Earn While You Learn

Apprenticeship is a structured training program that combines paid on-the-job learning with related classroom instruction, allowing individuals to gain practical skills while earning a living wage with health care, retirement and other benefits, preparing individuals to become journey-level workers. A journey-level workers is a master in their trade, able to perform all required tasks to industry standards.

By the Numbers: Living wage with no college loans

• Average pay rate for apprentices is $20 or more per hour

• 1,800 apprenticeship students last year at SCC

What is an Apprenticeship?

Apprenticeship is paid on-the-job training combined with classroom instruction that prepares individuals for a career in a skilled trade.  The length of an apprenticeship varies by trade and typically lasts two to five years, depending on the complexity of the occupation.

Apprentices are paid employees who receive regular wage increases as their skills grow and training milestones are met.  Upon successfully completing the program, they achieve journey-level status and are considered masters in their trade. 

Training: Classroom and On-the-Job

Classroom training requires six to 48 hours each week, depending on the trade. These classes may take place days, evenings, or weekends.

On-the-job training involves working with and learning from experienced journeyman workers. During this training period, you receive wages for your work. The starting wage for beginning apprentices is usually about half of the journeyman rate and increases regularly as you satisfactorily progress through the program. Near the end of the training, an apprentice is performing as a skilled worker and is earning close to the journeyman wage.

Questions?

Apprenticeship Office 509-533-7178

Department of Labor and Industries - Apprenticeship Section Offices 509-324-2590