What is an apprentice?
An Apprentice is a worker who learns a skilled trade through on-the-job training, and classroom instruction. An apprentice is a regular part of the work force and earns wages while acquiring important skills. The length of an apprenticeship program ranges from three to five years, depending on the trade.

At the completion of the program, an apprentice becomes a journeyperson, fully qualified to perform the work of the trade and earns full pay for the skill.

How does one prepare for apprenticeship?
The importance of a well-rounded high school education cannot be over-emphasized. A strong background in math and science is important. Good attendance is a necessity. Today’s competitive industry requires employees who can:

• perform technical tasks
• exercise good judgment
• practice good work ethics

How are Apprentices selected?
The Joint Apprenticeship and Training Committees (JATC) of each trade conduct the selections of apprentices. Member representatives of both management and labor organizations staff the committees. Each JATC seeks men and women who demonstrate the best:

• Character
• Aptitude
• Motivation
• Personality traits which will lead to success in their respective trades.

Apprentice candidates are considered under the Equal Employment Opportunity guidelines. They are required to participate in standardized testing and, in some programs, are perennially interviewed by the JATC. It is their goal to select candidates who demonstrate reliability and sincere desire.

What is involved in Apprentice training?
To be certain apprentices get proper training, both federal and state governments establish rules which supervise the progress of the apprentice. Each apprenticeship program must adhere to regulations and standards, which are registered with the Ohio Apprenticeship Council. The U. S. Department of Labor, Bureau of Apprenticeship and Training assists in the formulation and administration of the standards.

What are the benefits of an apprenticeship program?
Apprenticeship in the building trades is the doorway to opportunity. Apprentices learn skills that can be used throughout their careers. Today’s ambitious apprentices will become the supervisors, contract estimators, and superintendents of tomorrow. They will be instrumental in guiding co-workers and other apprentices to improve their trade skills. Training gained through apprenticeships has enabled many workers to advance to better jobs. Additional benefits of an apprenticeship program are:

• Excellent wage rates with scheduled increases
• Paid health insurance
• State of the art training facilities
• Safe working conditions
• Pension benefits

All programs are registered with the U.S. Department of Labor, Bureau of Apprenticeship and training.