County
Choosing an Apprentice Training Program
What do you see yourself doing in ten years? Chances are there is an apprentice program to match your dreams! High school graduates interested in becoming apprentices have many different interests ranging from air transport pilot to pipe fitter. Any high school graduate with a sincere interest in improving themselves, and the discipline needed to acquire the skills, knowledge, and experience required to succeed, can benefit from joining a registered apprenticeship program.
The yearly requirements for an apprentice program include 2,000 on-the-job training hours, which equates to full-time employment, and 150 hours of related classroom instruction. The lengths of programs vary by occupation, but usually range from one to five years. During this time you can go from a high school graduate to the professional designation of journeyperson, mechanic, or even mentor! At the end of some apprenticeships these titles correlate with state licensure designations associated with respective professions. Please see the MA Division of Professional Licensure or the MA Department of Public Safety for your potential occupation to learn more.
There are over 850 occupations in a wide range of industries that can be learned through apprenticeship training. 101 occupations are currently registered with 452 Massachusetts employers. Please find below some of the occupations which may be learned through apprentice training.
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Some of these occupations can be learned during an apprenticeship with trade unions or with private companies. Apprenticeship programs offer training in a specific trade and provide the requisite work hours. Many apprentices continue working with organizations after their apprenticeship, providing continuity from learning to earning. Applications can be made with individual companies upon request. Trades offering union apprenticeship in Massachusetts include: carpentry, electrician, elevator constructor, engineering hoisting and carrying, floor covering, ironwork, labor, lineperson, mill and machine erector, painter, pile driver, pipefitter, plasterers, plumbers, printing pressperson, refrigeration and air conditioning, oil burning, roofing, sheet metal, and telecommunications.
Apprentice sponsors usually require candidates to be high school graduates. Some of this prior schooling and experience may be creditable towards apprenticeship requirements. Students without prior training or experience, and those needing present training, can take courses at proprietary schools approved by Department of Education and or with the continuing educational division of vocational schools. Please see the MA Department of Education, Division of Professional Licensure, and Department of Public Safety websites to view these schools for the corresponding trade you are interested. Apprentices also may take courses at community colleges to use apprenticeship as bridge to their future! For example, certificates in Applied Construction Technology and certificates in the Marine Trades are offered at our Massachusetts Community Colleges. Please check with your local community colleges for trade related programs in which you are interested. These programs provide pathways to higher education for apprentices.
Is Apprenticeship for You?
Now that you are familiar with apprenticeship here are some next steps:
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Speak with a teacher, school counselor, friend, or family member in the profession who can guide you.
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Register for training at one of the local continuing educational programs at a vocational high school or at one of the local community colleges in an area of your interest.
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Be prepared to have several choices in case you don’t get your first choice and be ready to wait for an opening.
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Have a back up plan while you are waiting ( a combination of volunteering and working in a similar field).
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Find a potential sponsor (employer)—either through a union or through a local company in one of the apprenticed occupations. Sign-up for interviews and complete applications.
These steps do not need to happen sequentially. Sometimes apprentices meet sponsors during or after training as a result of their schooling.
Ask Yourself These Questions:
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Do I want to make a commitment of 1-5 years of working and going to school?
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Do I have the interest in this subject area? Have I spent time doing something similar to base my opinion?
- How do I feel when I tell people "I am interested in doing an apprenticeship?”
If the answer to these questions is "yes” and you feel positively about telling others about your interest please act on the "next steps” listed above and good luck!!
Editorial provided by: David Wallace, Director, Division of Apprentice Training and Madeleine McGuire, Field Representative, Division of Apprentice Training.
