An Apprentice is usually a full-time employee who is learning while earning. The beginning salary is about half the salary of a fully trained worker and increases as the apprentice learns and proficiently performs more complex tasks.
An Apprentice spends a specified amount of time studying theory and practical application in classrooms taught by journey level teachers. Classroom work helps the apprentice prepare for more difficult tasks on the job.
Apprenticeship is an efficient and cost-effective system that can help businesses become more productive. For example, apprenticeship:
- Increases productivity. Motivated and highly trained workers produce better products, have better work habits and are absent less often.
- Increases worker safety. Classroom study coupled with on-the-job training helps a worker better understand their jobs and their accompanying risks, and helps them avoid job-related injuries, saving employers time and money.
- Reduces labor turnover. Apprentices see the time and energy spent in the classroom as a long-term investment in their careers.
- Creates a versatile work force.
- Provides the employer with employees who can adapt to new technologies.
- Provides an effective way to screen new employees both during and after the program.
- Establishes a probationary period to make sure the employee fits the employer's needs.
An apprenticeship program offers workers:
- Paid employment during training.
- Opportunity to learn skills needed by employers throughout an industry.
- Credit towards an associate degree at most community colleges for completion of apprenticeship program.
- A more secure career and the ability to adapt to new job requirements.
- The background to become a lead person, foreman, or supervisor.
- The apprentice's employer has the following role:
- Oversees apprentices' on-the-job training and monitors attendance at related training classes.
- Evaluates apprentices' progress before recommending advancement to the next pay level.
- Recommends "Award of Completion" certificate when an apprentice has satisfactorily completed the required course work and on-the-job training.
The State Department of Education, local school districts community colleges, and other training facilities are responsible for offering related coursework to apprentices receiving on-the-job training. Schools and community colleges provide:
- Coursework that is coordinated with on-the-job training program. Examples include advanced mathematics, basic and advanced electronics, theory and classroom experience with industry machinery and equipment.
- Teachers with expertise in the occupation.
- Opportunities to earn credit for completed academic courses and on-the-job training.
An apprenticeship "Award of Completion" certifies that an individual has been trained in all aspects of an occupation and has met the requirements for program completion. The certificate, issued by the Oregon Apprenticeship and Training Division, is recognized throughout the state. The certificate:
- Is recognized industry-wide as a valid indicator of high quality, standardized training.
- Provides documentation for community college credit for the on-the-job training.
The Bureau of Labor and Industries' Apprenticeship and Training Division apprenticeship consultant facilitates cooperation among employers, workers and schools. An apprenticeship consultant:
- Helps the committee design-training programs to meet an industry's specific needs.
- Advises committees on standards and curriculum used-elsewhere in the state and nation.
- Provides information on statewide employment needs and trends.
- Works with committees to ensure compliance with applicable state and federal regulations and the requirements of the state Apprenticeship Council.
- Assists in updating standards to maintain state-of-the-art training.