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 4 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 usually receive increases every 6 months. 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. If you are a woman who needs assistance or training to qualify for entry into a non-traditional trade, you should contact your local DET Career Resource Center. The Apprenticeship Division currently has over 700 Vermonters registered in more than 40 skilled trades.