 |
An apprenticeship is a relationship over time between an employer and an employee during which time the apprentice (employee) learns an occupation through on-the-job training and classroom instruction. The classroom instruction covers the technical and theoretical aspects of the occupation being learned, such as blueprint reading, drafting or electrical theory. The apprenticeship culminates in a certificate of completion that is recognized nationally, is portable from state to state, and brings with it a higher wage. Apprentices are employees and are paid for their work. At first, they may be paid only about half of what an experienced worker is paid, but as they learn, and their skill and knowledge grow, they will receive increases in their pay rate. Apprentices usually receive all employee benefits, such as medical and life insurance. An apprenticeship sponsor may be an employer, an industry association, or a joint committee of labor and management. Most apprenticeships involve a one to five year commitment, but the length varies depending on the occupation involved. For example, carpentry, plumbing and electrical work require 8,000 to 10,000 hours (4 to 5 years). Bricklaying demands 6,000 hours (3 years). Why Choose Apprenticeship? In Rhode Island there are currently more than 1,400 active apprentices. An apprenticeship offers a person the unique experience of learning an occupation and getting paid for it. After completing training as an apprentice, an individual is award a certificate of completion, and in the skilled trades, the journeyperson status. The certificate of completion is widely respected and will increase job security and employability. Also, apprenticeship related education may include college enrollment. Completion of some apprenticeship program can earn an individual up to 30 college credits. Several joint apprentice training committees (partnerships between labor unions and management) sponsor apprenticeship programs. Some programs accept applications on a daily or monthly basis, others only once a year. You schould contact sponsors for information about their programs and the application process. Apprenticeship Programs in RI:
Bricklayers & Allied Craftsmen Local 1 150 Midway Road, Suite 153 Cranston , RI 02920 (401)946-9940 www.bacweb.org
Carpenters, Floor Coverers and Pile Drivers, Local 94 14 Jefferson Park Road Warwick , RI 02888 (401) 467-7070 www.necarpenters.org/training-apprenticeship.cfm
Cement Masons and Plasterers Local 40 23 Amflex Drive Cranston , RI 02920 (401)943-1185 www.opcmia.org
Electrical Workers - IBEW Local 99 Ninety-Nine Way Cranston , RI 02921 (401) 946-9908 www.ibew99.org
Elevator Constructors, Local 39 65 Frigate St., Jamestown, RI 02835 (401) 423-2293 www.iuec.org
Ironworkers Local 37 845 Waterman Avenue East Providence , RI 02914 (401) 438-1111 www.ironworkers.org
Laborers' International Union Local 271 410 South Main Street Providence , RI 02902 (401) 331-9682 www.rildc.org
Operating Engineers Local 57 141 Gano Street Providence , RI 02906 (401) 421-7298 www.iuoe.org
Painters and Allied Crafts, District Council 11 1808 Elmwood Avenue Warwick , RI 02888 (860) 829-1225 www.iupatdc11jatc.org/
Sheet Metal Workers Local 17 PO Box 19239, Johnston, RI 02919 (401) 949-3806 www.smw17boston.org
United Association of Plumbing and Pipe Fitting Local 51 11 Hemingway Drive East Providence , RI 02914 (401) 943-3033 www.ualocal51.com
United Union of Roofers, Waterproofers and Allied Workers 53 Evans Drive, Stoughton, MA 02072 (781) 341-9197 www.unionroofers.com For more information about apprenticeship programs, you can check out the following web sites or contact the offices: U.S. Department of Labor, Bureau of Apprenticeship & Training http://www.doleta.gov/atels_bat/ http://www.doleta.gov/jobseekers/apprent.cfm 100 Hartford Avenue , Providence , 02909 401-528-5198 Rhode Island Department of Labor and Training, State Apprenticeship Council http://www.det.state.ri.us/webdev/appren/appren.htm 1151 Pontiac Avenue , Cranston , RI 02920 401-462-8536
|
