Overview

Apprenticeship combines classroom studies with on-the-job training under the supervision of a journey-level craft person or trade professional. Apprenticeship programs are a proven success in Washington State. They offer key benefits not normally found in other education and job training programs.

1. You "earn while you learn"--earning a living wage with health care, retirement and other benefits while learning skills in a trade.
2. Wages increase progressively as your skill level increases; you will learn the trade both in the classroom and by working under the guidance of a journey-level worker on the job site.
3. After completing an apprenticeship program, your journey-level status provides an additional benefit of nationwide mobility at a journey-level scale.

Apprenticeship is one of the best ways to acquire the work experience and training to establish yourself in a career. Not only are journey-level workers highly trained and skilled workers whose qualifications are recognized and respected throughout the industry, but they are guaranteed an excellent wage and benefits anywhere in the United States.

While apprenticeship is a rewarding choice, it is also a demanding one that requires determination, commitment, attitude, and physical conditioning to succeed. For example, if you choose a career in construction, you will need to stretch your budget in preparation for layoffs because the work is often seasonal. You will need to stay in excellent physical shape and remain drug and alcohol free even when you are not working. But for those who meet the challenges of apprenticeship, the rewards are substantial.

Once you have decided on a trade, apply to the Washington State-approved apprenticeship program in your area offering training in that trade. Be aware that there may not be immediate openings in that program, and you may need to put your name on a waiting list. Apprenticeship programs usually only bring in new apprentices when there are enough jobs to keep all apprentices working. Some trades only accept applications at certain times of the year; others require that you find a job in the trade before you are accepted into the program.

If you would like to serve an apprenticeship in an occupation not listed here, and an employer is willing to hire you as an apprentice, the Regional Apprenticeship Coordinator for your area may be able to assist you. (See the "Regional Apprenticeship Coordinator Listing" on the following page; the appropriate coordinator may be able to assist you and your employer in developing an apprenticeship program.)

A Successful Apprentice in any Trade:

1.  Values the apprenticeship system as an excellent way to learn skills and develop a career while making a good living wage with benefits. When apprenticeship is completed and journey-level status achieved, you can take this credential anywhere in the United States. You'll take pride in the results of a day's work.

2.  Chooses a trade that he/she really enjoys and wants to learn. You need to like the work in order to stay with it when times are tough. Several ways to determine what trade you would like include going out to a job site to watch the work being done, volunteering to help neighbors with construction or other projects or to help with community projects such as Habitat for Humanity, talking with journey-level workers about their trade, and taking related classes at high schools or technical schools. All trades pay good family wages when journey-level status is achieved. Entry-level wage should not be a major criterion in career decisions.

3.  Understands the apprenticeship system. It can be a complicated process to become registered. You may have to wait to be interviewed since apprenticeship programs only accept the number of apprentices they can keep working steadily. This is very different from just applying for a job. You need to be both patient and persistent. If a person truly values and understands the system, they won't give up. You may need a survival job until the apprenticeship starts.

4.  Makes a commitment to a career and to "hang in there." This means completing the 2-5 years of the apprenticeship program (both work and school requirements) regardless of layoffs. Apprenticeship program sponsors invest time and money training apprentices. They want apprentices who will complete their program and stay employed within the industry that has invested time and money into an individual's career training.

Do the following items describe you?

Good work ethic.

Shows up every day, on time, for work and school (no excuses).
Always has back-up day care and transportation plans.
Works hard at a steady pace.

Positive Attitude.

Listens and learns on the job and in school.
Works with others as a team to build the project. (Whether you like someone or not, you need to be able to work with everyone on the crew.)
Follows directions of crew leaders regardless of the manner in which they are given. (Directions are often given quickly and may sound angry because the immediacy of the job situation demands it. This is not the time for sensitive feelings.)

Aptitude for the trade/occupation and some work history      (paid or unpaid).

Has some experience doing construction, production or other comparable work, or has transferable skills.
Has proven potential to be good worker. Any continuous employment or training with a good attendance record can indicate this, even if not related to the trade/occupation.

Necessary physical condition.

Physical strength and endurance (does not apply to all apprenticeship programs). Able to work in a physically demanding environment for extended periods of time in all weather conditions. Can work at heights and in enclosed areas. Safety conscious in all work.

Drug free and can pass drug/alcohol tests that are given      randomly to workers.

Valid Washington State driver’s license and good driving      record.

Has reliable transportation, preferably owns a car. (Companies may send you to another job in the middle of the day and you need to be able to get there. The contractor may need you to drive a company truck.) Also is willing to drive to where the work is, which may be some distance and may not be on a bus line.

Good comprehension of the English language.

This includes both verbal and written comprehension for successful learning on the job and in school.

Education required of the trade—usually a GED or high      school diploma.

Good basic math skills, as some trades require geometry      or algebra.

Some apprenticeships require accurate reading of a tape measure.

Good basic knowledge of hand and power tools and how      to use them safely if going into a trades-related      apprenticeship.

Stable living situation and a phone.

This means managing personal issues such as credit or relationships so they do not interfere with work or school performance. It also means resolving undependable transportation or childcare issues.

Meets the minimum requirements for chosen trade.

You are an excellent apprentice candidate if you can meet the above guidelines. Ask your career/employment counselor, community center counselors, or the apprenticeship program coordinator for assistance if needed.