The Apprenticeship selection committee views 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 is placed 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. And, like fellow workers, an apprentice can also be subject to industry layoffs.
Most employers make an effort to have the apprentice work as steadily as possible.
Although it varies from industry to industry, the average starting wage of an apprentice is about 50 percent of a journey person's rate of pay. This usually works out to one or two evenings per week during the regular school year. Apprentices can earn credit towards an associate degree at a community college for classroom hours and for the completion of an Apprenticeship program. Most Apprenticeship programs require applicants to have a high school diploma or GED certificate. Some occupations require specific subjects such as algebra, blueprint reading or related shop work.