School-to-Work
Apprenticeship
Education & Training
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Up!
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What Does it Mean
to be an Apprentice? |
What is
Apprenticeship?
Apprenticeship is occupational training that combines
on-the-job experience with classroom instruction. Apprentices
usually begin at half the salary of trained people (journeyworkers)
who have industry certification, and receive pay increases as
they learn to perform more complex tasks. When they become
journeyworkers, they increase their chances of finding a
well-paying job in the industry and can become supervisors or go
into business for themselves.
How Long Must I Wait for an Opening?
The waiting period, from the date an application is filed, to
placement in an apprenticeship program varies, and can last from
two weeks to two years. If you are qualified and selected to
join the apprenticeship program, you will be placed in the
"eligible pool." Employers use this pool to fill apprenticeship
vacancies as they become available.
How Long Must I Serve as an Apprentice?
Apprenticeships last two to four years depending on the
program's requirements.Can I
Expect Steady Work as an Apprentice?
An apprentice works as steadily as the average industry worker
does, and most employers make an effort to make this possible.
But, like other workers, an apprentice is subject to industry
layoffs. Can Training
and Education Received During Military Service or
Other Work Experience be Credited Toward
Apprenticeship Requirements?
Yes. Some apprenticeship committees give credit
for prior training.
Can I Use
Veterans' Benefits as an Apprentice?
Call your local Veterans Administration Office or
call 800-827-1000 for more information.
Am I The Type of
Person Who Could Be An Apprentice?
An apprentice is a highly motivated individual
who undertakes a long-term training program. An
apprentice may be a man or a woman, someone newly
entering the workforce or looking to upgrade current
skills. She or he may already be working in the
construction trades or in service or industrial
occupations. An apprentice's beginning salary, about
half of the salary of a fully-trained worker,
increases as the apprentice learns and performs more
complex tasks. They spend between 120-160 hours a
year studying theory and practical application in
classrooms taught by journey level teachers.
Classroom work helps the apprentice take on more
difficult tasks at the job.
Are Apprentices
Required to Attend School?
Apprentices are required to attend between
120-160 hours of school per year. This usually works
out to one or two evenings per week during the
regular school year. They can earn credit towards an
associate degree at a community college for
classroom hours and for the completion of an
apprenticeship program.
Who Pays for
Classroom Training?
This varies among different occupations and
employers. In some cases apprentices pay for related
training, in others, industry pays the bill. |
