Apprentices usually begin at half the salary of journeypersons- those who have completed their training and have industry certification. Apprentices receive pay increases as they learn to perform more complex tasks. When they become journeypersons, they increase their chances of finding a well-paying job in industry and may become supervisors or go into business for themselves. Applicants can find apprenticeship opening announcements posted at the Bureau of Labor and Industries, local schools, community colleges, Oregon Employment Department office, local newspapers and community organizations.
Announcements contain all the details about the application process.
The waiting period, from the date an application is filed, to placement in an apprenticeship program, varies by industry and can last from two weeks to two years. The apprenticeship selection committee reviews applications to make sure applicants meet the minimum occupational requirements and then schedules an interview or examination. If an applicant is qualified and selected to join the apprenticeship program, he or she displaced on a qualified list. Employers use this list to fill apprenticeship vacancies as they become available. Typically, apprenticeships last two to four years depending on industry requirements.