nd.gov - The Official Portal for North Dakota State Government
Home | Workforce | Apprenticeship | FAQ

General Information  
What is apprenticeship? Apprenticeship is an arrangement that includes a paid-work component and an educational or instructional component, wherein an individual obtains workplace-relevant knowledge and skills.
How long are registered apprenticeship programs? The length of an apprenticeship program can vary depending on the employer, complexity of the occupation, and the type of program. Registered apprenticeship programs typically range from one year to six years. During the program, the apprentice receives both structured, on-the-job training (OJT) and job-related education. For each year of the apprenticeship, the apprentice will normally receive 2,000 hours of on-the-job training and a recommended minimum of 144 hours of related classroom instruction.
I want to meet with the DOL about apprenticeship, how can I schedule a meeting? If you would like to meet with someone from the Office of Apprenticeship, please submit your proposal in writing to our office for further review and consideration. Requests can be mailed as follows, Office of Apprenticeship, 200 Constitution Avenue, NW, Room C5521, Washington, DC, 20210 or emailed to oa.administrator@dol.gov with the subject line “OA Meeting Request”.
Is an apprenticeship a Job? Yes, apprentices start working from day one with incremental wage increases as they become more proficient. The average starting wage for an apprentice is approximately $15.00 per hour.
How much money can an apprentice earn? Apprentices earn competitive wages, a paycheck from day one and incremental raises as skill levels increase. The average wage for a fully proficient worker who completed an apprenticeship translates to approximately $60,000 annually. Apprentices who complete their program earn approximately $300,000 more over their career than non-apprenticeship participants.
Do you earn college credit while participating in apprenticeship programs? Today, most apprenticeship opportunities include on-the-job training and classroom instruction provided by apprenticeship training centers, technical schools, community colleges, and four-year colleges and universities, sometimes through distance learning. Often apprenticeship sponsors work directly with community colleges that do provide college credit for apprenticeship experience.
What do I receive upon completion of an apprenticeship program? After completion of an apprenticeship program, the apprentice earns a nationally recognized credential from the Department of Labor that is portable and stackable. Additionally, an apprentice earns a paycheck throughout the apprenticeship and the potential for increased pay and upward career opportunities.
How do I qualify for an apprenticeship program? Apprenticeship program sponsors identify the minimum qualifications to apply for a program. The eligible starting age for a registered apprenticeship program can be no less than 16 years of age; however, individuals must usually be 18 to be an apprentice in hazardous occupations. Program sponsors also identify additional minimum qualifications to apply, (e.g., education, ability to physically perform the essential functions of the occupation, proof of age.) All applicants are required to meet the minimum qualifications.
How does an apprenticeship program benefit the sponsor (employer, labor-management organization, or industry association)? Apprenticeship sponsors develop highly skilled employees. Once established, apprenticeship programs also reduce turnover rates, increase productivity, lower the cost of recruitment, and increase safety in the workplace/job site.
What occupations can I train for through Registered Apprenticeship? The registered apprenticeship program offers access to 1,000 career areas, including the following top occupations: software developer, engineers, pharmacy technicians, telecommunications technicians, aircraft technicians, mechanics, certified nursing assistants, electricians, welders, construction craft laborer, dental assistants, insurance agents and truck drivers.
Where can I find technical assistance resources to help me develop and register my apprenticeship program with US DOL? DOL maintains a number of web-based resources available for employers who want to explore the process of starting an apprenticeship program at https://www.dol.gov/featured/apprenticeship/employers. Here you can find our newest technical assistance products including our Quick Start Toolkit, which provides helpful steps and resources to start and register an apprenticeship program as well as our Federal Resources Playbook, which provides information on using the other federal funds and resources to support your registered apprenticeship program. Apprenticeship consultants are located in every state and are available to assist you at no extra cost. Contact information for an apprenticeship consultant near you can be found here: https://www.doleta.gov/OA/contactlist.cfm.
Things to do in North Dakota Operation Intern