Apprenticeship Programs
All Your Questions Answered

Registered apprenticeship programs in the eyes of many industrial and commercial settings along with higher educational establishments is considered, "The other four year degree".  Apprenticeship offers many opportunities for many to earn a completion certificate in the "career choice" of their liking.  Apprenticeship is not just a job, it is a career.  It's a place to start at the bottom of the chain of command and work your way to the top.  And for many, the top is the opportunity to own your own business.

Apprenticeship is partnered with many various forms of employment: manufacturing, retail settings, government, healthcare and most of the building trades, to name a few.  In most cases the minimum requirements for apprenticeship is an individual must be at least 18 years of age and have graduated form high school.  Many apprenticeship programs may accept a G.E.D..  However, check with the program of interest for all their requirements.  They will very from each program.  And without surprise, almost all apprenticeship programs will require the individual applying, to successfully pass a drug screening test, along with a background check, prior to selection.

If you are "seriously" interested in an apprenticeship program, do your homework, follow all requirements of the application and for the most part, be persistent, follow up with your interests and try to make yourself shine brighter than the rest.  Many programs take applications only once a year and do the hiring once a year.  Therefore, get as much information about yourself as possible.  Put together an up-to-date resume and get letters of recommendation from the proper persons.  These should include but not limited to Teachers, former bosses and leaders of your community.

In many cases, when an individual applies to an apprenticeship program, there is a list of requirements.  First, the individual must complete the application paperwork.  Then there is usually an aptitude test given.  Many programs require a minimum score in order for the application to continue.  The final step usually requires an interview.  The Joint Apprenticeship Committee conducts this interview.  This Committee has members from both the management side and labor side of the parties involved with the apprenticeship program.  After the interview, both scores (aptitude and interview) will establish a ranking number.  This number will slot you into a proper order.  Top to Bottom.  The selection of apprentices comes from this list.

When you are selected as an apprentice, you will be given a job.  As an apprentice, you will work under a journey person. This journey person is an individual that has completed the apprenticeship program.  Many programs vary in years required for completion.  Some as few as 3 years to as many as 6.  The journey person will closely monitor your progress being sure the task is being done properly and safely.  Along with on-the-job training, most apprenticeship programs require classroom training.  This training usually takes place in the evening, after work hours or on Saturdays.  Many programs are starting to have the training via the Internet.  Programs vary between 140 – 280 hours of training per year.

Pay for an apprentice is usually done by percentage.  A first year apprentice may start at about 35 – 40% of a journey worker.  Each year a raise is given until you reach Journey person wages.  Along with the hourly pay, apprenticeship programs along with the employee sponsor have excellent health care and retirement programs.  Some apprenticeship programs also give the apprentice an opportunity to earn an Associates Degree along with their completion of the program.

Article provided by Mark Sanders, Training Coordinator, Local #392 JATC. Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Mechanical Equipment Service (HVAC).