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Apprenticeships

A WIN-WIN FOR STUDENTS & EMPLOYERS

HOW APPRENTICESHIPS WORK

An apprenticeship is when you train on the job—earning wages and doing productive work—while also training in our labs and classrooms to ensure you build the technical skills you need. Ivy Tech apprenticeships focus on high-paying construction and mechanical careers. 

Apprenticeships generally last from one to four years. There are no out-of-pocket costs for students in an apprenticeship program and upon completion, apprentices receive an Associate of Applied Science (AAS) degree and a nationally recognized certificate from the U.S. Department of Labor (USDOL).

EARN WHILE YOU LEARN

An apprenticeship can be a great way to build your skills, get on-the-job experience, and earn a wage while you learn. Apprenticeships are available in building trades and construction as well as healthcare, manufacturing, information technology, and others.

Benefits of an apprenticeship include:

  • It's worth repeating: you get paid while you work and learn new skills!
  • No out-of-pocket costs and avoid college debt
  • Potential to earn on average $70,000 a year in a high-demand job after you complete your training
  • Earn a nationally recognized credential
  • Learn from an experienced mentor
  • A proven path to a rewarding career
  • Access to our career specialists for connections to employers

RESULTS SPEAK FOR THEMSELVES

For Apprentices:

93% of apprentices who complete an apprenticeship retain employment

$77,000 average annual salary upon completion of an apprenticeship (Source: U.S. Department of Labor, apprenticeship.gov)

+$300,000 approximately how much more an apprentice earns over their career than a non-apprentice

For Employers:

90% of apprentices complete their training

89% of apprentices are with the same employer five years after completion

150% average return on investment for employers

APPRENTICESHIP DETAILS

  • 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:

    APPRENTICESHIP OPTIONS
    Apprenticeship Technology - Boilermaker
    • Boilermakers build, maintain, and repair powerhouses, steel mills, refineries, and environmental control systems.
    • Associate of Applied Science: 60 credit hours
    • Median Salary: $78,323

    Apply through: Boilermakers Local 374
    Apprenticeship Technology - Bricklayer
    • Bricklayers lay bricks, pre-cut stone, and other types of building blocks in mortar to construct and repair walls, partitions, arches, and other structures.
    • Associate of Applied Science: 60 credit hours
    • Median Salary: $60,227*

    Apply through: BAC Local 4 IN/KY
    Apprenticeship Technology - Carpenter
    • Carpenters construct, repair, and install building frameworks and structures made from wood and other materials.
    • Associate of Applied Science: 60 credit hours
    • Median Salary: $65,266*

    Apply through: Indiana-Kentucky-Ohio Regional Council of Carpenters
    Apprenticeship Technology - Electrical Lineman
    • Electrical line technicians install, maintain, and repair electric power lines and other equipment used in electrical distribution and transmission systems.
    • Associate of Applied Science: 60 credit hours
    • Median Salary: $72,268*

    Apply through: Rural Electric Apprenticeship Program (REAP)
    Apprenticeship Technology - Electrician
    • Electricians install, maintain, and repair electrical power, communications, lighting, and control systems in homes, businesses, and factories.
    • Associate of Applied Science: 60 credit hours
    • Median Salary: $72,400*

    Apply through: International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers
    Apprenticeship Technology - Elevator Constructors
    • Elevator constructors assemble, install, service, and maintain elevators, escalators, moving walkways, and similar equipment.
    • Associate of Applied Science: 60 credit hours
    • Median Salary: $80,997*

    Apply through: International Union of Elevator Constructors
    Apprenticeship Technology - Floor Layer
    • Floor layers install a wide variety of flooring materials, including carpet, resilients, wood, laminates, and sport surfaces.
    • Associate of Applied Science: 60 credit hours
    • Median Salary: $61,664*

    Apply through: Indiana-Kentucky-Ohio Regional Council of Carpenters
    Apprenticeship Technology - Glazier
    • Glaziers are responsible for selecting, cutting, installing, and replacing all types of glass used in construction.
    • Associate of Applied Science: 60 credit hours
    • Median Salary: $68,461*

