Employer/Sponsor FAQ

People interested in apprenticeship for the construction, industrial and service trades should apply to the prospective employer who has the responsibility of selection. Those interested in the construction trades should apply to the local joint apprenticeship committee so that personal interviews can be scheduled.

The applicant enters into an agreement with the employer, known as an apprenticeship contract, in which the employer assumes the responsibility of teaching the apprentice the trade. The contract defines the length and type of training, the total hours of required classroom instruction and the scale of pay during the training period.

A person must enter into a contract with an employer before enrolling in the related instruction program. Classroom instruction usually involves one day a week or one day every two weeks for three years or more.

Employer/Sponsor Questions

What are the benefits to an employer to participate in apprenticeship training?

  • Apprenticeship training reduces turnover.
  • Provides long-term training with measurable results.
  • Apprentices are usually the most productive workers and the most technologically advanced.
  • The program provides a pool of skilled workers who are highly skilled from which future managers may be selected.
  • The structured training of the program promotes and fosters quality and teamwork.
  • The training gives workers a path for upward mobility.
  • An employer’s costs in starting a program are minimal.
  • Allows employers to provide career advancement opportunities to employees who wish to advance.
  • Apprenticeship provides both state and national recognition for the apprentices and the sponsors of the program.

What are my responsibilities as a trainer of apprentices?

  • Primary responsibility of a trainer is to provide the on-the-job training to the apprentice under the supervision of skilled workers.
  • Pay the apprentice wages for work performed and for hours of related instruction required of the program as outlined in the apprentice contract.
  • Release the apprentice from work to attend related instruction.

How much paperwork will I have to complete?

Paperwork is minimal. Information for the application will require the completion of some paperwork and the maintenance of on-going training records. Assistance is available from the Bureau of Apprenticeship Standards field representatives with the application process and to understand the selection process or procedures or policies.

How much will it cost me to train apprentices?

Although you pay for the apprenticeship training, the actual cost to you is affordable. The program includes both classroom and on-the-job training, so the apprentices will be producing for you while they learn. In addition, you must pay the apprentice’s wages for time spent in related classroom instruction. The number of hours required vary from occupation to occupation. Normally 144 hours per year are required. Apprentices are responsible for their books, tuition and travel costs.

How do you determine what occupations may include apprenticeships?

In order for an occupation to be determined apprenticeable, the occupation:
 
  • must involve manual, mechanical or technical skills;
  • must require that there be related instruction to supplement the on-the-job training; and
  • is clearly identified and recognized throughout the industry

What support is available to me from the Bureau of Apprenticeship Standards while training apprentices? Who do I contact for additional information?

Local field representatives are available to provide technical support. They will assist you in securing the information you desire. Names and locations of representatives are available on the Bureau of Apprenticeship Standards Contacts web page.