Apprenticeship is a flexible staff-development strategy that creates loyal, well-trained employees. No longer limited to the construction trades, apprenticeships can now be found in many industries, including health care, advanced manufacturing, transportation, government, social services, IT and early child education, just to name a few.
If you’re interested in learning more, contact us with your questions and inquiries. We’re happy to help: sholtzclaw@clpccd.org, 925-416-5136.
Download our Acronym & Abbreviation List here.
What is an Apprenticeship?
Rooted in thousands of years of history, the apprenticeship model continues to evolve in front of our eyes. However, at the heart of any apprenticeship is the combination of on-the-job training and classroom instruction - the “Earn & Learn” model.
-
Apprentices are employees-in-trainingApprentices are paid a wage to do a job while supervised by an experienced employee or mentor on the job. Traditionally, a registered apprentice must have at least 2,000 hours on the job, but this now varies by industry and training needs of the employer. In California, apprenticeships can also be built on job-specific competencies rather than recorded hours.
-
Apprentices are students.Half of the “Earn & Learn” model is that apprentices also have classroom instruction to enhance their knowledge of the occupation. This can be done at the training program (or Program Sponsor’s) site, online, or on campus using existing college classes. The State of California requires at least 144 hours of Related and Supplemental (classroom) Instruction for a registered apprenticeship.
Benefits to the Employer
Apprenticeship is an employer-driven workforce development model that not only helps the business train employee for their specific jobs.
Research by the Urban Institute shows an overall positive return on investments in apprenticeship. The evidence shows that the benefits of developing a registered apprenticeship include:
-
Apprentices are employees-in-trainingApprentices are paid a wage to do a job while supervised by an experienced employee or mentor on the job. Traditionally, a registered apprentice must have at least 2,000 hours on the job, but this now varies by industry and training needs of the employer. In California, apprenticeships can also be built on job-specific competencies rather than recorded hours.
-
Apprentices are students.Half of the “Earn & Learn” model is that apprentices also have classroom instruction to enhance their knowledge of the occupation. This can be done at the training program (or Program Sponsor’s) site, online, or on campus using existing college classes. The State of California requires at least 144 hours of Related and Supplemental (classroom) Instruction for a registered apprenticeship.
Components of an Apprenticeship
Apprenticeships consist of five core components, each critical to the program’s success. To help, download our Acronym & Abbreviation List.
-
Apprentices are employees-in-trainingApprentices are paid a wage to do a job while supervised by an experienced employee or mentor on the job. Traditionally, a registered apprentice must have at least 2,000 hours on the job, but this now varies by industry and training needs of the employer. In California, apprenticeships can also be built on job-specific competencies rather than recorded hours.
-
Apprentices are students.Half of the “Earn & Learn” model is that apprentices also have classroom instruction to enhance their knowledge of the occupation. This can be done at the training program (or Program Sponsor’s) site, online, or on campus using existing college classes. The State of California requires at least 144 hours of Related and Supplemental (classroom) Instruction for a registered apprenticeship.
Why Register the Apprenticeship
The State of California encourages employers to register their apprenticeship with the Department of Apprenticeship Standards (DAS). This is an important step for a number of reasons:
-
Apprentices are employees-in-trainingApprentices are paid a wage to do a job while supervised by an experienced employee or mentor on the job. Traditionally, a registered apprentice must have at least 2,000 hours on the job, but this now varies by industry and training needs of the employer. In California, apprenticeships can also be built on job-specific competencies rather than recorded hours.
-
Apprentices are students.Half of the “Earn & Learn” model is that apprentices also have classroom instruction to enhance their knowledge of the occupation. This can be done at the training program (or Program Sponsor’s) site, online, or on campus using existing college classes. The State of California requires at least 144 hours of Related and Supplemental (classroom) Instruction for a registered apprenticeship.
How is an Apprenticeship Structured?
Apprentices in the construction trades and many other industries earn a Department of Apprenticeship Standards journey-level certification upon completion. Models include, but are not limited to:
-
Apprentices are employees-in-trainingApprentices are paid a wage to do a job while supervised by an experienced employee or mentor on the job. Traditionally, a registered apprentice must have at least 2,000 hours on the job, but this now varies by industry and training needs of the employer. In California, apprenticeships can also be built on job-specific competencies rather than recorded hours.
-
Apprentices are students.Half of the “Earn & Learn” model is that apprentices also have classroom instruction to enhance their knowledge of the occupation. This can be done at the training program (or Program Sponsor’s) site, online, or on campus using existing college classes. The State of California requires at least 144 hours of Related and Supplemental (classroom) Instruction for a registered apprenticeship.
Apprenticeship vs. Internship
Apprenticeship offers an alternative, flexible form of talent development for new and existing employees that ensures structure in the training, while investing in the workforce. In the end, the business gains a trained, educated and loyal employee.
Apprenticeship differs from internship in several ways:
-
Apprentices are employees-in-trainingApprentices are paid a wage to do a job while supervised by an experienced employee or mentor on the job. Traditionally, a registered apprentice must have at least 2,000 hours on the job, but this now varies by industry and training needs of the employer. In California, apprenticeships can also be built on job-specific competencies rather than recorded hours.
-
Apprentices are students.Half of the “Earn & Learn” model is that apprentices also have classroom instruction to enhance their knowledge of the occupation. This can be done at the training program (or Program Sponsor’s) site, online, or on campus using existing college classes. The State of California requires at least 144 hours of Related and Supplemental (classroom) Instruction for a registered apprenticeship.
Partners Involved in a Registered Apprenticeship
A registered apprenticeship in California is a partnership between a number of entities. Each partner plays a crucial role in the success of the program.
-
Apprentices are employees-in-trainingApprentices are paid a wage to do a job while supervised by an experienced employee or mentor on the job. Traditionally, a registered apprentice must have at least 2,000 hours on the job, but this now varies by industry and training needs of the employer. In California, apprenticeships can also be built on job-specific competencies rather than recorded hours.
-
Apprentices are students.Half of the “Earn & Learn” model is that apprentices also have classroom instruction to enhance their knowledge of the occupation. This can be done at the training program (or Program Sponsor’s) site, online, or on campus using existing college classes. The State of California requires at least 144 hours of Related and Supplemental (classroom) Instruction for a registered apprenticeship.