Apprenticeships

Apprenticeship programs have great benefits:

• Learn and earn: Training is part of the job with an apprenticeship, so individuals don’t have to choose between being employees and developing their skills. They can gain the talents they need to advance their careers while still earning enough to cover their expenses. You can motivate individuals to stay within your program and organization by rewarding them as they progress through the apprenticeship. Organizations usually increase their pay when individuals reach a specific benchmark in the program or gain a new skill.
• Hands-on training: An apprenticeship offers employees a blended model of on-the-job training and classroom learning. They can apply the knowledge they learn to a real-world work environment. This application gives them the confidence to perform tasks quickly and effectively.
• Extra support: Employees can enjoy one-on-one support during their apprenticeship program. There’s always someone there to answer their questions and show them how to perform a skill and perfect their techniques. They have direct access to other employees and mentors within your company that help you address weaknesses and strengths.
• Career advancement: Apprenticeships can allow employees to work towards a promotion while staying employed. They can gain the skills that apply to a higher paying role within their industry of current place of employment. Receiving on-the-job training at their current place of work lets employees advance to management and learn about company operations, leadership styles and important aspects that can set them up for success.
• Transferable skills: When individuals complete an apprenticeship, they learn skills they can use across the country. Some programs also let employees transfer credits toward a college degree or technical certificate, which can further their career prospects.
• Increased job retention: Employees are more likely to feel satisfied in their roles if companies are willing to invest in their education. An apprenticeship is a great way to build a long-term relationship between employees and the company.
• Competitive advantage: While employers value the technical skills and knowledge an employee brings, they also want employees with commitment and drive. Completing an apprenticeship shows employers that the employee is serious about advancing their career. Being able to work and study demonstrates tenacity to progress one’s career.

An apprenticeship is a cost-effective way for organizations to grow talent without spending money on new hires. While apprenticeships have associated costs, they lower long-term recruitment and training costs by giving employers access to a pool of talent within the organization. They also provide employees with the opportunity to learn the skills they need to progress in the company while remaining employed. There are several benefits of career development — it’s no wonder that apprenticeships are attractive for both employees and employers.

Apprenticeships have several benefits for businesses. Consider the following:

• Diversify the workforce: An apprenticeship is an opportunity for employees to further their education while working, making it an attractive option for people from diverse backgrounds. Widening your talent pool allows you to build an inclusive culture and creates positive change. Your business also benefits from fresh mindsets and new ideas that come with a diverse workforce to develop your company further. In fact, around 75% of employees say that apprenticeships help you improve the quality of their services and product offerings.
• Tailored training: An apprenticeship is a valuable opportunity to train employees, so their skills match the needs of your business. It takes a more personalized approach as opposed to general forms of learning that apply to an industry or career path as a whole. A tailored apprenticeship is also a great way to develop an employee who is a good culture fit and excels in their role.
• Reduced recruitment costs: An apprenticeship program gives you access to a talent pool of potential candidates, so you don’t have to turn to recruitment agencies to fill a new role. This approach reduces the time and money you spend on recruiting, screening and interviewing potential employees.
• Improve staff retention: When you invest in your employees, they are more likely to stay within your organization. This commitment can lead to increased job satisfaction and loyalty to the company, both of which help to keep your turnover rates low. Over 90% of employees who start an apprenticeship program stay employees.
• Boost productivity: Hiring an apprentice lets you boost your business productivity while keeping costs low. The training apprentices receive prepares them for real-life business opportunities, which helps them apply their skills and knowledge to streamline processes and perform tasks at a higher standard.
• Develop new skills in your workforce: Apprenticeships allow you to build the skills that you need in your workforce. Using classroom-based learning and on-the-job training, you can unlock the skills needed in your organization and equip employees to make valuable contributions. You can also reskill and upskill employees as required and future-proof your talent pipeline.
• Enhances safety: Industries where safety is essential, such as construction and welding, highlight the importance of a strong safety curriculum. You can build a safer workforce by prioritizing apprenticeships that pair classroom safety training with the ability to practice on the job.

Workforce Apprenticeships

In addition to apprenticeships in specific building trades, Ivy Tech works with employers across Indiana to design and deliver technical apprenticeships specific to the needs of their industries. The Industrial Apprenticeship program focuses on U.S. Department of Labor (USDOL) approved programs that are designed to be a flexible and responsive way for Ivy Tech to respond to the challenge of preparing a highly skilled workforce for Indiana’s employers.

The program incorporates the on-the-job training and related technical education necessary to earn a Journey person’s Card and the general education classes necessary to earn a long-term certificate (known as a technical certificate) or Associate of Applied Science (AAS) degree.

