FAQs

Registered apprenticeship training is distinguished from other types of workplace training by several factors: (1) participants who are newly hired (or already employed) earn wages from employers during training; (2) programs must meet national standards for registration with the U.S. Department of Labor (or federally-recognized State Apprenticeship Offices); (3) programs provide on-the-job learning and job-related technical instruction; (4) on-the-job learning is conducted in the work setting under the direction of one or more of the employer's personnel; and (5) training results in an industry-recognized credential.

Registered Apprenticeships are innovative work-based learning and post-secondary earn-and-learn models that meet national standards for registration with the U.S. Department of Labor (or federally recognized State Apprenticeship Offices).

 After completion of an apprenticeship program, the apprentice earns a nationally recognized credential from the Department of Workforce Solutions Apprenticeship Office (in cooperation with the U.S. Department of Labor Office of Apprenticeship) that is portable and stackable. Additionally, an apprentice, along with earning a paycheck throughout the apprenticeship, is also elevated to journeyworker status that leads to increased pay and upward career opportunities.

Yes, apprentices start working from day one with incremental wage increases as they become more proficient. The average starting wage for an apprentice is approximately $15.28 per hour.

First and foremost, apprenticeship sponsors develop highly skilled employees. Once established, apprenticeship programs also reduce turnover rates, increase productivity, lower the cost of recruitment, and increase safety in the workplace/job site.

Registered apprenticeship program sponsors identify the minimum qualifications to apply for a program. The eligible starting age can be no less than 16 years of age; however, individuals must usually be 18 to be an apprentice in hazardous occupations. Program sponsors also identify additional minimum qualifications to apply, (e.g., education, ability to physically perform the essential functions of the occupation, proof of age.) All applicants are required to meet the minimum qualifications.

The length of an apprenticeship program depends on the complexity of the occupation and the type of program (Time-based, Competency-based, or Hybrid). Apprenticeship programs range from one (1) year to five (5) years, but the majority of programs are four years in length. During the program, the apprentice receives both structured, on-the-job training (OJT) and job-related education. For each year of the apprenticeship, the apprentice will receive normally 2,000 hours of on-the-job training and a minimum of 144 hours of related classroom instruction.

Through a proven system of public-private partnerships, registered apprenticeship partners with a wide range of organizations including, (but not limited to): businesses, employer and industry associations, labor-management organizations, state and local workforce development agencies, Workforce Investment Boards, two- and four-year colleges that offer associate and bachelor's degrees in conjunction with a Certificate of Completion of Apprenticeship , U.S. Military, Community Based Organizations and economic development organizations.