There’s a lot to learn about apprenticeships and you probably have questions. Below are some of the questions we hear the most. Still need help? Contact us for more information.

General Questions

What is apprenticeship?2020-03-25T18:25:51+00:00

Apprenticeship programs are a great way to earn while you learn. They provide a mix of paid on-the-job training and classroom instruction that prepares you for a career while gaining experience.

What is the difference between an apprenticeship and an internship?2020-03-25T18:26:13+00:00

Internships are an opportunity to explore a field or occupation and can give a student invaluable experience and insight into their future career. Internships vary in length, but are typically comparatively shorter than apprenticeship programs and may or may not be paid. When a student completes their internship, they typically continue their education or seek entry level work.

Apprenticeships are a structured way to learn all of the skills required for a particular job while working under the supervision of an experienced worker. Apprentices are employees of the company they work for and are paid. Their pay increases as their skills increase and when they complete their program, they are considered a subject matter expert in their job, not an entry level worker.

How long are apprenticeships?2020-03-25T18:26:35+00:00

Apprenticeship programs vary in length depending on the industry or occupation but can last anywhere from 1-5 years.

What programs are currently in high-growth industries?2020-03-25T18:27:08+00:00

Many high-growth industries have registered apprenticeship programs including construction, manufacturing, information technology, and healthcare.


What are the age requirements for apprentices?2020-03-25T18:36:28+00:00

Each industry establishes its own minimum age requirement, but in general you must be at least 18 years old.

Are there any programs that accept people under the age of 18?2020-03-25T18:36:56+00:00

It depends on the program and the industry. Some apprenticeship programs accept applications from 17 year olds as long as they will be 18 when on-the-job training begins. Usually, these rules are there to protect everyone’s safety on the worksite.

Where are apprenticeship programs located?2020-03-25T18:37:47+00:00

Apprenticeship programs can be found across Oregon. Most of the programs are in the Portland metro area. Visit the apprenticeship locator page to find programs near you.

How do I find apprenticeship programs?2020-04-27T21:03:18+00:00

You can find opportunities by clicking HERE. Staff at WorkSource Oregon centers are also a great resource to help you identify an apprenticeship program that may be a good fit for you, or you can talk to your local community college or a career counselor.

How do I apply for a program?2020-04-27T21:08:32+00:00

Each apprenticeship program has a different application process and accepts applications at different times. Visit the website of the apprenticeship program you are interested in to learn more or call the program to find out more about when they accept applications and what makes a successful applicant. You can find open programs HERE.

In general, the apprenticeship committee reviews applications to make sure you meet the minimum qualifications for the program. If you’re qualified, your application is ranked either by a test, an interview, or an evaluation of past experience and education. You will be placed on a qualified list, called a “pool of eligibles” in the order of their ranking. If you do not meet the minimum qualifications or if your application has a low ranking, contact the committee to find out what you can do to improve your chances and try again.

Employers use the pool to fill apprenticeship vacancies as they become available. Some committees skip this step and allow direct entry into the program under certain circumstances. Information about a committee’s selection method is often explained on their program website.

How long do I have to wait to be an apprentice?2020-03-25T18:43:36+00:00

Some apprenticeship programs, especially in the construction industry, may have a waiting period before you’re placed into on-the-job training. The waiting period, from when you apply to when you start varies by occupation.

It might be two weeks or two years. Applying for apprenticeship programs can be a competitive process and it’s not unusual for people to apply more than once. You can get more information by calling the program you’re applying for.

Does a criminal record disqualify me from being an apprentice?2020-03-25T18:45:30+00:00

Some programs are able to accept applicants with legal histories while others are not. The type of work an industry or business performs may prohibit them from employing individuals with criminal records. Contact the program directly to learn more.


What are the benefits for my company?2020-04-27T21:09:57+00:00

Apprenticeship programs help businesses develop highly-skilled employees and create hiring pipelines. Apprenticeship programs also reduce staff turnover rates, increase productivity, and lower the cost of recruitment. Learn more about the benefits of Registered Apprenticeship for business HERE.

How do I create an apprenticeship program?2020-04-27T21:13:05+00:00

You can join an existing apprenticeship program or create your own. To learn more about how to create an apprenticeship program, visit our business page or reach out to an Apprenticeship Representative at the Oregon Labor and Industries.

What is a JATC?2020-03-25T18:46:36+00:00

A JATC, or Joint Apprenticeship and Training Committee, is a group of employers and employees that oversee a registered apprenticeship program. A JATC is composed of an equal number of employers with the ability to hire and fire, and employees that are experts in their field. The JATC is responsible for the overall oversight of the registered apprenticeship program, although they often have an administrator that handles the day operation of the program.

How much does it cost to set up a program?2020-03-25T18:46:58+00:00

Creating a registered apprenticeship program is free. Typically, the biggest cost employers see is in their own time and the time of their staff in creating and operating a registered apprenticeship program. If programs choose, they may also pay for an apprentice’s tuition and books for their related training.

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