Apprenticeship Office

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  Apprentice

  A worker who, under the guidance of a skilled mentor, increases knowledge and skill in their trade. The apprentice completes training in their subject area through practical hands-on learning and classroom learning. The apprentice "earns while they learn": as they increase their skills, their wages increase. Apprentices complete college courses while also starting their career.

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  Sponsor

  The apprentice's employer, who implements the apprenticeship program. The sponsor oversees on-the-job training components, works with an education provider to establish an academic curriculum, provides the apprentice with a highly skilled mentor, and often financially sponsors the apprentice as they take courses for the apprenticeship program. If the apprenticeship program is registered with the US Department of Labor (DOL), the sponsor holds the apprenticeship standards with the DOL.

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  Registered Apprenticeship

  A rigorous and formalized apprenticeship program that has been registered with the US Department of Labor (DOL). The program has a set of standards that include the Apprenticeship Standards, Related Technical Instruction (RTI), On-the-Job Training (OJT), and wage schedule. Apprentices in a DOL-registered program end their program by earning a journeyworker card/certificate.

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  Apprenticeship Standards

  The Apprenticeship Standards, which the employer holds with the DOL, describe how the apprenticeship program will be conducted. This document outlines the process for selecting, hiring and evaluating apprentices as well as other general guidelines. The Standards include information about the related technical instruction (RTI) and On-the-Job Training (OJT). The Standards specify the length of the apprenticeship, which is typically between one and six years, as well as the pay rate for the apprentice.

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  Related Technical Instruction (RTI)

  The RTI covers the classroom learning portion of the apprenticeship. This coursework gives the apprentice the necessary theoretical and technical knowledge needed to become a successful journeyperson.

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  On-The-Job Training (OJT)

  Also referred to as On-the-Job Learning (OJL), this is the training the apprentice receives while working at their company underneath the supervision of a skilled mentor. The apprentice completes tasks that develop the necessary skillsets to continue in their apprenticeship and that they will use as an expert in their craft.

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  Journeyworker Certification

  A nationally recognized and portable credential that certifies an individual is highly skilled in their craft. This certification is the industry "gold standard" and is attained by completing a DOL-registered apprenticeship program. Employees holding a journeyworker certification are eligible to mentor future apprentices.

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  Non-Registered Apprenticeship

  An apprenticeship program that is not registered with the US DOL but still follows the general format of classroom learning and on-the-job training. These programs often include the same items as registered programs but apprentices who complete these programs DO NOT receive a journeyworker certification; apprentices' credentials may or may not transfer to other employers.

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  Industry-Recognized Apprenticeship

  Industry-Recognized Apprenticeship Programs (IRAPs) are apprenticeships that are recognized by a Standards Recognition Entity, on behalf of the US DOL, as a program of high quality. These programs include classroom learning and on-the-job training to increase apprentices' skills. Apprentices in these programs earn an industry-recognized credential but not necessarily a journeyworker certification. IRAPs are often administered through unions, trades groups, non-profits, educational institutions, and joint labor-management organizations.

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  Internship

  A short-term work-based learning arrangement in which a student works for a company who provides the student with opportunities to grow their skillset, often under the supervision of a mentor. Internships may be paid or unpaid, but typically only last several months. Students can earn college credit (but not always); internships often act as an exploratory opportunity.

An apprenticeship is a training arrangement between an employer, employee and the US DOL (for registered programs). Employees work and attend college simultaneously, with the employer often paying for the apprentice's tuition. During an apprenticeship, the apprentice receives scheduled wage increases as their skills increase. Apprentices become highly skilled in their occupation and can then mentor future apprentices.

• Earn a nationally recognized certificate from the US Department of Labor (DOL) as a journeyperson at the completion of a registered apprenticeship program
• Choose a career AND college simultaneously, with much or all tuition sponsored by your employer
• Increase skills and wages as apprentice progresses through their program
• Improve confidence in the workplace
• Earn college credit, which can lead to a college certificate or degree, in addition to the DOL journey-level credential
• Develop new skills through hands-on training while receiving mentorship from an industry expert

US DOL Apprenticeship website

Contains an Apprenticeship Finder Tool where applicants can search for apprenticeships by location, company name, and occupation.

Michigan Apprenticeship website

Learn about apprenticeships, requirements, how to find programs, and more.

