Apprenticeship: Learn While You Work

 Apprenticeship is a form of education that allows an “apprentice”, novice or beginner, to learn about a specific trade or craft from a “master”.  Apprenticeship is one of the oldest forms of education. Programs date back to the Middle Ages when master craftsmen would take in young people and provide them food and housing in exchange for teaching them a trade. Ultimately apprenticeship is a system for training the next generation of skilled practitioners.

Apprenticeship programs today combine structured on-the-job training with classroom instruction to provide students the greatest potential for learning a skilled occupation.  There are thousands of career areas that utilize apprenticeship training.  Traditional areas for apprenticeship include skills in construction and manufacturing areas. Today apprenticeship programs are expanding to include emerging industries such as health care, information technology, energy, telecommunications and more.

A “Registered Apprenticeship” program includes the employer registering with the U.S. Department of Labor, Office of Registered Apprenticeship.  Nationally Registered Apprenticeship offers more than 32,000 programs impacting 250,000 employers and over 500,000 apprentices.  In Idaho there are 220 Department of Labor Apprenticeship programs, representing over 400 employers training more than 1200 apprentices.

Apprenticeship programs may be offered at the secondary level at participating high schools. School-to-Registered – Apprenticeship Program (STRAP) allows high school students the opportunity to participate in apprenticeship training as part of their high school classroom activities.   Students wishing to participate must be at least 16 years old and a third year (junior) student in high school.  They will work a reduced work week and can transition from part-time to full time work after graduation.

 Examples of Apprenticeship programs offered in Idaho though higher education institutions:  College of Southern Idaho-CSI, College of Western Idaho-CWI, Eastern Idaho Technical College-EITC, Idaho State University-ISU, Lewis & Clark State College-LCSC, and North Idaho College-NIC.  

Electrical Apprenticeship is a four year program with 576 classroom hours and 8000 hours on–the–job training. This training is required to take the Idaho State Electrical Journeyman Exam.

HVAC (Heating, Ventilation 7 Air Conditioning) Apprenticeship is a four year program with 576 classroom hours and four years of on–the–job training. This training is required to take the Idaho State HVAC Journeyman exam.

Plumbing Apprenticeship is a four year program with 576 classroom hours and four years of on–the–job training. This training is required to take the Idaho State Plumbing Journeyman Exam.

These programs may also be offered by private educational providers or union organizations.

There are many benefits to participating in a Registered Apprenticeship program:

• Earning money while in training is one of the most appealing aspects of an apprenticeship.
• Training is “hands-on” by combining structured on-the-job learning with classroom instruction.
• Earning college credit leading to an associate or bachelor’s degree is available through many programs. This needs to be clarified with the educational provider.
• Apprenticeship is a first step for creating a long-term career.
• Training leading to an industry certification that provides a credential that is nationally recognized.

The Registered Apprenticeship training is a partnership between, Department of Labor, State agencies, employers, labor organizations, and educational institutions.  These programs provide skills and knowledge that business and industry need from employees. For the student or apprentice these programs provide an educational option to earn an income while gaining an education.

Additional information for Registered Apprenticeship programs.

• U.S. Department of Labor, Office of Registered Apprenticeship, www.doleta.gov/oa/
• Office of Apprenticeship (OA) List of Officially Recognized Apprenticeable Occupations

http://www.iowaworkforce.org/apprenticeship/apprenticeableoccupations.pdf

Adult Learners . High School . Non-Traditional Students . Students