• Interior Specialty Systems: Working with advanced materials like metal, wood, and fabric panels to create modern, aesthetic interior finishes.

Why it’s a great career:

Acoustical work is often considered the "cleaner" side of heavy construction. It requires a sharp eye for detail, math skills for layout, and steady hands for the final finish. Because it is a specialized niche, your skills will always be in high demand for high-end commercial projects.

To be eligible for the program, you must:

• Be at least 18 years of age.
• Be legally authorized to work in the United States.
• Have reliable transportation to travel to various job sites throughout the Hampton Roads area.
• Be a highly motivated individual with a strong work ethic, demonstrating a genuine interest in learning a new trade that leads to a rewarding career path in construction.
• Be commitment to completing the on-the-job training program and any associated requirements, including attendance in classroom training sessions.
• Be physically able to lift 75 pounds consistently while walking.
• Be able to pass a drug test.

While at least one year of construction experience is preferred, it is not required. We are looking for individuals with a strong work ethic who are eager to learn the trade.

Applications go live on March 6, 2026.

The program is a four-year commitment. Over those four years, you will complete 8,000 hours of hands-on work and approximately 576 total hours of classroom instruction . Through ABC-VA's educational affiliate, National Center for Construction Education and Research (NCCER), Contren, a competency-based, task-driven, and nationally recognized curriculum is used. ABC-VA instructors are required to complete a formal certification in order to ensure consistent delivery of the curriculum.

Classroom instruction is provided through our partnership with ABC-VA (Associated Builders and Contractors, Virginia), at 530 Independence Pkwy Suite 500, Chesapeake, VA 23320. These sessions ensure you have the technical knowledge to back up your field experience.

Starting pay ranges from $16.50 to $20.00 per hour, depending on your prior experience. As a registered apprenticeship, you will also receive scheduled wage increases as you hit specific training milestones.

Rasnic Contracting provides all safety and PPE equipment such as safety vest, eye protection, and hard hat. Your only out-of-pocket costs are for steel-toe safety boots.

Upon completion, you officially become an Acoustical Specialist. This means you are a master of specialized interior systems, soundproofing, and suspended ceiling installations—skills that are in high demand for modern commercial and residential builds. Additionally, you earn a portable, nationally-recognized credential within the construction industry.

Yes. While you receive incremental raises throughout the program, "topping out" as an Acoustical Specialist typically comes with a salary jump.

We don’t just train laborers; we build leaders. Once you become an Acoustical Specialist, you are eligible for other high-level roles within the company (depending on position availability), including:

• Crew Leader: Running a small team on-site.
• Foreman: Managing entire job site operations and mentoring the next generation of P.A.T.H. apprentices.
• Submittal Coordinator: Ensure materials and shop drawings are approved by the design team before ceiling tiles are ordered or installed.
• Estimator or Project Manager: Moving into the office side of the business to help plan and bid on future work.