MORE ABOUT APPRENTICESHIP PROGRAMS
Apprenticeship programs provide new recruits the opportunity to study (for free) specific trades while simultaneously working within that trade as an apprentice. Apprenticeship programs can be sponsored by a host of different organizations, as there are many credible businesses, employer associations, and labor unions offering apprenticeship programs within their respective areas of expertise. Training involves a combination of on-the-job training, classroom training, or both.
Most apprenticeship programs can be completed within four years, although some programs like The International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers-National Electrical Contractors' Association Technical Institute’s (IBEW-NECA Tech) Electrical Construction Program take five years. Regardless, each year spent under apprenticeship is needed to master the technical intricacies of the various building trades.
Apprentices are expected to work hard, study harder, and prepare themselves to excel. Thus, they engage in a comprehensive edcuation plan that includes advanced math and science, applied instruction, and other classes which directly relate to the apprenticeship program's trade of focus.
Once apprentices complete course requirements, they receive a highly-coveted Apprenticeship Completion Certificate, or in some cases, an Apprenticeship Completion Certificate and an Associates Degree (as is the case for IBEW-NECA Tech). The end result, however, is the same whether a graduate earns an Apprenticeship Completion Certificate, an Associate’s Degree, or both: That graduate receives the title of journeywoman or journeyman (skilled worker), and they are subsequently entitled to all the recognition, rights, and associated financial benefits.
There are other financial benefits to apprenticeship program participation. As mentioned earlier, an apprentice’s training is usually free This serves a two-fold purpose: 1). It requires apprentices to commit themselves to learning the on-the-job aspects; and 2). It enables a class of people – many of whom come from economically-challenged backgrounds – to earn a respectable employment credential without incurring student loan debt.This should not be taken lightly, as the estimated cost of apprenticeship training is between $65,000 -$75,000.
An equally important financial benefit is the pay apprentices receive while they are in the apprentice program. Apprentices are considered employees according to Federal employment law, and they are paid an hourly wage which increases based upon the amount of time spent in the program, on-the-job performance, and classroom progress. Hourly wages start at 40% of a journeyman’s hourly rate, and they increase to 80% - 95% of the journeyman’s rate by the time the apprenticeship is completed. For example, apprentices within the IBEW-NECA Tech’s Electrical Construction Program earn $14.52 per hour (40% of journeyman’s hourly wage) upon program entry. After 6 months, they are given a raise to $16.34 per hour (45%). During the next several years (depending upon their time-in-program and performance), they will get a series of additional raises: $18.15 (50%); $19.97 (55%); $21.28 (60%); $23.60 (65%); $25.41 (70%); $27.23 (75%); $29.04 (80%); and $32.67 (85%). After completing their studies, IBEW-NECA Tech apprentices will earn the full journeyman’s hourly wage, which is currently $36.30.
