What is Registered Apprenticeship?

Apprenticeship is full-time employment combined with both On-The-Job training and related classroom instruction. An experienced and skilled journeyworker teaches the practical skills learned on the job. Apprenticeship is based on a written agreement between the apprentice and the sponsor that stipulates the terms of the apprenticeship such as;

• Length of training
• Credit for previous experience or education
• Increasing scale of wages
• Method of education

Apprenticeable Occupations:

There are over 800 recognized apprenticeable occupations at the present time. Any occupation that is a skilled trade and possesses the following characteristics can be learned through apprenticeship training:

• It is customarily learned in a practical way through a structured, systematic program of on-the job supervise training.
• It is clearly identified and commonly recognized throughout the industry.
• It involves manual, mechanical and technical skills and knowledge that requires at least 2,000 hours of on-the-job work experience.
• It requires related instruction to supplement the on-the-job training.
• Attend a minimum of 144 hours of classroom instruction

The following is a list of some of the more popular occupations:

• CONSTRUCTION TRADES: Plumber, Sheet Metal Worker, Welder, Ironworker, Carpenter, Electrician, Painter, Roofer, Dry Wall Applicator, Bricklayer, Mason, Glazier
• MANUFACTURING TRADES: Maintenance, Mechanic Tool & Die Maker, Machinist, Mold Maker, Electronic Technician, Millwright, Press Operator, Drafter, Electronic Mechanic, Grinder Operator, Machine Operator
• OTHER OCCUPATIONS: Auto Body Repairer, Auto Mechanic, Baker, Cook, Butcher, Optician, Office Equipment Repair

Benefits of Apprenticeship:

BENEFITS TO THE EMPLOYER:

• Reduced turnover
• Employee commitment to training
• Increase in productivity
• Lower production costs
• Apprentices bring knowledge learned in classes to the workplace
• Improved employee morale
• Assurance of well-trained employees

BENEFITS TO THE APPRENTICE:

• Full-time employment
• Supervised training
• Opportunity to learn a skill
• Increasing scale of wages
• Nationally recognized Certificate of Completion
• Improved job security
• Quality training opportunity

How does one become an Apprentice?

To become an apprentice, all an individual must do is be working full time for a registered employer/sponsor in the trade of their choice. This must be done before the apprentice can enroll in the program.

What are the qualifications?

Qualifications may vary depending upon the trade or program. Minimum requirements are that the apprentice be at least 16 years old.

Some sponsors may require that an apprentice have either a high school diploma, or GED certificate, while others may be more concerned with the physical capabilities of the apprentice.

Student Apprenticeship

Students who wish to get a fast start on their careers can participate in the Student Apprenticeship program once they have reached the age of sixteen.

The student apprentice would attend school full time, preferably taking a course of study relating to his or her apprenticeship occupation, during after-school hours or weekends the apprentice would be working for a registered employer/sponsor and be learning the on-the-job skills of his or her chosen career.

Upon completion of high school the apprentice would be credited with the hours spent working while he or she was still a student in school towards the completion of the apprenticeship.

What does an Apprentice earn?

Apprentices earn while they learn. An apprentice starting out in a particular trade without any prior experience must receive at least 50% of the wages paid to a fully trained craftsperson. An apprentice’s wages increase at regular intervals corresponding with his or her increasing knowledge of the occupation.

Guidelines for setting-up Registered Youth Apprenticeship

Where do I get further information?

Potential apprentices and/or sponsors may learn more about the apprenticeship-training program by contacting:

NH Department of Labor
State Office Park South
95 Pleasant Street
Concord, NH 03301
(603) 271-3171

or

US Department of Labor
Bureau of Apprenticeship & Training
Cleveland Building
55 Pleasant St., Room 3703
Concord, NH 03301
(603) 225-1444