| Q. |
What is apprenticeship training? |
| A. |
Often referred to as the "original 4 year degree,"
apprenticeship is a system of supervised training leading to certification
in a trade, occupation or craft. It combines on the job training with classroom
related instruction. There are currently 219 registered programs in Nevada
with over 10,000 apprentices registered. |
| Q. |
Who regulates apprenticeship? |
| A. |
The Nevada State Apprenticeship
Council is charged with the responsibility of regulating apprenticeship
in Nevada. The Council meets quarterly to approve new apprenticeship
standards, approve revisions of standards, investigate complaints, hold
appeal hearing and adopt regulations as may be necessary to carry out the
intent and purpose of Chapters 610 of NRS and NAC. |
| Q. |
Who is eligible for apprenticeship
programs? |
| A. |
All of the programs have
different requirements for applicants. The basic requirements are
that an applicant be at least 18 years of age, have a high school diploma
or its equivalent before being accepted into a program, or receive a high
school diploma or its equivalent within 1 year after being indentured as
an apprentice or upon completion of a school to work program or a welfare
to work program. |
| Q. |
How are apprenticeship
opportunities announced? |
| A. |
Individual apprenticeship
committees accept applications for their own programs. They advertise that they
are accepting applications through local newspapers, local schools,
community-based organizations and the Labor Commissioner's Office bulletin
board. |
| Q. |
How long does it take to
get accepted into a program? |
| A. |
The waiting period, from
the date an application is filed to placement into an apprentice program,
varies from industry. The apprenticeship committee reviews applications
to make sure the applicants meet the minimum qualifications for the program.
If an applicant is qualified, the application is ranked by test scores,
an interview, an evaluation of past experience and education or random
drawing. The applicant is placed on a list of eligible applicants. The program uses
this list to fill vacancies, as they become available. Some committees
allow direct entry into the program. |
| Q |
What occupations are available? |
| A. |
There are over 800 apprenticeable
occupations registered with the U. S. Dept. of Labor, Bureau of Apprenticeship
and Training. For more information, see a list of Registered
Apprenticeship Programs. |
| Q. |
Who registers the apprentices? |
| A. |
All applications are processed
through the individual programs. These individual programs also indenture
the apprentice after following the selection method that has been approved
by the State Apprenticeship Council. The indenture is then forwarded to
the Nevada State Apprenticeship Council's staff for processing. |
| Q. |
How much pay does an apprentice
receive? |
| A. |
Salaries vary from industry
to industry. The average starting wage of an apprentice is about 40% of
a journey worker's rate of pay. Programs are required to progressively
increase the apprentices wages provided the on-the- job training and school
performance is satisfactory and in accordance with apprenticeship committee. |
| Q. |
How long are the apprenticeship
programs? |
| A. |
Programs last from 1 to 5
years depending on the program requirements. |
| Q. |
Are apprentices required
to attend school? |
| A. |
Yes. Apprentices must
attend related classroom training instruction along with on the job training
experience. Nevada's minimum requirement for related instruction
is 144 hours per year. Programs are required to meet that minimum, but
most exceed the 144 hours. |
| Q |
Can I receive college credit
for attending related training classes? |
| A. |
There are some programs that
are linked with the community colleges for related
training instruction. In those classes the apprentice
could received college credit and work towards a degree. |
| Q. |
Who pays for my apprenticeship? |
| A. |
The program sponsor is required
to pay the cost of training. The apprentice may be required to furnish
his or her own books and tools. |
| Q. |
How do I receive credit for
previous experience when I start my
apprenticeship? |
| A. |
When applying for apprenticeship
an applicant should provide check stubs and any other evidence of on-the-job
experience. The apprenticeship program will review the documentation and
make any adjustments to the total credits. |
| Q. |
Can I use my veteran's benefits
as an apprentice? |
| A. |
If, eligible
you may use your veteran's benefits while you are registered in a apprenticeship
program. You must contact the Veteran's Administration
for more information. |