WHAT IS APPRENTICESHIP?
First and foremost, Apprenticeship is not just a job-it’s a career. Registered Apprenticeship is a proven strategy that combines on-the-job training with related classroom instruction.
WHAT IS AN APPRENTICE?
An apprentice is a qualified person of legal working age who has entered into a written agreement with an employer or training program under which the employer or program is to provide an opportunity for the apprentice to learn an apprenticeship occupation.
WILL I BE PAID?
Yes. Apprentices must be full-time or near full-time employees of the company to which they are assigned. While Apprenticeship programs cannot guarantee full-time employment, they make every effort to keep Apprentices employed. Apprenticeship affords the opportunity to “Earn While You Learn”.
WHAT KIND OF BENEFITS WILL I RECEIVE?
Benefits vary among the different construction trades. Each trade provides medical insurance and retirement funds paid for by the contractor as part of your wage package. You will need to contact the individual programs to see the level of benefits offered.
WHO SUPERVISES THE APPRENTICES WORKING ON THE JOB?
Journeymen of their trade of choice directly supervise apprentices.
WHAT IS RELATED TRAINING?
Related training is the “classroom” portion of the Apprenticeship and is an integral part of an Apprenticeship program. It provides each Apprentice with the theoretical and technical knowledge base necessary to become a successful Journeyman. All registered programs include related instruction.
CAN I USE MY VETERAN’S BENEFITS FOR APPRENTICESHIP TRAINING?
Yes. Registered Apprenticeship programs can be used for a variety of veteran’s training benefits. .
WHAT ROLE DOES THE U.S. GOVERNMENT PLAY IN APPRENTICESHIP?
The Federal Apprenticeship Act of 1937 authorizes the Federal government, in cooperation with the States, to oversee the nation’s Apprenticeship system. The Bureau of Apprenticeship and Training (BAT) is responsible for registering the Apprenticeship programs that meet Federal standards, issuing certificates of completion to Apprentices, protecting the safety and welfare of Apprentices, and assuring that all registered programs provide high quality training to their apprentices.
WHAT ARE THE EDUCATIONAL REQUIREMENTS OF APPRENTICES?
Requirements vary depending upon the craft you choose. Some require very specific educational requirements; however, most require a high school diploma or its equivalent.
HOW LONG WILL I BE AN APPRENTICE?
The length of Apprenticeship programs varies among the crafts. Generally they are from two to five years depending on the training necessary for the craft.
