FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) from apprenticeship seekers:
What is apprenticeship?
Apprenticeship is a formal training system that combines on-the-job learning and related classroom instruction to acquire occupational skills and knowledge.
Do apprentices receive pay while in training?
Yes. Apprentices earn a full time salary from the first day of on-the-job training in addition to receiving increment wage increases as their skill level increases throughout their apprenticeship training.
Are apprentices actually employed?
Yes. Apprentices are full time employees on the first day of on-the-job training with and employer.
What are qualifications for apprenticeship?
Qualifications for apprenticeship vary from one apprenticeship to another. Generally, individuals must be 18 years and above, physically able to perform the duties of the trade area, high school graduate or have GED and be drug free.
How long is the apprenticeship training?
Apprenticeship training can range from 1 to 5 years in length, depending on the specific apprentice-able occupation; this includes the scheduled hours for related instruction for each year during the training.
What types of apprenticeship trades/occupations are available?
There are over 1000 apprentice-able trade/occupations available nationally. These trade/occupation areas include construction, allied health, information technology, automotive aerospace, agriculture, etc.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) for potential apprenticeship sponsors (employers):
What are the requirements to register an apprenticeship program with the DC Apprenticeship Council?
Employers, who specialize in an apprentice-able occupation, must also have an established workforce consisting of skilled workers capable of providing adequate training and safety of apprentices.
The employer must develop set of apprenticeship standards that embodies the terms and conditions for the employment, training and supervision of apprentices according to local and federal apprenticeship regulations.
The standards must to be submitted to the DC Apprenticeship Council for official approval consideration. The DC Office of Apprenticeship, Information and Training staff is available to provide employers with technical assistance and guidance with the apprenticeship registration process.
Are apprenticeship programs for trade union employers only?
No. A single employer, employer associations and labor management can apply for apprenticeship registration and be considered for approval as an apprenticeship sponsors by the DC Apprenticeship Council.
Is there a cost to establishing a registered apprenticeship program with the DC Apprenticeship Council?
No. All guidance and technical assistance provided by the Apprenticeship Office staff are at no cost to applying for apprenticeship registration.
Once my company has been approved by the DC Apprenticeship Council, can I register current workers employed with my company as apprentices?
Yes. Current workers can be registered as apprentices, provided they meet the apprenticeship eligibility requirements established in the apprenticeship standards.
Are schools/training facilities available for non-union employers to enroll their apprentices for the required related instruction?
Yes; there are training facilities available for most trade areas in the construction industry in the immediate DC area. The Apprenticeship Office staff is also available to provide assistance in researching other acceptable means for related instruction.