
Washington State Registered Apprenticeship • Apprenticeship Defined • Benefits of Apprenticeship • Choosing Apprenticeship • General Minimum Requirements • Steps to Become an Apprentice
WHAT IS APPRENTICESHIP An apprenticeship is two different things It’s a job It’s school &
APPRENTICESHIP TRAINING PROGRAMS INCLUDE • Aerospace Manufacturing • Bricklayer • Carpenter • Cement Mason • Cosmetologist • Culinary Arts • Dispensing Optician • Educational Assistant (K-12) • Weatherization Technician • Electrician • Firefighter/Medic • Healthcare Worker • Machinist • Manufacturing Technician • Meat Cutter • Plumber/Pipefitter • Tree Trimmer • Utility Line Worker
Talking Apprenticeship Has its’ own language… See “Apprenticeship Terms” handout for definitions
APPRENTICESHIP • Nearly 250 apprenticeship programs in the state representing over 7000 employers training in 600 occupations • Governed by a 7 member council • Administered by L & I, Apprenticeship Section • Education, Training & Safety of the apprentice drives the system OPPORTUNITIES
“ Each day, I do something new… “…I have the opportunity to build something that people are able to use. I can see the results of my work, and it is very gratifying.” ” – Kerri Boyko 27 year old, electrician Co-owner, Regal Electric
PROVEN METHODS On-the job Training • Supervised, structured on-the-job training (OJT) by sponsor/employer • OJT is the majority component, comprising 90% of the program • Supervised by skilled journey worker • Length Determined by Occupational Complexity (Min. 2000 hrs) • Average program length for WA apprenticeship completers is 44 months, nearly 4 years.
PROVEN METHODS Related Supplemental Instruction • Most often taught through State Community Colleges • Low Student/Teacher Ratios • Length Fits Occupational Needs (Min 144 hrs/yr) • Provides Theoretical and Technical Knowledge • Associate Degree Option and Continuing Education
HIGHER WAGES • Progressively increasing wages - Apprentices earn more as they gain skill and experience • 2012 Workforce Board data on apprenticeship training results: • Apprenticeship completer median average - $58,907/year • Apprenticeship participant (completers and non-completers) median average - $47,637/year
EQUAL OPPORTUNITY • Apprenticeship Programs must provide equal opportunity to all who are interested • Washington Apprenticeship Programs are eager for qualified women and minorities to apply • In fact, because of federal law, actually, many will bend over backwards to recruit and then keep qualified female and minority apprentices.
VALUABLE SKILLS CREDENTIALS Successful completion of a registered apprenticeship leads to a NATIONALLY recognized Certificate of Completion attesting to the individual’s skills and knowledge of a journeyperson.
GENERAL REQUIREMENTS • Age – Many programs require you be at least 18 years old • Education – Most programs require a high school diploma or GED certificate • Physical Ability – Have the necessary strength or stamina to perform the work • Aptitude – Some programs may require an aptitude test
Apprenticeship is like Harvard… National estimate: One person is accepted out of every 15 people who apply to an apprenticeship opening. Find out what it takes – talk to your local apprenticeship programs. Often, students need to do extra preparation in order to be a competitive candidate. Industry work experience Community college vocational/trades prep programs CTE / Pre-Apprenticeship programs for secondary students …Many apply, few are accepted, and those that are, are really lucky.
FOR MORE INFORMATION Contact the L&I Apprenticeship Consultant in your area: http://www.lni.wa.gov/TradesLicensing/Apprenticeship/About/AppCoordinators/default.asp Washington State Department of Labor & Industries Website Apprenticeship.wa.gov