Tour the School » Guidance » Apprenticeship FAQs

Apprenticeship applicants frequently ask the following questions. 

1. What is apprenticeship training?
    
   Apprenticeship is a training program that combines structured on-the-job training with related instruction and is sponsored by employers, employer associations, or labor/management groups that can hire and train in a working situation. The employment opportunity is the most basic requirement for an apprenticeship. Without a job there is no “on-the-job” training, and such training represents about 90% of the program. 
   What are the advantages, to me, of an apprenticeship?
    
   -Apprenticeship is a career opportunity.
   -It is occupational training that combines supervised on-the-job training with classroom instruction.
   -Apprentices learn a skilled trade while earning a good wage and receive pay increased as they learn and perform more complex tasks.
   -When apprentices complete the program and become journey workers, they increase their employability in industry and may become supervisors or go into business for themselves.
   -These skills are transferable from one employer to another and usually from one part of the country to another.
   -Once completed, an apprentice will receive a portable credential that is nationally recognized.
 
2. Who is a good candidate for an apprenticeship?
    
   People who enjoy working with their hands as well as their minds, people who like to see the results of the their efforts, and those who want to understand how things work are all good candidates for an apprenticeship.
 
3. How do I get to be an apprentice? How do I apply?
    
   Application procedures vary from trade to trade, geographically, and in the construction, industrial (manufacturing) or service sectors.
    
   For construction trades, the application process is generally governed by the trade committee composed of equal representation of employees and employers in that trade. Each committee develops its own policies and practices, which are approved by the Wisconsin Department of Workforce Development, Bureau of Apprenticeship Standards. Applications are taken by the local committees and may include an aptitude test, interview with the committee, high school transcript, proof of graduation or equivalent, birth certificate, valid drivers license, and passing a substance abuse test. The interested applicant should apply directly to the committee or trade organization for further direction.
    
   Applying for an apprenticeship in the industrial and service sectors requires applying directly to the employer or company that sponsors the apprenticeship program. Sometimes the employer must hire you in another capacity before the apprenticeship opportunities become available. The employer determines the criteria to place applicants into the program, either through collective bargaining agreements or other criteria.
 
4. What are the requirements to get into an apprenticeship? What qualifications do I need to become an apprentice?
    
   Getting into an apprenticeship program requires both physical and mental readiness. Most trades require that applicants are high school graduates or equivalent. Many of these trades require a strong math background in such areas as Algebra and Geometry. In addition, some employers require that apprentices have technical training (such as a technical college degree or certificate) before entering an apprenticeship program. Written tests are often used a part of the application process and these may cover areas such as: math, reading, science, spatial ability, manual dexterity, and to other areas relevant to the trade or occupation.
   
5. Is there a waiting period before I can enter an apprenticeship?
    
   The waiting period to get into the program varies from trade to trade, and whether employers have current openings. Once eligible for the program, applicants may wait several weeks or over a year depending on currents economic conditions and employment opportunities.
 
6. What types of occupations are available?
    
   Apprenticeships are offered in a wide variety of trades and/or occupations. The three main occupational categories are Industrial, Service, and Construction.
 
7. Does the Department of Workforce Development help me find a job?
    
   No. The Bureau of Apprenticeship Standards does not serve as an employment agency.
 
8. What happens when I get an apprenticeship?
    
   You will be required to sign a legal document called an Apprentice Contract. An Apprentice Contract sets for the responsibilities and obligations of each party to the Contract (you, your apprenticeship sponsor, and the State of Wisconsin). Apprentices and employers must comply with the provisions of the Apprentice Contract.
 
9. What support and resources are available to applicants while considering an apprenticeship?
    
   Applicants should continue to seek employment using Wisconsin Job Centers, or other independent employment agencies, take courses at local technical college in the related field, or find unskilled work where the experience may lead to an apprenticeship.
 
10. Is there a list of employers who are hiring?
     
    No. The Bureau does not keep a list of employers who are looking to start an apprentice in training.
 
11. What is the cost for apprenticeship training?
     
    Normal costs are tuition and books required for the course of instruction. Some employers cover these costs. The method used varies from employer to employer and committee to committee.
 
12. Can my current employer participate in apprenticeship training?
     
    Yes, providing your employer meets all eligibility requirements. The basic requirement of a sponsor is to be in business at least one year and have a skilled employee to train the apprentice. The Bureau encourages employers to consider apprenticeship training for all of their skilled occupations. The most common limit would be the occupation and if it meets the “apprenticeable” requirements.
 
13. Who do I contact for information in my area?
     
    Your best source of information for your area is your Local Apprenticeship Field Representative. The names and locations of each representative are available on the Bureau’s webpage in the “contacts” section. http://www.dwd.state.wi.us/dws/appr/contacts.htm
 
14. Can I use veteran’s benefits as an apprentice?
    Yes. If you qualify for veteran’s educational benefits, you can collect those benefits while training in an apprenticeship program approved by the Bureau. To determine if you qualify, contact your County Veteran’s Service Office (CVSO). They are usually located in your county’s courthouse.

*Information collected from the Wisconsin Department of Workforce Development, Bureau of Apprenticeship Standards.