Building Trade Apprenticeships

Are you interested in an apprenticeship but aren’t sure where to begin? Ivy Tech offers tools to help you narrow down the best path for you as you navigate an apprenticeship program.

An Ivy Tech Career Coach can guide you through the process of determining your interests, skills, and abilities.

Connect with a local career COACH

Ivy Tech partners with Building Trades Joint Apprenticeship and Training Committees (JATC) programs across the state. You can find more information on their website, BuiltToSucceed.org.

Building trade apprenticeships incorporate on-the-job training and related technical education. Upon completion, apprentices receive a nationally recognized certificate from the U.S. Department of Labor and a long-term certificate, known as a technical certificate, or an Associate of Applied Science degree from Ivy Tech, with no out-of-pocket costs.

How to Apply

1. Complete the inquiry form/application on the BuiltToSucceed.org website. They will provide you with application information and help point you in the right direction. 
2. Then apply to the Joint Apprenticeship and Training Committee (JATC) apprenticeship program you are interested in (see table below). Each program is unique and has its own application process. 
3. Once you are accepted into the JATC program, you will be registered with the U.S. Department of Labor as an apprentice and enrolled at Ivy Tech.

JATC Programs

Specific apprenticeship paths offered at Ivy Tech include:

Request More Information

If you'd like more information about IvyTech apprenticeship opportunities in construction and mechanical careers, we'd be happy to help. Call us at 888-489-5463.

*Source: Lightcast™, accessed January 26, 2023, State Occupational Overview Employment and Wage Estimates: Indiana. (2022).

Pre-Apprenticeship is a program or set of strategies that is designed to prepare individuals to enter and succeed in a Registered Apprenticeship Program (RAP).

Quality pre-apprenticeship programs can play a valuable role in providing work-based learning to help people prepare for an entry-level RAP. While Pre-Apprenticeship programs have varied designs and approaches, the Department of Labor has outlined the elements of a quality pre-apprenticeship program that can place an individual on the potential career pathway to employability though a RAP:

APPROVED CURRICULUM

Training that is based on industry standards and approved by a RAP partner

SIMULATED EXPERIENCE

Hands-on training or volunteer opportunities that do not displace paid employees

FACILITATED ENTRY

Agreements with RAP sponsors that allow program participants to enter directly into a RAP

SUPPORTIVE SERVICES

Wrap-around services or referrals to help participants complete the program (e.g childcare, transportation)

SUSTAINABLE PARTNERSHIPS

Collaboratively promote Registered Apprenticeship to other employers

Benefits of Pre-Apprenticeship

Employers

Save time and money: Pre-Apprenticeship programs provide pre-screened, ready-to-work employees who have been trained in the specific skills employers need.

Educators

Many successful Pre-Apprenticeship programs are housed at high schools and community colleges because they offer hands-on learning opportunities for students.

Career Seekers

A Pre-Apprenticeship program can help you prepare for the apprenticeship that's right for you.

Registered Apprenticeship stakeholders— employers, educators, and workforce professionals— across the country are launching apprenticeship programs that serve youth, ages 16–24. These programs, often referred to as youth apprenticeship, combine technical classroom instruction with paid work experience.

Benefits of Successful Youth Apprenticeship Programs

For educators interested in developing an apprenticeship program in their district, it is useful to consider key requirements established by the U.S. Department of Labor: Participating Students: Successful youth apprentices earn a certified portable credential(s) accepted by industries and employers throughout the United States. There are multiple benefits of youth apprenticeships for students, include hands-on career training; improved skills and competencies related to success in both career and post-secondary settings; career decision-making and preparation focusing on career growth areas; competitive salaries; and freedom from tuition debt.

U.S. Workforce: Youth apprenticeships ensure that career development programs align with state and local workforce system needs. They result in workers who are highly skilled and productive with access to stable careers. Currently, the U.S. Department of Labor emphasizes a range of high-yield, high-needs employment areas aligned with youth apprenticeships, including Advanced Manufacturing, Construction, Energy, Finance and Business, Healthcare, Hospitality, Information Technology, Telecommunications, and Transportation. Federal, State, and Local Governments: Local regions and jurisdictions benefit significantly from successful youth apprenticeships, including sustained technical assistance and support to improve the workforce; credentialing that reinforces national industry-recognized standards; tax credits available in many states for employers participating in apprenticeships meeting federal guidelines and standards; and access to federal resources, including funding from many federal programs specifically designed to sustain and scale apprenticeships in high-yield, high-needs employment areas.