Current LCC students can check the Symplicity online job board for open opportunities.

Students in Technical Careers courses receive a weekly update of available Symplicity opportunities directly to their LCC Gmail account.

Prospective apprentices can also reach out to companies of interest to inquire if they have an apprenticeship program and to learn more information about the employer's program.

Beyond apprenticeships, there are several other work-based learning opportunities students can pursue: internships, part-time work, full-time work, co-ops and job shadows. Students can also arrange informational interviews with employers and/or employees who hold roles the student would like to pursue. TTS staff work with students and employers to coordinate these opportunities for exploration.

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  I have previous college credit/military experience/work experience, can that count toward an apprenticeship?

  Yes, many employers accept relevant experience to cover apprenticeship requirements. While the employer has the final say on this, oftentimes employers first ask if LCC will grant college credit for previous experiences. As such, after you've applied to LCC, send an OFFICIAL copy of your transcript to the Registrar's Office (registrar@star.lcc.edu) and an UNOFFICIAL copy to the appropriate TTS staff member for review. TTS and the registrar will work to evaluate the credit and will notify you and your employer as appropriate.

  Note: An official transcript is sent directly from the institution you previously attended. An unofficial transcript may be downloaded and sent by the student. The unofficial transcript should still contain the student name, institution name, dates of attendance, and final grades.

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  Do I need experience to get an apprenticeship?

  No, apprenticeships, by design, are for employees that have minimal if any experience in a particular occupation. If you have previous experience, it may help you with coursework or certain on-the-job tasks, but experience is not a pre-requisite for most apprenticeships.

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  Can LCC connect me with an employer who has an apprenticeship program?

  TTS works with employers to distribute job opportunities to students and assists students with their career search. However, TTS does not recommend students to particular companies or vice versa. Ultimately, any hiring decisions are made by the employer and the student.

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  How long do apprenticeships take?

  Depending on the occupation, apprenticeships can take from 1-8 years, with most falling around 2-4 years. Typically, apprentices complete around 144 hours of academic coursework (NOT credit hours) and 2,000 OJT hours per year.

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  What occupations have apprenticeship programs?

  The list of apprenticeable occupations is always growing! While many people hear the word "apprenticeship" and think of skilled trades (things like welding, machining, electrical, and construction), apprenticeships can also be completed for occupations in IT, healthcare, insurance and more! Visit www.apprenticeship.gov to see the most up-to-date list.

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  I can't find any apprenticeship opportunities, what should I do?

  Many employers hire apprentices internally, so if you find very few open opportunities, do not be discouraged. One route to consider is finding an entry-level position at a company that interests you or that you know has an apprenticeship program. Once you have some experience at a company, when an apprenticeship opportunity appears, you will be well-positioned to apply for it! You can also try to tap into your personal network to see if anyone you know is aware of an apprenticeship opportunity in your desired occupation.

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  I have more questions, who should I contact?

  Reach out to a member of the TTS team using their contact information at the bottom of the webpage. TTS staff are happy to answer any questions you have!

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  Apprenticeship Standards

  The Apprenticeship Standards, which the employer holds with the DOL, describe how the apprenticeship program will be conducted. This document outlines the process for selecting, hiring and evaluating apprentices as well as other general guidelines. The standards will also specify the length of the apprenticeship, which is normally between one and six years. Typically, for each year of the program, the apprentice receives 2,000 hours of on-the-job training and 144 hours of RTI in college classes. The Standards also outline the Work Process Schedule, Related Technical Instruction (RTI), and the Wage Schedule.

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  Work Process Schedule

  The Work Process Schedule outlines the on-the-job training the apprentice will receive. This document describes the tasks the apprentice will complete and the amount of time to be spent learning each task during the apprenticeship. The length of time spent in each phase of the on-the-job training is determined by the level of complexity of the skills the apprentice must master.

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  Related Technical Instruction (RTI)

  The RTI covers the classroom learning portion of the apprenticeship. Companies choosing LCC as their RTI provider enroll their apprentices in college courses. This coursework gives the apprentice the necessary theoretical and technical knowledge needed to become a successful journeyperson. The National Apprenticeship and Training Standards require a minimum of 144 hours per year of Related Technical Instruction. However, this number can be increased by trade craft standards or by the program sponsor.

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  Wage Schedule

  The wage schedule states the pay for the apprentice. Wages for apprentices are determined based on a percentage of the journeyperson rate for the apprentice's trade. Usually, apprentices start at 50 to 60 percent of the journey rate. Apprentices earn pay raises every 1,000 hours or approximately every six months. However, the timing and specific pay amount at each step are determined by the wage schedule created by the employer.

• Builds a sustainable tailored pipeline of highly skilled workers
• Provides cost-effective and customized training and education
• Advances productivity and inter-worker knowledge transfer
• Promotes quality and safety
• Boosts employee retention and recruitment while reducing turnover costs
• Fosters employee engagement with greater problem-solving abilities and frontline innovation
• Increases marketplace competitiveness

Some employers choose to forgo registering their apprenticeship program(s) with the US DOL. In these cases, the apprenticeship program functions very similarly to registered programs in that the format still contains classroom learning/theoretical knowledge and work-based training/hands-on application of theory. These programs still require that apprentices work under the supervision of a more skilled mentor since the apprentice is not yet fully trained. Apprentices in a non-registered program are not eligible to receive a journeyworker certification at the end of their program. Additionally, the employer is often not eligible for state and federal funding to support their program and offset costs.

TTS works with employers with both DOL registered and non-DOL registered apprenticeships. TTS is the one-stop shop for all things apprenticeship. TTS acts as a liaison between the employer and LCC, working with both parties to create, modify, update, and implement RTI curricula to precisely fit each employer's needs. Staff also provide support to employers and apprentices as they progress through the academic portion of their apprenticeship.

TTS also serves as the West Campus branch of LCC's Career and Employment Services department. As such, employers wishing to recruit Technical Careers students are encouraged to reach out to our staff.

Note for electrical employers: LCC is a registered and approved RTI provider for the companies with whom we work, as well as an approved State of Michigan RTI provider specifically for electrical apprentices.

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  Where do I start when setting up an apprenticeship?

  The first step is to identify which occupation(s) in your company could benefit most from formalized training. Next, meet with relevant internal stakeholders to discuss the type of training needed and what apprentices will need to know. Then you can start to draft a work process schedule outlining the relevant on-the-job tasks for which apprentices will be trained. At the same time, reach out to potential RTI providers, such as LCC, to discuss classroom training needs.

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  My company is interested in starting a registered apprenticeship program but we don't have time for the paperwork. What can I do?

  TTS does much of the heavy lifting regarding RTI creation. Companies send a job description for the occupation they would like to apprentice and TTS staff work with faculty to build a tailor-made program. The RTI draft is then sent to the company for review and TTS makes any changes as requested.

  Regarding other apprenticeship-related paperwork, Local Michigan Works! Agencies have specialists that help companies set up and seek funding for DOL-registered apprenticeship programs. The Capital Area Michigan Works! Apprenticeship/Business Services Officer is Jay LaNew. He may be contacted at jlanew@camw.net  (517) 492-5511.

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  My company wants to implement apprenticeships, but our budget is tight. What funding options are available?

  There are several opportunities for funding for employers with DOL-registered apprenticeship programs:

  • Going Pro Talent Fund
    • For short-term training that leads to an industry-recognized credential
    • For more information, contact your local Michigan Works! Agency or visit the website
  • Going Pro Apprenticeships
    • For registered apprenticeship training and administrative/supportive services
    • For more information, contact your local Michigan Works! agency
  • Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA)
    • For apprenticeship training reimbursement (OJT and/or RTI)
    • For more information, contact your local Michigan Works! Agency or visit the website
  • US DOL grants
    • Visit the website for current funding opportunities
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  I'm not sure apprenticeships will be the best fit for my company, where can I learn more?

  If you have further questions about apprenticeships or you are not sure if they're a good fit for your company, please reach out to one of our staff members! You can also learn more by accessing www.apprenticeship.gov and www.miapprenticeship.org.

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  I'd like to recruit LCC students for open positions at my company, what should I do?

  Contact TTS staff to discuss your business's needs and opportunities to recruit students through our online job board, annual career fair, and more!

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  My company has an apprenticeship program already set up with LCC and we have an apprentice ready to go, what should I/they do next?

  If your program is DOL registered, contact the DOL to register the apprentice. Afterward, put the apprentice in touch with TTS staff who will guide them through the LCC admissions, testing and registration processes. TTS will assist the apprentice in registering for courses while also discussing future course planning.