The Apprenticeship System
For decades, the Apprenticeship system has offered classroom instruction combined with practical, on-the-job training. This approach differs from other kinds of higher education, because apprentices learn in the classroom and at the worksite.
Apprentice plumbers, plumbing service and repair mechanics, steamfitters, and refrigeration and air conditioning mechanics receive both academic career training and a working wage at the same time. Wages increase at each skill level, and the apprentice is covered by all state and federal employment laws.
An Apprenticeship agreement is a signed contract between the apprentice, the Joint Apprenticeship & Training Committee (JATC), and the State of California. In addition to a full-time work week, apprentices agree to attend classes on their own time.
At the end of an apprenticeship the State of California award a Certificate of Completion to the apprentice, signifying they have completed training that meets the industry standards of occupational proficiency. The certificate is recognized throughout the industry as a valid indicator of high-quality training. Benefits of the Apprenticeship System
- Supervised on-the-job training and classroom academic instruction (apprentices learn both the "why" and the "how"
- Wages and benefits while training
- Wage increases as job skills increase
- Upward mobility within an apprentices chosen field
