Apprenticeship

Apprenticeship is training that is designed to prepare an individual for a career in a craft of their choosing. Apprentices develop the technical skills on the job site while at the same time exposed to the theoretical application in the classroom. Currently, there are more than 800 apprenticeable occupations in the U.S. and over 200 registered apprenticeable occupations in California. Apprenticeship, known as the other four (4) year degree has many benefits to both employee as well as employer. Apprenticeship, utilized in the building trades for decades, is a proven method of developing a qualified workforce. Receiving a paycheck while being trained in a high-skill occupation that has a very respectable salary is a fantastic option for those not interested in pursuing a four (4) year college degree. For those apprentices enrolled in a California Registered Apprenticeship Program, tuition costs are usually waived. With the escalating costs of college tuition, the apprenticeship model becomes even more attractive.

State Center Community College District Apprenticeship (SCCCD) currently has partnerships with some crafts in the Building Trades, as well as single and multiple employer groups. Each of the partners have a committee which decide the work processes, wages, and rules/regulations of their individual program.

Apprenticeship can be applied in many different disciplines and occupations as there are literally hundreds of apprenticeable options. Presently, SCCCD has registered apprenticeship programs in Automotive, Advanced Manufacturing and Food Processing industries. Disciplines consist of Heavy Duty Automotive, Welding, Machining, Maintenance Mechanic, and Food Safety. Maintenance Mechanic being one of the largest programs as industry across the region is realizing there is a shortage of skilled people trained for such a high-skill high-demand occupation.

Known for the concept of earn while you learn, apprentices are full-time employees and part-time students. The apprenticeship model is one where the apprentice works a full-time job in their trade and attends class outside of their normal work hours. The classroom instruction supports what the apprentice is learning on the job site.

There are many benefits to both the employer and the employee which make apprenticeship attractive.

Benefits to Employers:

Reduced employee turnover. Develop future employees when you create a positive training environment.
Increased productivity. Apprentices are a worthwhile investment of your time. Studies show employers who encourage registered apprenticeship typically report higher productivity & retention rates.
Training to the employers standards on equipment used in-house leads to higher retention rates.

Benefits to Employee:

Earn while you learn- combined classroom and on-the-job training enhance the skill set
Community college connection- select course pathways lead to college certificates. If continuing education is desired, an A.S. or A.A. degree can be pursued.
Industry recognized credentials- Upon completion of apprenticeship program, a State of California and/or Department of Labor Journeyman card is issued.
All registered apprenticeship programs are structured with specific on-the-job work processes. Combining classroom instruction with on-the-job tasks increase the skill set level, thus, providing a pathway to higher wages.

For more information contact:

Bryan Lee
District Director, Grant Funded Projects (Apprenticeships)
(559) 243-7265

Gurpreet Gurm
Program Assistant - Career Technical
(559) 243-7266