Apprenticeship Frequently Asked Questions

Explore the world of apprenticeship with our FAQs, which cover topics such as the essence of registered apprenticeship, program operation, financial assistance, crucial steps post-apprenticeship, and more. Most of the questions below can be answered by contracting your local Apprenticeship representative. The apprenticeship representative contact listing (by region) can be found here along with the Frequently Asked Questions below.

1. What is Registered Apprenticeship?

Registered apprenticeship combines on-the-job training with related classroom instruction to prepare highly skilled workers for American industry. Apprenticeship, a proven training strategy that prepares skilled workers, helps America compete more effectively in the global economy, and contributes to our economic development, sustained economic growth and national security.

2. Who does registered apprenticeship serve?

Nationwide, 80,000 industries and companies offer registered apprenticeship training to more than 395,000 apprentices. In Connecticut alone, more than 3,400 employers and labor/ management committees employ over 4,500 apprentices in registered apprenticeship programs. These training programs serve a diverse population, including minorities, women, youths and dislocated workers. Currently, approximately 80% of all apprenticeship training positions are in the construction and manufacturing industries. Experts agree, however, that apprenticeship has the potential to benefit numerous other industries, as well, including the service, retail, and the public sector. With this in mind, the possibilities for expanding apprenticeship -- and meeting the needs of many more American companies and citizens in search of high-quality training opportunities -- are virtually unlimited.

3. Who operates and pays for apprenticeship training?

Registered apprenticeship programs are operated by private industry - employer or labor/management sponsors. Program sponsors pay virtually all training costs as well as progressively increasing wages to their apprentices. Registered apprenticeship programs range from one to six or more years in length. For the apprentice, this translates into an "industry scholarship" worth $40,000 to $150,000. Since the content of the training program is determined by industry needs, apprenticeship produces workers with high demand skills.

4. What role does government play in apprenticeship?

As a result of the Federal Apprenticeship Act of 1937, the federal government (specifically the U.S. Department of Labor's Office of Apprenticeship Training, in cooperation with the states) oversees the nation's apprenticeship system. The Connecticut Department of Labor’s Office of Apprenticeship Training is responsible for registering apprenticeship programs that meet federal and state standards. The agency issues Certificates of Completion to apprentices, encourages the development of new programs through marketing and technical assistance, protects the safety and welfare of apprentices, and ensures that all programs provide high-quality training to apprentices.

5. What is government's Return on Investment for apprenticeship?

The government's return clearly outperforms other types of government-sponsored job training programs. Apprentices “earn as they learn,” and wages paid totally by the private sector begin as soon as the apprentice enters training. Additionally, because apprentices pay income taxes on their wages, if all 5,500 Connecticut apprentices earn an average starting annual income of $20,800, this generates more than $4 million in state and $20 million in federal tax revenues.

6. How do I complete apprentice(s) from my program?

Contact the Regional Apprenticeship Representative in your area for completion information.

7. Is there any financial assistance for apprenticeship programs?

A corporate tax credit is available in the manufacturing trade areas. Contact the Regional Apprenticeship Representative in your area for additional information.

8. What is the required ratio of apprentices to journeypersons?

Job site ratio is no less than one journeyperson supervising one apprentice. Contact the

9. Where can I attend the related instruction classes?

Regional Vocational-Technical High Schools, as well as several proprietary schools, offer state-approved related instruction. Contact the

10. Can I get credit for classes already taken (military, related vocational-technical classes not in the same trade)?

This varies depending on individual circumstances. Contact the Regional Apprenticeship Representative in your area for additional information.

11. When does the business sponsor have to pay a share for related instructional classes?

The employer must pay 50% of related instruction costs in a State Regional Vocational-Technical High School at the time of registration.

12. How much credit do I get for technical school graduation in an apprenticeable trade?

This varies depending on the type of trade and related classes. Contact the Regional Apprenticeship Representative in your area for additional information.

13. Can I get credit for previous work in the trade? (military experience, work in industry, unregistered trade work, etc.)?

You may be eligible for credit for previous trade-related work. Contact the Regional Apprenticeship Representative in your area for additional information.

14. What happens when I complete my apprenticeship?

If it is in an occupational-licensed craft, you must successfully pass the appropriate license examination. You would then obtain your certificate of completion. In non-licensed occupations, the certificate is granted upon completion of on-the-job training and related instructions.

15. How do I go about applying for my license?

Contact the Department of Consumer Protection, Real Estate and Professional Trades Division at (860) 713-6135.

16. How do I contact a Regional Apprenticeship Representative?

Regional Apprenticeship Representatives are located throughout the state.