Michigan Educator's Apprenticeship And Training Association
 

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Frequently Asked Questions

Q. What is Apprenticeship?
 A. Apprenticeship is a coordinated training program that involves a sponsoring employer and a related instruction provider. A person that is identified as an apprentice works full time for the employer and progresses through a sequence of work experiences under the supervision of a skilled trades-person. At the same time the apprentice takes classes that are related to the experience gained on the job.
Q. How does someone become an apprentice?
 A. An individual becomes an apprentice by being identified as an apprentice by an employer. This may involve a probationary period of working for the employer in non related areas and also may include testing and other evaluation processes.
Q. Can I be an apprentice without a sponsoring employer?
 A. No. A person may begin to take classes that may apply towards an apprenticeship before becoming an apprentice, but will only be considered an apprentice once there is a sponsoring employer.
Q. Does a college place apprentices?
 A. Typically no. Although a college will pass on information about potential apprenticeship positions, because of employer requirements the college is not actively involved in placement of apprentices. Also the college is not able to give out a list of employers that have programs.
Q. What are the requirements of an apprenticeship?
 A. An apprentice program will usually require 8000 hours or 4 years of on the job experience and a minimum of 576 clock hours of related instruction in a college. In an official apprenticeship, a person is registered with the United States Department of Labor, Bureau of Apprenticeship Training when they begin their apprenticeship and will receive a certificate from the the Bureau when the requirements are completed. Please note that the apprentice must meet the requirements of the federal government as well as the employer. The college is only involved in verifying that those requirements have been met.
Q. Must I be a member of a union?
 A. No, it is not mandatory to be in a union.
Q. Can I receive credit for previous experience?
 A. Yes. With the approval of your employer, credit can be given for work experience and some types of previously taken educational experiences. These however do not cross over. For example, an individual can not use work experience to get credit for related instruction. Each component of apprenticeship must be completed separately. Also, test outs are available for some classes at some colleges.
For additional questions, please contact an Executive Committee Member or the Community College Representative from the college nearest to you.

For more information please contact Glen Bivens or Dave Jackson from the USDOL Office of Apprenticeship at (517) 377-1517.