FAQ's
PROGRAM TERMS AND INFOMATION
Journeyworker/Mentors
“Journeyworkers” or “mentors” are crucial to the apprenticeship program, as much of the training occurs on the job. The apprentice is assigned a mentor by the employer at the start of the program. All recorded training and formal classroom Instruction requires mentor approval. The apprentice should notify A-SERT immediately if their assigned mentor changes.
Related Instruction
The A-SERT Program requires completion of 990 hours of related instruction. Upon completion of the related coursework, the apprentice will be eligible to receive the California Community College Certificate of Achievement in Basic and Advanced Heavy Equipment Repair at Modesto Junior College.
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Reporting On-the-job Learning of Work Processes
A-SERT utilizes the program Workhands for tracking and reporting of work processes. Each entry requires mentor approval. The mentor should review and sign off on the apprentice’s hours, on a regular basis.
Probationary Period
Every applicant selected for apprenticeship will serve a probationary period. The probationary period is 180 calendar days in length. Prior to the end of the probationary period, the apprentice’s progression made in on-the-job learning and related instruction will be reviewed. Any probationary apprentice evaluated as satisfactory after a review of the probationary period will be given full credit for the probationary period and continue in the program.
Credit for Prior Learning
Apprentices may be granted credit for prior relevant course experience or college experience.
Transfer Policy
A-SERT will assist apprentices transferring between employers by reviewing documentation of work experience and related instruction and deciding regarding credit transfer for instruction and prior experience.
In instances where the employer terminates the apprentice’s employment, the apprentice must notify A-SERT immediately and the reasons for termination The reasons are not recorded by A-SERT. A-SERT will work with the apprentice and refer them to other registered employers within their area.
Cancelation
Cancelation of program participation can occur at any point during the probationary period.
Reinstatement
This occurs when an apprentice who was previously suspended or canceled wishes to continue their apprenticeship, regains access to employment or regains access to related instruction courses.
Candidacy Suspension
Suspension of apprenticeship is offered as a temporary solution when either of the following:
- The apprentice experiences a lay-off or loss of employment
- The apprentice lacks access to related instruction courses
- Until RSI is completed and provided official transcripts for all related Instruction courses.
Extension
An extension occurs when an apprentice, who wishes to complete his or her apprenticeship, requires additional hours to finish their OJT work competencies or related instruction courses.
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Examples of situations that call for an extension may include:
The apprentice is not making satisfactory progress toward demonstrating competency and needs additional training time.
The apprentice fails a related instruction course.
Exit Interview of Apprentice
Upon completion of all required on-the-job training and related instruction, A-SERT will review the apprentice’s qualifications for completion. At the exit interview, A-SERT will complete the following:
-Verify the credential to ensure currency and review the registration date.
-Verify 5,000 hours of on-the-job training have been completed with mentor approval.
-Verify 990 hours of related instruction have occurred and satisfactory completed.
Students are required to verify that they have at least a grade of B or higher in each
course to be able to count that course towards their required apprenticeship-related instruction.
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If the apprentice successfully meets the above criteria, A-SERT makes a formal recommendation of completion to the U.S. Department of Labor.