Lansing Community College (LCC) offers apprenticeship programs for local employers to invest in their workforce and work-based learning opportunities for students through job-specific training, certificate and degree programs. Gaining new skills allows one to achieve higher-level positions within their current company and improve competency for future positions.
The college provides Related Technical Instruction (RTI) across multiple industries in the Lansing and Mid-Michigan areas, such as advanced manufacturing, construction, healthcare, HVAC, information technology and emergency medical services. LCC staff assist students with their career search and selection, and work with employers to share job opportunities and coordinate future partnerships or programs.
Important Links
Apprenticeship Opportunities
At LCC, these programs are divided into two areas of study:
Healthcare and Emergency Services Apprenticeships
Programs vary each year depending on sponsoring employers; these have included:
- Emergency Medical Technician (EMT)
- Firefighter
- First Responder (Firefighter cross-training as an EMT)
- Fire Medic (Fire Fighter/EMT cross-training as a paramedic)
- Medical Assistant
- Director of Assisted Living Facilities (office manager/administrative services)
- Paramedic
Skilled Trades and Information Technology Apprenticeships
Programs vary each year depending on sponsoring employers; these have included:
- Electrical Technology/Electrician
- Information Technology and Technical Support
- Building and Construction
- CNC Machinist
- Computer-Aided Design (CAD)
- Heating, Ventilating and Air Conditioning (HVAC)
How to Find Apprenticeships
Students interested in an apprenticeship program and a sponsoring employer should contact the LCC Apprenticeships and Work-Based Learning staff to learn about this process. Prospective apprentices can also contact companies of interest directly.
LCC Resources
- Apprenticeship and Work-Based Learning Staff
Email: lcc-apprenticeships@lcc.edu - Current LCC students can visit the Student Job Link via Symplicity, an online job board system through MyLCC for apprenticeship, internship and employment opportunities.
Online Resources
The organizations and websites listed below are resources for finding apprenticeship opportunities.
Apprenticeship USA
Apprenticeship.gov is the one-stop source for connecting career-seekers and employers
with apprenticeship resources. Discover apprenticeships across industries and how
to become an apprentice.
Michigan Apprenticeship Website
Learn about apprenticeships, requirements, how to find programs and more.
Capital Area Michigan Works!
Contact a local Michigan Works organization to speak with the Apprenticeship/Business
Services Officer.
Frequently Asked Questions
I have previous college credit, military or 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@lcc.edu) and an UNOFFICIAL copy to the appropriate LCC Apprenticeships staff member to evaluate
the experiences and credit.
Note: An official transcript is sent directly from your previously attended institution. An unofficial transcript may be downloaded and sent by the student. The unofficial transcript should still contain the student's name, institution's name, dates of attendance and final grades.
Do I need experience to get an apprenticeship?
No, apprenticeships are designed for employees with minimal, if any, experience in
a particular occupation. Previous experience may help you with coursework or certain
on-the-job tasks, but it is not a prerequisite for most apprenticeships.
Can LCC connect me with an employer who has an apprenticeship program?
LCC works with employers to distribute job opportunities to students and assist them
with their career search. However, LCC does not recommend students to particular companies
or vice versa. Ultimately, the employer and the student make any hiring decisions.
How long do apprenticeships take to complete?
Depending on the occupation, apprenticeships can take one to eight years, with most
lasting two to four years. Typically, apprentices complete around 144 hours of academic
coursework (NOT credit hours) and 2,000 on-the-job (OTJ) hours per year.
What occupations have apprenticeship programs?
The list of apprenticeable occupations is constantly growing! While many people hear
the word "apprenticeship" and think of skilled trades (welding, machining, electrical
and construction), apprenticeships can also be completed for occupations in IT, healthcare,
insurance and others.
I can't find any apprenticeship opportunities. What should I do?
Many employers hire apprentices internally, so do not be discouraged if you find very
few open opportunities. Consider 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 tap into your personal network to see if anyone you
know knows about an apprenticeship opportunity in your desired occupation.
Work-Based Learning Opportunities
Beyond apprenticeships, students can pursue other learning opportunities. These include internships, part-time or full-time work, co-ops and job shadows. The Work-Based Learning Coordinator can arrange for students to have career exploration opportunities, like informational interviews or job shadows with employers and/or employees who hold roles the student would like to pursue.
