The Good Life, Great Careers Initiative will create and strengthen apprenticeship and pre-apprenticeship programs to build on their successes and create new opportunities for Nebraskans. The goal is to add 6,000 new registered active apprentices in Nebraska by December 31, 2030.
The Registered Apprenticeship system combines supervised on-the-job training with technical classroom instruction in subjects related to the apprentice’s chosen occupation. The apprentice has the opportunity to earn a living while gaining skills, and pay raises are awarded throughout the program as skills increase. Apprenticeship has been proven to be a very successful strategy for preparing skilled workers to help America compete effectively in the global economy.
Apprenticeship programs are operated by both the public and private sector. Those entities offering an apprenticeship program are called sponsors, and may be an employer, employer association, or labor union. Recently, community colleges, workforce development centers, and faith and community-based organizations have collaborated with businesses and industries to develop Registered Apprenticeship programs through sponsoring employer-participation agreements. The sponsor of an apprenticeship program plans, administers and usually pays for the program.
What is an apprenticeship?
Apprenticeship is a training program where you earn wages while you learn a skilled profession. Apprentice-able occupations may be found in construction, plumbing, electrical, healthcare, culinary arts and others.
A Registered Apprenticeship is a program registered with the federal government. These programs are industry- approved with universally accepted requirements and competencies. A person who completes a registered apprenticeship program is fully qualified in that occupation nation-wide.
Similar to a college education, it takes several years to become fully trained in the occupation you choose. Unlike college, as an apprentice, you earn while you learn. In the beginning, you will earn less money than skilled workers, but as you progress, you will receive regular raises. Once you have mastered the craft, you will receive the same wages as the professionals who participated in your training.
To become an apprentice, you must be at least 16 years old, and you will complete one to six years of paid, supervised, work based training and technical instruction to become certified in the profession of your choice.
Why sponsor an apprenticeship program?
By working with an employer that values life-long learning, apprentices become invested in improving their skills and in achieving a certificate of completion, a nationally-recognized credential. While combining hands-on skill development with classroom learning, apprentices learn and understand why they do what they do. Apprentices become problem solvers, good team members, and demonstrate better interpersonal skills. On average, apprentices demonstrate better attendance, possess the latest technological skills, and fill the critical need for skilled workers to replace retirees and achieve and maintain a highly productive workforce. Apprentices also have a 94% retention rate with the employer who sponsors their apprenticeship, according to USDOL.
Although you pay for apprenticeship training, the actual cost to the employer is minimal. The program includes both classroom and on-the-job training, so apprentices will be producing for you while they learn. Apprentice wages are usually 40-60% less than journey worker wages, and registered apprenticeship sponsors are exempted from paying overtime to apprentices for the related classroom instruction portion of their training. If your business is in a field requiring licensing, apprentices are prepared for the licensing exams when they complete the program.
A written agreement is signed between the apprentice and the employer that acknowledges joint commitment to the training process. The agreement is approved in Nebraska by the Office of Apprenticeship.
è Interested in establishing a registered apprenticeship? Contact us: NDOL.Apprenticeship@nebraska.gov
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Why choose apprenticeship?
Yesterday’s apprentices are today’s carpenters, electricians, plumbers, and advanced manufacturing workers. In addition to the skilled trades, tomorrow’s computer programmers, educational assistants, healthcare providers and others are joining the ranks today’s apprentices. There are over 2,000 apprentice occupations possible right now, and new occupations are added all the time! No matter the field, apprentices learn from skilled and experienced professionals.
Skilled work pays more than unskilled labor – according to the USDOL, the average annual salary of someone who completed a registered apprenticeship is $84,000! Apprenticeship leads to higher wages by developing the skills and mastery required in a specific profession, and advancement can occur fairly quickly. Some apprentices move into supervisory positions within just a few years.
Once the apprenticeship is completed, you will receive a certificate of completion that is valid anywhere in the United States. It demonstrates that you have the knowledge and skills needed for successful performance as a professional in your chosen occupation. Many apprentices also receive credit from participating community colleges toward an associate degree.
Apprenticeship programs are equal opportunity and open to all who are interested and meet the qualifications of the specific program.
Click here for the list of apprentice-able occupations.
Related Resources
For Employers:
Apprenticeship Occupation Finder
For Apprentices:
Nebraska Apprenticeship Partners: