Apprentices are taught all of the craft skills associated with the trade, and not just a few related segments. Most apprenticeship programs last from 2 to 5 years. Apprentices work on actual job sites under the supervision of qualified journey workers. The training may include courses in mathematics, sciences, and other craft-related technical subjects. A journey worker is a person fully skilled in a trade.
Some trades also have a master, which is a higher level of skilled worker.
New apprentices typically earn 50 percent of the journey worker wage and, if progress is satisfactory, they can receive increases every 6 months. Apprentices nearing the end of their training generally earn 90 to 95 percent of the journey worker wage. Qualifications vary from program to program. Almost all require a high school diploma or GED certificate, some basic mathematics and science courses, aptitude and the physical ability to perform the work. The Apprenticeship Division currently has over 500 Vermonters registered in more than 40 skilled trades.