Apprenticeships

Earn while you learn!

What is an apprenticeship?
An apprenticeship is a paid training program that lasts 3-5 years (depending on the program, industry standards, & state licensing requirements). These apprenticeship training programs are created by companies, industry associations, and/or labor unions. Men and women students of these programs are called “apprentices” and work full-time while receiving paid on-the-job training. The average hourly wages paid during apprenticeships are $11-$17, including benefits.

Although much of the training occurs on-the-job, apprentices also attend classes two or three nights per week to learn additional skills such as math or reading blueprints. Upon successful completion of an apprenticeship, the apprentice becomes a “journeyman”. The average journeyman wage is $22-$30 per hour, and the skills you learn are transferable across many different industries.
How do I apply for an apprenticeship?
In most skilled-trade (construction) apprenticeships, you must be at least 18 years old (17 for carpentry), be physically able to perform the essential functions of the trade, have a high school diploma or GED, and have your own transportation (and driver’s license) so you can travel to and from various job sites.

Most apprenticeships do not charge tuition, but may require a fee to apply. The application and interview process is similar to applying and interviewing for a job. You should be well-prepared, bring all necessary paperwork, and be on time! See "What Does It Take To Become An Electrician?" below for an example of the paperwork, testing, and process required to apply for an electrical apprenticeship.

Where are the apprenticeships?
According to CareerVoyages.com, there are about 28,000 registered apprenticeship programs across U.S., with more than 468,000 apprentices currently obtaining the skills they need to succeed while earning the wages they need to build financial security. In Colorado, there are currently 97 registered apprenticeship sponsors (76 of which are in the Construction industry, 63 in Energy, 1 in Healthcare, 8 in Hospitality, 3 in Biotechnology, and 11 in Geospatial Technology).

To find a registered apprenticeship program in a high growth industry, visit this website: http://www.careervoyages.gov/apprenticeship-main.cfm, go to the box labeled “View Apprenticeships in Your Area”, enter your zip code or state, and click the “Go” button.

Embedded below is a YouTube video (geared toward high school students but has great info) and apprenticeship programs. Although the video discussed trades in Canada, the information is applicable to trades everywhere.


Sample of Colorado Construction Apprenticeship Programs:

Building Trade Apprenticeship Program / Address / Phone / Starting Wage / Journeyman Wage / Term (in yrs)

Note: wages listed may be renegotiated on July 1, 2008.

International Assoc. of Heat, Frost & Insulators / 140 Sheridan / 303.742.9010 / $16.05 / $27.03 / 4 yrs

Carpenters / 4290 Holly St. / 303.393.6060 / $13.50 / $22.50 / 4 yrs

Cement Mason / 4515 W. 41st Ave. / 303.455.0885 / $15.61 / $22.30 / 3 yrs

Electrician, Inside Commercial / 5610 Logan / 303.295.1903 / $14.17 / $28.91 / 4 yrs

Electrician, Residential / 5610 Logan / 303.295.1903 / $12.13 / $23.79 / 3 yrs

Electrician Voice Data Video / 5610 Logan / 303.295.1903 / $12.58 / $20.97 / 3 yrs

Glaziers / 2170 S. Lipan / 303.761.1324 / $16.89 / $25.35 / 3 yrs

Iron Workers / 3385 Walnut / 303.296.6626 / $14.70 / $21.00 / 3 yrs

Laborer's / 10505 Havana St. / 303.287.3116 / $11.48 / $14.35 / 2 yrs

Millwrights / 4290 Holly St. / 303.393.6060 / $12.75 / $25.49 / 4 yrs

Operating Engineers / 990 Kalamath / 303.623.8334 / $15.17 / $20.34 / 3 yrs

Pipefitters / 6350 Broadway / 303.428.6541 / $14.28 / $28.55 / 5 yrs

Plumbers / 17100 E. 32nd Pl. / 303.739.9100 / $16.91 / $31.62 / 5 yrs

Sheet Metal Workers / 1515 W. 47th Ave. / 720.855.0305 / $14.02 / $28.04/ 4 yrs

What Does It Take To Become An Electrician?
(source accessed on 6/13/08: http://www.djeatc68.com/

"First and foremost it takes hard work and discipline. Work ethic and work attitudes are both essential elements of becoming a successful electrician. During your apprenticeship you will be expected to maintain at least a 75% average in your course work while attending class two nights a week. You will be expected to attend every class session with a maximum of three absences allowed (per year). You must report to work every day on time and be ready to work. Also, you would need to have reliable transportation and be willing to commute or relocate if construction sites are in remote locations.

Being an electrician can be physically demanding. You would be expected to be on your feet for a lot of the day, manipulate heavy conduit, and to work in difficult places like on ladders or in small spaces. You could work in a variety of conditions, from outside, where you’re exposed to harsh weather, or in cramped places. Your work is potentially hazardous as well, as you would be exposed to electrical shocks, falling from scaffolding, or being cut with sharp tools. You would have to adhere to strict safety guidelines and be alert at all times.

With experience and expertise electricians can be eligible for advancement to positions of greater responsibility. They might become supervisors, managers, or superintendents. Some may even start their business as a contractor. Whatever your goals might be, remaining focused and disciplined is the key to making it work.

How To Apply:

PROGRAMS:
1. Inside Wireman, 5-year curriculum condensed into a 4-year program
2. Residential Wireman, 3-year program
3. Voice Data Video Telecommunications, 3-year program

ALL APPLICATIONS MUST BE COMPLETED IN PERSON: $20 to apply – credited back upon acceptance into the program. Open for applications Monday thru Friday 8:00am-11:00am and 1:00pm-4:00pm

REQUIRED DOCUMENTATION:
- must be at least 18 years of age
- two forms of I.D. (driver’s license, birth certificate, passport, etc.)
- college transcripts (if you attended)
- copy of DD214 (if you were in the military)
- official H.S. transcripts and High School Diploma or G.E.D. (only required when transcripts do not have a graduation date)
- one credit of algebra (required for the inside program only) - for those who cannot fulfill the algebra requirement, you may substitute the NJATC on-line Tech Math Class ($100)-- call the office for information on registration

After you apply and submit all of the required documentation, you will be scheduled for an aptitude test. The test is given the first Tuesday of every month. If you receive a qualifying score on the test, you will be scheduled for an interview with six members appointed by the committee. You will be notified of your exact interview date and time via mail. At the interview you will be scored by each member. The scores you receive will be compiled and you will be placed on a ranking list based on your average score. Names are taken from the ranking list when new apprentices are accepted into the program."