Apprenticeship
What is Apprenticeship?
Apprenticeship is a state-registered, formal training program that emphasizes on-the-job training under the supervision of a qualified tradesperson, as well as classroom instruction at the technical college. It is governed by the Bureau of Apprenticeship Standards (BAS) in cooperation with the local Joint Apprenticeship Committee (JAC).
Most apprenticeship training programs are three to six years in length. Apprentices work on-the-job in their trade under the supervision of qualified journeymen. They take courses in math, science and other technical subjects related to their craft. Most related classroom instruction takes place at the local vocational education colleges. Apprentices are paid on a progressive wage scale beginning from 40% to 65% of the journeyman's rate, depending on the specific trade.
Why Apprenticeship
Apprenticeship offers job satisfaction, marketable skills, good wages, economic security and advancement opportunity. Statistics show that graduate apprentices earn higher wages, have more stable work records and are promoted sooner and more often than workers who have not been trained through apprenticeship programs.
What Occupations are Learned Through Apprenticeship?
Currently there are more than 300 occupations that are apprenticeable in construction, manufacturing and service industries throughout the state of Wisconsin, Here is a sample of the occupations available through apprenticeship training:
Please see Careers Offered at Western to view apprenticeships available at Western Technical College
Construction:
Bricklayer, Carpenter, Electrician, Plumber, Steamfitter and Sheet Metal
Manufacturing:
Machinist, Millwright, Industrial Electrician
Service:
Cosmetology, Chef, Funeral Director and Firefighter
How do I Get Into an Apprenticeship?
For the most part, getting into an apprenticeship training program means first finding a job. Talk to employers whose businesses involve your chosen trade. Find out if the employer trains apprentices. Show your enthusiasm. Display your qualifications - courses taken in school, grades, and any related experience you have regarding the trade you have chosen. Ask to be hired.
For construction trade apprenticeships, contact the local Joint Apprenticeship Committee (JAC) of the trade that interests you. JAC is a volunteer committee in the construction industry that shares information about the specific trade. JAC generally directs individuals to a technical school or center where one can obtain applications and information on the trade of interest. Check the telephone directory yellow pages for the appropriate trade union and ask about the Joint Apprenticeship Committee application procedure. Non-union or open shop construction employers also train apprentices. The local Bureau of Apprenticeship Standards District Field Representative at the district Wisconsin Technical College System School can also provide you with information about all these programs, union and non-union.
For apprenticeship in manufacturing and service industries, contact the employer directly. Talk to someone in the firm's personnel office to find out their procedure for choosing apprenticeship candidates. Sometimes these apprenticeship programs are listed with Job Service, the area technical school or in newspaper want ads.
Often, in large industrial plants, apprenticeships are open only to workers already employed in the plant. In these situations, you must first be employed by the firm and then seek an apprenticeship.
Looking for an Apprenticeship is Just Like Looking for a Job. A word of caution - Do not be discouraged if you have to wait to get into an apprenticeship program! BE PERSISTENT!
Start a resume and continue your education through available courses at technical or trade schools. Employers appreciate an aggressive goal oriented applicant.
Interested applicants who have not found an employer willing to hire them may still proceed with the application process by meeting the minimum qualifications. Once all minimum qualifications have been met, the applicant will be placed on a qualified applicant list held by the Western Technical College Apprenticeship Office, 304 6th Street N., Coleman Building, Room 119, La Crosse, WI 54601. The list is available to employers interested in sponsoring (hiring) an apprentice. The applicant may be issued a letter of introduction to employers stating that the applicant has met the minimum qualifications to become an apprentice.
For more information about Apprenticeship Training, contact:
Kathy O'Sullivan
Field Representative
Bureau of Apprenticeship Standards
402 N. 8th Street
La Crosse, WI 54601
Phone (608) 785-9176
Fax (608) 785-9327
Kathleen.OSullivan@dwd.state.wi.us
Western Technical College
Coleman Center 114
304 6th Street N.
La Crosse, WI 54601
Phone (608) 785-9175
Fax (608) 789-6212
