Apprenticeship Benefits for Employers

As a program sponsor, a well-planned administered apprenticeship program will:

• Attract adequate numbers of highly qualified applicants.
• Address industry’s need to remain competitive by investing in the development and continuous upgrade of the skills of its workforce.
• Increase productivity.
• Reduce cost of training.
• Facilitate compliance with federal and state equal employment opportunity requirements.
• Ensure availability of related technical instruction.
• Enhance problem-solving ability of craft workers.
• Ensure versatility of craft workers.
• Develop a more committed workforce. 

Technical Assistance 

The Apprenticeship Division’s field staff is based throughout Louisiana and provides technical assistance to potential and existing program sponsors and apprentices. Technical assistance may include development of an apprentice record-keeping system, identification of related instruction sources and coordination of needed program sponsor services with other state and federal employment and training programs (for example, IWTP, WIA, Job Corps and Veterans Affairs). Technical assistance also is provided to program sponsors who are required to adopt an affirmative action plan and selection procedures.

Financial Resources

Federal and state educational and workforce development resources may pay a portion of the cost of related technical instruction and/or instructors of related technical instruction. Contact the Apprenticeship Division for more information.

Apprenticeship Benefits for Workers

Through the Apprenticeship Agreement, an apprentice, as an employee, receives supervised, structured on-the-job training and related technical instruction to perform at a highly skilled level. Some Registered Apprenticeship programs offer dual accreditation through post-secondary institutions that apply credit for apprenticeship completion toward an associate degree. 

Increase in Wages

A progressively increasing schedule of wages is based on the journeyman’s hourly wage of the apprentice’s occupation. These increases occur with satisfactory progress in both related instruction and on-the-job training until wages reach up to 95 percent of the rate paid the journeyman in the occupation.

Completion Certificate

Upon completing a one- to four-year (2,000 to 8,000 hours) apprenticeship, the worker receives an Apprenticeship Completion Certificate and is recognized nationwide as a qualified journeyman. This certificate is one of the most respected and portable industry credentials in use today. The certificate is issued by the Louisiana State Apprenticeship Division.

Frequently Asked Questions Regarding Apprenticeship:

1. What is apprenticeship training?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 48 registered programs in Louisiana with over 3,500 apprentices registered. Return To Questions
2. Who regulates apprenticeship? The State Director of Apprenticeship, under the supervision of the Director, and with the advice and guidance of the State Apprenticeship Council, is authorized to administer the provisions of the Louisiana Apprenticeship Law. Return To Questions
3. Who is eligible for apprenticeship programs? All of the programs have different requirements for applicants. Generally, the basic requirements are that an applicant be at least 18 years of age and have a high school diploma or its equivalent before being accepted into a program. Return To Questions
4. How are apprenticeship opportunities announced? 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 related web sites. Return To Questions
5. How long does it take to get accepted into a program? The waiting period, from the date an application is filled 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. Return To Questions
6. What occupations are available? There are over 900 apprenticeable occupations registered with the U. S. Dept. of Labor, Bureau of Apprenticeship and Training. Within the state of Louisiana, over 50 different occupations are represented, and the list continues to grow everyday. Return To Questions
7. Who registers the apprentices?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 Apprenticeship Division’s staff for processing.Return To Questions
8. How much pay does an apprentice receive?Salaries vary from industry to industry. The average starting wage of an apprentice is about 50% 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.Return To Questions
9. How long are the apprenticeship programs?Programs last from 2 to 5 years depending on the program requirements.Return To Questions
10. Are apprentices required to attend school?Yes.  Apprentices must attend related classroom training instruction along with on the job training experience.  Louisiana’s minimum requirement for related instruction is 144 hours per year. Programs are required to meet that minimum, but most exceed the 144 hours.Return To Questions
11. Can I receive college credit for attending related training classes?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.Return To Questions
12. Who pays for my apprenticeship?In many cases, the program sponsor pays the cost of training, although this can vary from program to program. The apprentice may be required to furnish his or her own books and tools. Opportunities for financial assistance may be available through American Job Centers, located throughout the state. Return To Questions
13. How do I receive credit for previous experience when I start my  apprenticeship? 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. Return To Questions
14. Can I use my veteran’s benefits as an apprentice?If, eligible you may use your veteran’s benefits while you are registered in an apprenticeship program. You must contact the Veteran’s Administration for more information.