Information for Employers
LCC Apprenticeships and Work-Based Learning staff work with employers to coordinate program development, acting as a liaison between the employer and the college. They work with both parties to create, modify, update and implement Related Technical Instruction (RTI) curricula to fit each employer's needs while following the latest industry standards, whether the apprenticeship programs are registered with the U.S. Department of Labor or not. The staff also supports employers and apprentices as they progress through the academic portion of their apprenticeship.
Coordinate Apprenticeship Programs
Email: lcc-apprenticeships@lcc.ed
Apprenticeships Components
Apprenticeship Standards
The Apprenticeship Standards, which the employer holds with the Department of Labor
(DOL), describe how the apprenticeship program will be conducted. This document outlines
the process for selecting, hiring and evaluating apprentices and other general guidelines.
The standards will also specify the length of the apprenticeship, which is generally
between one and six years. Typically, for each program year, 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.
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 time spent
learning each task during the apprenticeship. The time spent in each on-the-job training
phase is determined by the complexity of the skills the apprentice must master.
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 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 tradecraft standards or by the program sponsor.
Note for electrical employers: LCC is a registered and approved RTI provider for the companies with whom we work and an approved State of Michigan RTI provider specifically for electrical apprentices.
Wage Schedule
The wage schedule states the pay for the apprentice. Apprentice wages 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.
Registered vs. Non-Registered Apprenticeships
Registered apprenticeships follow the standard requirements established by the Department
of Labor, and apprentices are eligible for journeyworker certification. They build
a sustainable, tailored pipeline of highly skilled workers, provide cost-effective
and customized training, advance productivity and transfer knowledge between workers.
They also boost employee retention and recruitment while reducing turnover costs.
Some employers choose to forgo registering their apprenticeship program(s) with the U.S. Department of Labor. 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.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where do I start when setting up an apprenticeship?
The first step is identifying 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 need to know. Then you can 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.
My company wants to start a registered apprenticeship program, but we don't have time
for the paperwork. What can I do?
The LCC Apprenticeship and Work-Based Learning staff does much of the heavy lifting
regarding RTI creation. Companies send a job description for the occupation they want
to apprentice in, and staff work with faculty to build a tailor-made program. The
RTI draft is then sent to the company for review, and LCC staff make any changes as
requested.
Regarding other apprenticeship-related paperwork, Local Michigan Works! agencies have specialists who help companies set up and seek funding for DOL-registered apprenticeship programs.
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). Contact your local Michigan
Works! agency or visit the website.
U.S. DOL Grants
Visit the website for current funding opportunities.
I'd like to recruit LCC students for open positions at my company. What should I do?
Contact the LCC Apprenticeship and Work-Based Learning staff to discuss your business's
needs and opportunities to recruit students through our online job board, annual career
fair and more.
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 the appropriate LCC Apprenticeship and Work-Based
Learning staff to guide them through the LCC admissions, testing and registration
processes. Staff will assist the apprentice in registering for courses while discussing
future course planning.
Additional Apprentice Information and Resources
Apprenticeship USA
Apprenticeship.gov is the one-stop source for connecting career-seekers and employers
with apprenticeship resources. Discover Apprenticeships across industries, how programs
are started by employers, and how to become an apprentice.
MI Apprenticeship
MI Apprenticeship is a grant-funded government program that encourages and supports
apprenticeships as an emerging workforce solution. Employers can learn more about
building an apprenticeship.
Capital Area Michigan Works!
Contact your local MI Works and request to speak with the Apprenticeship/Business
Services officer to learn more about how registered apprenticeships can benefit your
business. They can also share information on funding opportunities, help you start
your apprenticeship program, and help you work with the USDOL.
American Association of Community Colleges
The American Association of Community Colleges shares information on the effectiveness
and value of a registered apprentice program. Employers can learn more about implementing
a registered program, managing/sustaining a program and apprenticeship guidelines
throughout the U.S.
Contact the Apprenticeships and Work-Based Learning Department
Email: lcc-apprenticeships@lcc.edu
Office Location: West Campus, Room W159
