Apprenticeship

Learn the Skill, Earn the Trade

Start or Enhance Your Career in Skilled Trades Courses

Electrical, HVAC, and Plumbing programs provide students with the basic knowledge and skills required to apply for entry-level positions or apprenticeship positions with a variety of companies. Whether you are new to the trade or an experienced professional, build your skills and start your journey to a successful career in the trades.

These programs are designed as hybrid training models to suit the busy lifestyles of our students. Hybrid training is a combination of online training and live classroom/lab training. It uses the NCCER (National Center for Construction and Education Research) curriculum which provides valuable standardized and portable national credentials that are helpful for students when seeking employment and/or building their careers with an employer.

These trades programs meet the classroom requirements for a state-registered apprenticeship. However, they do not place you into a state-registered apprenticeship, which is between a student and an employer.

About Virginia’s Registered Apprenticeship (RA) Program

Virginia’s Registered Apprenticeship (RA) program is administered by the Virginia Department of Labor and Industry. Registered Apprenticeship creates earn-while-you-learn models that provide occupation-specific training. Virginia’s community colleges can be providers of the required Related Technical Instruction (RTI) that supports Work-Based Learning (WBL). Community colleges provide valuable sources of training and RTI for various employers, businesses, and sponsors. Employers who wish to start RA programs should contact their local DOLI Office Location.

Benefits of Apprenticeship for the Student:

• Receive high-quality mentoring and education
• Earn while you learn
• Seek new employment or enhance a current position
• Earn a nationally recognized Certificate of Completion
• Qualification to sit for Journeyman License
• On average enjoy higher lifetime earnings

Benefits of Apprenticeship for the Employer:

• Free to the employer
• Training standards can be tailored to the employers’ individual needs
• Training Increases productivity by cultivating a highly skilled and knowledgeable workforce
• Allows companies to promote from within and increase retention
• Strengthens the bond between management, supervisors, and employees and promotes teamwork

Check out the Apprenticeship videos below for more information on student and employer benefits: