VT Registered Apprenticeship
Registered Apprenticeship is an industry-driven, high-quality career pathway where employers can develop and prepare their future workforce, and individuals can obtain paid work experience, classroom instruction, and a portable nationally recognized credential.
The Vermont Registered Apprenticeship Program assists in setting up structured, yet flexible training programs designed to meet the specific needs of Vermont employers through on-the-job learning and related classroom instruction. Registered Apprenticeships can be sponsored by employers, employer associations, colleges, or labor management groups that can hire and train in a working situation.
Benefits of becoming a Registered Apprentice
Registered apprenticeship allows you the ability to work and earn money while also taking related instruction classes. Incremental wage increases are established at the start of the apprenticeship by the employer. You will earn a nationally recognized portable credential. If you are Veteran and eligible for the G.I. Bill, you can use your benefits while you complete your Registered Apprenticeship Program. We have a partnership with Vermont Technical College and Community College of VT to advance apprenticeships in Vermont. The colleges work closely with employers in Advanced Manufacturing, Healthcare and Construction. Many apprenticeships offer college credits that can give you a head start to advance your career.
Benefits of becoming a Registered Apprenticeship Sponsor
One of the biggest challenges to a business is a significant talent shortage and skills gaps that hinders companies’ efforts to expand, innovate and thrive. This is where Registered Apprenticeship comes in! With this program, you can recruit, train and retain workers to build a workforce that meets your needs. Best of all, you will receive support to build your program to ensure it meets industry standards in field that includes everything from Construction, Healthcare, Advanced Manufacturing and more. Offering Registered Apprenticeship opportunities is one way that Vermont will meet Governor Scott’s goal to have 70% of our workforce with education and training beyond high school by 2025.
Registered Apprenticeship increases worker productivity, safety, worker versatility and employee retention. Studies show that for every dollar spent on registered apprenticeship, the employer will realize a return of $1.51 in reduced training costs. Apprentices remain more loyal to your business. They recognize the fact that the employer has invested time and energy to help them achieve their career goals.
Support Sponsors can expect from the Vermont Registered Apprenticeship Programs
The Vermont Department of Labor staff is here to assist you in the development of your program. We will work with you to develop a registered apprenticeship program. We can help identify related instruction providers and register your program for state and federal purposes.
Related instruction in registered apprenticeship can be delivered in a variety of formats. In plumbing and electrical, most apprentices attend classes through Vermont Technical College at several sites located around the state. Plumbing union sponsors provide related instruction through classes at their union training center. In other careers, students may attend classes delivered by the company, on-line, CCV, VTC or other training entities.
If you are employed and wish to become an apprentice, your employer should contact the Apprenticeship Office in Montpelier at 802-828-5250. An Apprenticeship Field Representative will be asked to make an on-site visit to help develop the program.
If you are not employed, you can find an employer sponsor in a variety of ways. You can apply directly to employers who employ workers in the field in which you are interested. For example, if you are looking for a plumbing apprenticeship, you could apply for work at any of the local plumbing companies. We provide a link to the active registered apprenticeship sponsors on this website.
If you are interested in taking electrical or plumbing classes, please feel free to contact Judy Bourbeau at 802-828-5250. Classes begin in September each year and are generally held in Barre, Hartford, Rutland, St. Johnsbury, Springfield, White River and Williston. In addition, some plumbing classes are offered via interactive television system in many communities around the state.
