Apprenticeship - Frequently Asked Questions

a mature man and a younger man wearing construction hats working on sheet metal

What is the difference between Registered Apprenticeship and other types of training?

• The Registered Apprenticeship system of training is unique in that it is the only formal, structured, and nationally recognized education and training program available that combines the two most common forms of career and occupational learning: classroom instruction with on-the-job training.

  Apprentices not only learn occupational skills in the classroom, their learning is expanded to include hands-on, paid, on-the-job training. Students learn and practice all phases of the trade/occupation in real-world applications. The program must be registered with the Arizona Apprenticeship Office.
   
• How long is the training?
   
  Registered Apprenticeship programs may take from 1-6 years to complete, depending on the occupation. Most programs are 3-4 years in length. The length of training (term) is determined by standards adopted by the industry.
   
• Are apprentices required to attend school?
   
  Apprentices must attend Related Technical Instruction which is combined with on-the-job-learning experience. Most programs require approximately 144 hours of Related Technical Instruction per year. Like other aspects of Registered Apprenticeship, the employer or local committee determines the Related Technical Instruction training requirements according to industry standards.
   
• Can apprentices earn college credit for their Registered Apprenticeship experience?
   
  Yes. Community and technical colleges offer college credit for the required related instruction in many Registered Apprenticeship programs.
   
• Are there age limits for apprentices?
   
  Each industry establishes its own minimum age requirement, although the typical minimum age is 18. There are no upper age limits on apprentices.
   
• Are apprentices paid?
   

  Yes. Apprentices must be full-time employees of the employer who is sponsoring the training program. However, in the event of a School-to-Registered Apprenticeship program, apprentices may be employed part-time. Typically, the wage of an apprentice starts at 40-50% of a skilled worker's wage. Wages increase progressively with satisfactory completion of work assignments and Related Technical Instruction.

• What are the minimum educational/experience requirements for Registered Apprenticeship?
  No experience is required of a new apprentice. Most Registered Apprenticeship programs require applicants to have a high school diploma or GED certificate. Some occupations require completion of specific subjects such as algebra, blueprint reading or related shop work.
   
• What are the benefits of Registered Apprenticeship?
   

  Employer:

  • Skilled workers trained to industry/employer specifications to produce quality results
  • Reduced turnover
  • Provides systematic training to develop more informed and productive employees
  • Apprentices are more committed to the employer
  • Increased productivity
  • Reduced training costs

   

  Apprentice:

  • Paid to learn a trade/occupation
  • Guaranteed wage increases
  • Portable credentials that are nationally recognized
  • Opportunity for college credit

   

• Do you have to join a union to be in a Registered Apprenticeship?
   

  No. Arizona has both Union and Non-Union Programs Registered with the Apprenticeship Office.

• What costs associated with Registered Apprenticeship may be considered for eligible clients through the Workforce Investment System?

  Funds may be used to provide the cost of tuition, books, supplies, fees, uniforms, tools and other items needed by the client to complete the Registered Apprenticeship program.

  WIOA funding may support: outreach, recruitment, application; intake and assessment; supportive services; related technical instruction/classroom training; on-the-job training and customized training.

  Contact your local [email protected] service center for more information.
   
• Is Customized Training allowable for Registered Apprenticeship?
   
  Yes.