What is a Registered Apprenticeship Program?

A Registered Apprenticeship Program is a training program that combines on-the-job learning with classroom instruction. These programs meet criteria established and monitored by the U.S. Department of Labor or State Apprenticeship Agencies, ensuring compliance with the highest industry standards.

The men and women who enter these programs are called apprentices. Once apprentices complete the Registered Apprenticeship Program, they top out as journeymen, which means they are capable of doing the job of a particular craft with limited supervision.

In the construction industry, Registered Apprenticeship Programs differ from non-registered training programs because they guarantee a person will advance in their career as they gain the experience, skills and knowledge required to be successful in the industry. As apprentices advance, they earn higher hourly wages, which is in addition to the excellent full-family insurance and retirement benefits they already receive.

Oftentimes, men and women who enter non-registered apprenticeship programs can get stuck in a stage of perpetual apprenticeship and never advance. This often keeps them earning low wages. In many instances, they are not eligible for retirement benefits and have no or poor health insurance.

Simply put, the union construction industry’s Registered Apprenticeship Program is considered the gold standard in the U.S. The only other program that comes close is the model used by the U.S. military to train members of the armed forces.

Key Features of a Registered Apprenticeship Program

Earn While You Learn

Registered Apprenticeship Programs use the earn while you learn model. This means apprentices work on jobsites alongside journeymen to learn the ins and outs of a particular trade and craft. Not only do they gain valuable experience, but apprentices earn a good living wage, plus excellent full-family health insurance and great retirement benefits.

The financial security of the earn while you learn model allows apprentices to begin building a stable, middle-class lifestyle without incurring the debt often associated with a college education.

Structured Training

The apprenticeship program typically lasts four to five years. During this time, apprentices receive a combination of classroom instruction and hands-on, on-the-job training. This structure ensures that apprentices gain both theoretical knowledge and practical skills.

As part of classroom instruction, apprentices earn industry-leading certifications, including safety training, to ensure they work safely and help keep all other individuals safe on the job.

The combined classroom and on-the-job training produces highly skilled and trained journeymen who are capable of doing the job safely and efficiently.

Wage Increases

As apprentices progress through the program and their skills and knowledge increase, their wages also increase.

The scheduled raises not only help incentivize the apprentices’ development but also brings them closer to journeyman wages.

Comprehensive Benefits

Registered apprentices enjoy numerous benefits, including:

• Full healthcare coverage:
  Ensuring you and your family have excellent medical insurance.
• Retirement benefits:
  Workers should be able to retire with dignity. Through Collective Bargaining Agreements, unions have been able to negotiate great retirement benefits, such as pensions, annuities and other benefits.
• Job security:
  Unlike office jobs, careers in the construction industry cannot be shipped overseas. There will always be a need for men and women to build and rebuild the nation’s communities.

Training Components

Classroom Instruction

Apprentices receive a minimum of 576 hours of classroom instruction over the duration of the program. This instruction covers various topics, including safety protocols, technical skills and industry standards.

On-the-Job Training

Apprentices accumulate at least 1,600 hours of on-the-job training each year. Under the supervision of experienced journeymen, apprentices apply what they have learned in the classroom to real-world scenarios.

Safety and Professional Conduct

Training includes essential safety courses such as OSHA-10 and 30-Hour Safety Training, CPR and First Aid, as well as a Professional Craftsman Code of Conduct program to ensure the highest standards of work ethic and professionalism.

How to Apply

Eligibility Requirements

Candidates typically need a high school diploma or GED to apply for a Registered Apprenticeship Program. Individual programs may have additional requirements.

Application Process

• 1. Fill out the application
  Provide necessary personal information and details about your educational background.
• 2. Submit documentation
  Include any required documents, such as transcripts, letters of recommendation, copies of a driver’s license, etc.
• 3. Interview
  Participate in an interview to assess your suitability for the program.

Support and Advancement

• Continuous learning
  The IIIATF offers ongoing education and training opportunities to ensure apprentices and journeymen stay current with industry advancements.
• Career growth
  Graduates of the Registered Apprenticeship Program can advance their careers beyond the tools to supervisory roles, specialize in niche areas or even move into business management or training coordinator positions.