Registering As An Apprentice

If you are willing to take on the challenge of learning new skills,
and you learn best through "hands-on" experiences, then registered
apprenticeship is a good option for you. Apprenticeship is a training
method that combines actual work experience with classroom related
instruction to produce a worker skilled in the occupation. There is a
written agreement between the apprentice and the employer, which
acknowledges their joint commitment to the training process. This
agreement is approved and registered by the New York State Department
of Labor.

How Do I Qualify?

As a registered apprentice, you are part of the employer's
workforce. So, you must meet the employer's minimum qualifications for
employment. Each employer's minimum qualifications are different, but
most require a high school diploma or the equivalent. Some will require
specific high school courses, prior experience, or occupationally
related courses.

What Is My Training Like?

Training for each apprenticeable occupation
is conducted according to a training outline that has been standardized
for the occupation. This assures that apprentices across the state have
the same sets of basic competencies and skills. At the successful
completion of each registered apprenticeship, the Department of Labor
awards the apprentice a "Certificate of Completion," which is a
nationally recognized credential.

The length of time it takes you to learn the skills of the
occupation depends upon two things: the standard training outline and
your aptitude. Each trade has a definite term of training, listed in
years. As a registered apprentice, you may progress according to that
established training term, or you may become skilled more quickly or
more slowly. It may even be that you start your apprenticeship with
credit toward the goal. Your employer may choose to award you credit
for previous working experience in the occupation or for prior
coursework related to the occupation.

As an apprentice, you are part of the employer's workforce. You work
full-time for the employer. A registered apprentice works under the
guidance of more experienced craft workers called journeyworkers. From
them, you learn the skills of the trade. As you master each skill, you
become a more productive employee.

At the same time you are working, you are also required to attend
classroom related instruction (usually in the evenings). Where and when
you get that instruction is set up by the employer and the local
education agent. Sometimes it is at a trade school, sometimes a
community college, sometimes at several different BOCES sites. Your
progress is tracked by you, your employer and your educational provider.

Successful completion of all requirements results in your certificate.

A developing new trend in registered apprenticeship expands the
required related classroom instruction toward the goal of achieving an
educational degree. Some sponsors of apprentice training are now
combining the standard on-the-job skill component of apprenticeship
with expanded classroom instruction in a particular field. This
training, offered at the community college level, results in the
registered apprentice earning both a Certificate of Completion from the
NYS Department of Labor and an Associate Degree from the community
college.

How Much Does it Cost?

Apprenticeship training is typically offered by the employer at no
cost to the apprentice. However, there may be some rare instances where
the apprentice is asked to pick up some or all of the cost of the
related instruction. In certain cases, the employer may pay for the
related instruction but stipulate that the apprentice pay back those
costs if he/she leaves the program prior to completion. In general,
though, there are no costs to you.

Where Do Opportunities Exist?

Apprenticeship opportunities exist whenever registered training
sponsors wish to increase the number of individuals in their training
program. You can easily access all the information you need regarding
opportunities for apprenticeship at your nearest Department of Labor office. All apprenticeship openings are listed in the New York State Department of Labor JOB BANK.
In addition, large sponsors conducting a public recruitment will
announce their apprenticeship opportunities in press releases