What is an Apprenticeship?

Apprenticeship is a nationally recognized training and education program in which an individual completes a combination of on-the-job training, classroom instruction, and professional development to earn a Certificate of Completion in Apprenticeship, awarded by the U.S. Department of Labor. The certificate is commonly referred to as a journey worker credential. The apprentice is extended the privilege of earning income as an employee, while he or she learns a skilled craft. The apprentice works with a mentor for 5,000 hours or more where knowledge is acquired by the apprentice. Apprenticeships are a partnership between the employer who offers on-the-job training, the apprentice who works for the employer, Modesto Junior College for classes, and the A-SERT Committee. Apprenticeship programs have been used by many industries for attracting and training employees for decades. There has been a resurgence in the importance of these types of programs.