STEP 1. RECRUIT CANDIDATES

Each participating company will recruit candidates to participate in the A-SERT Program. Candidates may be new hires or current employees. Candidates must be at least 18 years of age and have a high school diploma or equivalent. Applicants may be required to pass a physical agility test, fitness test, or screen for the current illegal use of drugs prior to being employed. Applicants must provide all required documentation along with their application.

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STEP 2. ACCEPT CANDIDATES

Companies will screen applicants to make sure they meet the program and company requirements. The process for acceptance may vary from company to company but your company must have a written process in place and you must follow guidelines not to discriminate in the process.

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STEP 3. REGISTER YOUR APPRENTICE WITH THE DEPARTMENT OF LABOR OFFICE OF APPRENTICESHIP

The A-SERT program will assist you with completing this process. By registering your apprentice you protect yourself and your apprentice and give your program national recognition
 

STEP 4. BEGIN YOUR ON-THE-JOB TRAINING PROGRAM

Use the Workhands program as your guide, keeping in mind that the apprentice must complete the required hours as a minimum and also must show competence in each area. If an employee has received industry training prior to employment with you, you may submit an affidavit validating they have demonstrated specific knowledge and skills required of the program to request an exemption from certain training requirements.

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STEP 5. ENSURE APPRENTICES COMPLETE REQUIRED CLASSROOM OR ONLINE TRAINING

Part of the apprenticeship program involves the completion of classroom instruction. For an apprentice to complete his/her program he/she must complete with a B or better the courses for the Modesto JC Basic and Advanced Heavy Equipment Repair Technician Certificates.

Apprentices do not have to wait to begin the coursework until after their on-the-job training has been completed; this study can begin at any time. To register for the 144 hours of skills training, visit mjc.edu, and contact the A-SERT program director or Modesto JC School of Agriculture.
 

STEP 6. ASSESS AND CONTINUOUSLY IMPROVE

Each apprentice will be required to submit a monthly activity report via Workhands to the A-SERT Committee office. In addition, each apprentice will undergo an evaluation every 6 months to determine progression on the wage scale. This evaluation is to be done by the employer with the apprentices performance in the RSI classes taken into consideration.

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STEP 7. TRACK PROGRESS

Your company must track the individual progress of each participant in order to document that he or she has met the program requirements for each job task. A-SERT utilizes work hands to assist in this process.

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STEP 8. CONTINUOUSLY MARKET THE PROGRAM

It is important to regularly market the availability of the apprenticeship program to support a growing workforce need. Local marketing may be accomplished through online job boards, Facebook or other social media platforms, state and local associations, and more. A-SERT will also market the program to the public, including students, veterans, career-changers, and others.

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STEP 9. SHARE YOUR SUCCESSES

Have graduation ceremonies, create news releases, and boast about your apprentices as they complete the program. Small successes help breed bigger success. Those who complete the program will be provided with a certificate from the United States Department of Labor, Office of Apprenticeships.