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.

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.

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.

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.

Visit our the ApprenticeshipSF Programs webpage to find current apprenticeship opportunities.

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.

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.

Yes. Apprentices start working when they enter an apprenticeship, with steady wage increases as they become more proficient.

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.