How is ApprenticeshipSF different from other company-specific job training program?
First, apprentices are hired by the City and receive a paycheck from the first day of work. Wages increase over time as apprentices advance in their knowledge, skills, and abilities. Apprenticeships last from one to six years, depending on the career and the program. Apprentices take classes while they are working, combining classroom and hands-on learning. At the end of the apprenticeship, apprentices earn industry-recognized credentials and in many cases can receive college credits that may lead to an associate or bachelor’s degree.
What is a Pre-Apprenticeship?
A Pre-apprenticeship is designed to prepare individuals to enter and succeed in a recognized apprenticeship program. These programs promote a diverse and skilled workforce and prepare participants to meet the basic qualifications for entry into apprenticeship.
What are the benefits of an ApprenticeshipSF program?
From their first day of work, apprentices receive a paycheck that is guaranteed to increase as their training progresses. Apprentices also complete a combination of job-related instruction and hands-on training at the job site, leading to a state and nationally-recognized, portable credential. These benefits include:
- Hands-on career training: Apprentices receive practical on-the-job training in a wide variety of occupations and industries, such as construction, information technology, transportation, energy, and advanced manufacturing.
- An education: The training that apprentices receive may apply as earned college credits toward an associate’s or bachelor’s degree (see question on earned credits).
- A career: Once the apprenticeship is complete, workers are on their way to a successful long-term career with a competitive salary and little or no educational debt.
- National credential: When an apprentice graduates from a career training program, the apprentice earns a certified portable credential accepted by industries and employers across the U.S.
What are the basic qualifications to participate in an ApprenticeshipSF program?
All applicants are required to meet the minimum qualifications. A candidate must be at least 18 years old at the time of hire. Each ApprenticeshipSF program has its specific minimum qualifications. Please check the “ApprenticeshipSF Programs” page for the comprehensive list of minimum qualifications such as education and ability to physically perform the essential functions of the job. Aptitude tests, interviews, school grades and previous experience may also be assessed as part of the final selection process.
Where can I find an ApprenticeshipSF programs?
Visit our the ApprenticeshipSF Programs webpage to find current apprenticeship opportunities.
How long are the ApprenticeshipSF programs?
The length of an apprenticeship program depends on the complexity of the career and the type of program . ApprenticeshipSF programs range in length from one to six years. Many careers have one and two-year apprenticeships, such as Gardener, Laborer, and Cement Mason.
Do apprentices earn college credit while participating in a Registered Apprenticeship program?
ApprenticeshipSF programs combine on-the-job training and job-related instruction, provided by apprenticeship training centers, technical schools, community colleges, and other educational institutions. The City’s ApprenticeshipSF programs often work directly with two and four-year colleges.
Is an apprenticeship a job?
Yes. Apprentices start working when they enter an apprenticeship, with steady wage increases as they become more proficient.
How much money can an apprentice earn?
Apprentices earn competitive wages, a paycheck from the first day of employment and incremental raises as skill levels increase. The average wage for a fully-proficient worker who completes an apprenticeship is $82,000 annually.
Role of the Training Center/Apprenticeship Coordinator
- The apprenticeship coordinator works with the college and apprentice to make sure they are registered with the college and are enrolled either by the coordinator or by the apprentice depending on the college. The coordinator will assist directly each semester.
- The coordinator communicates to the apprentice as to which classes they have to take either through phone call, text messaging or email.
- Each instructor at the end of the semester is provided an evaluation form that they indicate if the apprentice passed or failed with a C or better. If the apprentice fails the class the apprentice is brought before the JAC to explain what happened. The JAC then decides what to do about the failed class based on the apprentices answers. Usually, unless there are extenuating circumstances, the apprentice is held back 6 months and not given the wage progression increase.
- The coordinator works with the instructors to make sure the apprentices attend classes. The apprentice can only miss 2 unexcused absences per semester. During the orientation it is explained to the apprentice that if they are planning to miss a class they must notify the Joint Apprenticeship Committee (JAC) office to let them know and the JAC will determine if it is an excused absence, however, the JAC explains to the apprentice that regardless of how many excused absences the apprentice has the apprentice still must pass the class with a C or better or face being held back 6 months. If the apprentice misses more than 2 unexcused absences in a semester (which is notified through the instructor evaluation process) both the apprentice and the employer is notified that the apprentice is subject to a progressive fine and can lead to being held back or removed from the program by the JAC.
- The apprentice must work with the instructor for what would be required to make up the work so that the apprentice can receive a C or better so the onus is on the apprentice to make up the work.
- At the initial orientation, all apprentices are asked if they have had previous instruction from a Community College. If so the apprentice must submit their transcripts to the JAC coordinator who will work with the Community College representative to determine if the previously taken classes can be applied towards the program. This doesn't mean that the apprentice is given any credit towards their completion date, that is determined by the employer.