    Apply through: International Union of Painters and Allied Trades
    Apprenticeship Technology - Heat and Frost Insulators
    • Heat and frost insulators apply insulation materials to plumbing, air-handling, heating, cooling, and refrigeration systems; piping equipment and pressure vessels; and walls, floors, and ceilings of buildings and other structures to prevent or reduce the passage of heat, cold, sound or fire.
    • Associate of Applied Science: 60 credit hours
    • Median Salary: $68,461

    Apply through: International Association of Heat and Frost Insulators
    Apprenticeship Technology - Ironworker
    • Ironworkers install structural and reinforcing iron and steel to form and support buildings, bridges, and roads.
    • Associate of Applied Science: 60 credit hours
    • Median Salary: $67,952*

    Apply through:
    International Association of Bridge, Structural, Ornamental and Reinforcing Iron Workers
    Apprenticeship Technology - Millwright
    • Basic millwright skills include installation, maintenance, and repair of industrial machinery and equipment. Using specialized tools, such as welders or hydraulic bolters, they align and replace a machine's individual parts. They also move and relocate machinery on- and off-site.
    • Associate of Applied Science: 60 credit hours
    • Median Salary: $64,321*

    Apply through: Indiana-Kentucky-Ohio Regional Council of Carpenters
    (includes carpenters, millwrights, and floor coverers)
    Apprenticeship Technology - Operating Engineer
    • Operating engineers maintain heavy construction equipment on a construction site. They are responsible for all machines—from large cranes to bulldozers.
    • Associate of Applied Science: 60 credit hours
    • Median Salary: $66,485*

    Apply through: International Union of Operating Engineers
    Apprenticeship Technology - Painter
    • Painters apply paint, stain, varnish, and other finishes to residential, commercial, and industrial structures.
    • Associate of Applied Science: 60 credit hours
    • Median Salary: $63,845*

    Apply through: International Union of Painters and Allied Trades
    Apprenticeship Technology - Plumber and Pipefitter
    • Plumbers and pipefitters install, and service commercial, industrial and residential plumbing, heating, air conditioning, refrigeration, and process piping systems and controls.
    • Associate of Applied Science: 60 credit hours
    • Median Salary: $69,590*

    Apply through: Plumbers and Pipefitters Union
    Apprenticeship Technology - Sheet Metal Worker
    • Sheet metal workers design, fabricate, install, and repair sheet metal products. Most commonly these products include elements of heating, cooling, and ventilation systems.
    • Associate of Applied Science: 60 credit hours
    • Median Salary: $69,667*

    Apply through: Sheet Metal Workers Local 20
    Apprenticeship Technology - Telecommunications Technician
    • Telecommunications technicians have responsibility for installing, maintaining and servicing a variety of telephone equipment, installing voice and data communication circuits, security cameras, panic systems, door access, and cabling.
    • Associate of Applied Science: 60 credit hours
    • Median Salary: $64,541*

    Apply through: International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers

    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).

  • Industrial Apprenticeship Programs

    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 Journeyperson’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.

A SMART APPROACH FOR EMPLOYERS

Apprenticeship enables employers to develop and prepare their future workforce. Partnering with Ivy tech for Apprenticeships has many benefits for employers:

  • Ability to offer standardized training so all workers receive the same national industry-endorsed training
  • Ability to customize training and hiring to your exact needs
  • Expanding and diversifying your pipeline with teachable talent
  • Proven model to upskill incumbent workers, providing a career path, not just a job
  • Lower recruiting costs
  • Decreased employee turnover
  • Increased productivity, profitability, and your bottom line
  • Increased worker safety

EMPLOYER PARTNERSHIPS

Ivy Tech's career specialists help students connect with potential employers for apprenticeships. Examples of companies our students have apprenticeships with right now are:

Interested in Starting an Apprenticeship Program at Your Company?

Ivy Tech Employer Consultants can work with employers to develop customized apprenticeship programs.

Set up your free consultation

Hear from employers how apprenticeships have made a difference in their businesses.