What is an Apprenticeship?
Apprenticeship is an "earn while you learn" training model that includes paid on-the-job training under the supervision of experienced journey workers with related classroom instruction to prepare individuals for skilled occupations.
How does it work?
Apprentices work as they complete their classes; their work schedule will be determined by their respective employers. When they graduate, apprentices will receive a nationally recognized Certificate of Completion and will have earned the highly skilled “journeyworker” designation. The program can last one to five years, depending on the occupation. Employers work with the New Mexico Department of Workforce Solutions (NMDWS) State Apprenticeship Office to create program standards in addition to a written agreement that specifies the length of a participant’s training, the related technical instruction, an outline of the skills that person will need to learn, and the wages he or she will earn. NMDWS must approve this agreement before apprentices can start their training.