Apprenticeship has a long history as a method of workforce education and training, with roots going back to the Code of Hammurabi in the 18th century BC. Apprentices are paid employees and receive on-the-job training (OJT) and related technical instruction (RTI). Traditionally, apprenticeships have predominantly been available for construction trades like construction craft laborer and plumber.

Today’s apprenticeships offer training in construction as well as in occupations as diverse as alteration tailor, machinist, legal secretary, and youth development practitioner. Apprenticeships are also becoming available in emerging and high-growth industries such as advanced manufacturing, health care, information technology, and energy. Apprenticeship is called “the other college education” for good reason; it provides postsecondary-level skills and earning potential. Apprenticeship is an excellent although sometimes overlooked resource for Workforce Investment Act (WIA) youth programs.

• A written plan, or standards, for each apprenticeship program must describe the terms and conditions of employment, training, and supervision.
• Individual employers (union or non-union), employers groups, associations, or joint labor-management committees can be sponsors of apprenticeship programs.)
• Each program must provide at least 2,000 hours of OJT in the apprenticeship occupation. Wages increase as skills are attained. Some apprenticeships may require 10,000 hours or more of OJT.
• The program must include at least 144 hours per year of organized RTI provided through in-house training, career-technical centers, community colleges, or other organized settings.
• Each apprentice must receive appropriate supervision on the job to ensure adequate and safe training.
• Each apprentice’s job performance and knowledge of RTI must be regularly evaluated.
• Appropriate records of each apprentice’s progress must be maintained.
• Programs may not discriminate in application, selection, employment, or training; they must provide fair opportunity to apply for the program.
• Qualifications for admission into an apprenticeship program are set according to industry needs. The minimum age for an apprentice is 16, but some industries require age 18 and most apprentices must have a high school diploma or equivalent certification.
• The Ohio State Apprenticeship Council (OSAC) issues a Certificate of Completion to each apprentice who fulfills all program requirements. Currently under discussion is the issue of interim certificates to apprentices who complete intermediate levels preparatory to a Certificate of Completion.

Entrance Requirements for Registered Apprenticeships

• High school diploma or General Educational Development (GED) certificate
• A valid driver’s license and transportation
• Drug testing
• Specified levels of basic skills or successful completion of specified math or science courses
• The physical ability to perform tasks in the occupation
• Work experience in the occupation

Registered apprenticeships can provide income while also providing training that links work with academics and offers opportunities for further education and career advancement. Registered apprenticeships benefit employers by ensuring a reliable supply of skilled talent.

Pre-apprenticeship programs operated by education, community-, or faith-based organizations can help youth prepare for a successful apprenticeship experience by

• Exploring an occupation before making a commitment to an apprenticeship
• Acquiring the necessary foundation skills to be successful in the classroom and on the job
• Meeting selection criteria for admission to an apprenticeship by emphasizing the importance of succeeding in school and in the workforce

Placement in a registered apprenticeship program counts as employment in the first quarter after exit under Placement in Employment or Education (TEGL 17-05).

Certificates of Completion (and interim certificates, if adopted) issued by registered apprenticeship programs count as a certificate for the Attainment of a Degree or Certificate Measure (TEGL 17-05, Appendix B; TEGL 2-07).

If RTI for an apprenticeship program is provided by community or technical colleges for college credit, educational credentials awarded by the college also count as a certificate for the Attainment of a Degree or Certificate Measure (TEGL 2-07).

Finding an Apprenticeship Program

The OSAC website (http://jfs.ohio.gov/apprenticeship/) has links to the frequently updated U.S Department of Labor database of apprenticeship programs. The database is searchable by state and county. Occupations with existing registered programs are listed alphabetically. Program sponsors should be contacted to determine if they have an apprenticeship opening; presence on the list does not indicate the sponsor is taking applications for apprenticeship or employment.

In addition, the OSAC website has a link to current Apprenticeship Opportunities (http://www.ohioworkforce.org/jobseekers/apprentice_toc.stm). Announcements indicate the name, location, and qualifications needed to apply for these opportunities.

WIA youth staff should familiarize themselves with local apprenticeship opportunities.

• Identify local apprenticeship programs using links available at http://jfs.ohio.gov/apprenticeship/
• Identify the entrance requirements for each apprenticeship program
• Determine when each program accepts applications

• Does the youth meet all the entrance requirements for the apprenticeship program? The youth should meet all entrance requirements before applying. If necessary, activities can be included in the youth’s Individual Service Strategy (ISS) to meet requirements, including supportive services for transportation.
• Is the youth’s interest in the occupation based on realistic career information? Since apprenticeship programs can require considerable time and resources, the youth’s interest in the occupation should be based on solid information. If necessary, career awareness and career explorations activities like internships, job shadowing, or paid and unpaid work experience can be provided as WIA youth activities.
• Is the youth prepared to enter the world of work? Apprentices are employees, so each youth should be prepared with the work readiness skills required to retain employment.
• Is the youth prepared to succeed in RTI? Many apprenticeship programs test applicants’ basic skills. If the youth does not have the level of basic skills required for RTI, tutoring and basic skills remediation should be provided.
• Does the youth already have technical knowledge and skills in the occupation? Some apprenticeship programs require experience in the occupation or give preference to applicants with experience. WIA youth activities can provide occupational skill training and assistance with job placement to meet that requirement.

• Supportive services can provide assistance with expenses the apprentice has to bear for OJT, including uniforms, protective clothing or gear, tools, and transportation.
• If the apprentice has to pay for RTI, RTI can be provided as occupational skill training.
• If the youth has not exited, other services should continue as specified in the youth’s ISS.
• If the youth has exited, follow-up services should be provided for at least 12 months (or longer if required or allowed by local area policy).

Registered Apprenticeships Are a Win-Win

• Bernard, R. (2006, February). The other four-year degree. Techniques, 81(2), 19-21.

• Bureau of Apprenticeship and Training, U.S. Department of Labor. (n.d.) Registered apprenticeship: Building a skilled workforce in the 21st century. CD-ROM. Washington, DC: Author.

• Crosby, O. (2002, Summer). Apprenticeships: Career training, credentials – and a paycheck in your pocket. Occupational Outlook Quarterly, 46(2), 2-21. Retrieved October 10, 2007, from http://www.bls.gov/opub/ooq/2002/summer/art01.htm

• Employment and Training Administration, U.S. Department of Labor. (2006, February 17). Common Measures for the Employment and Training Administration’s (ETA) performance accountability system and related performance issues. Training and Employment Guidance Letter 17-05. Washington, DC: Author. Retrieved June 18, 2007, from http://wdr.doleta.gov/directives/corr_doc.cfm?DOCN=2195

LearningWork Connection is an initiative of the Center for Learning Excellence at The Ohio State University.