Become an Apprentice
Wondering ‘what’s next’ after high school?
Not sure if college is for you?
Already working, but looking to explore alternative career pathways?
Consider a Registered Apprenticeship in advanced manufacturing and earn while you learn.
Why Registered Apprenticeship?
- Studies have shown that Registered Apprentices are more qualified and job-ready than fellow job seekers.
- Registered Apprentices can choose a field or industry that they are genuinely interested in, which leads to higher job satisfaction.
- Completing a Registered Apprenticeship puts you on the right path to future success.
- Not only does a Registered Apprenticeship give you the opportunity to learn and experience your chosen career, but it also makes you more employable to future companies.
What's Registered Apprenticeship?
- An arrangement where an apprentice receives hands-on training, technical instruction, and a paycheck—all at the same time.
- Apprentices work for a sponsor (their employer, a union, or an association like MACNY), but are provided hands-on training by their employer, who pays their wages.
- An apprentice’s wages increase as their skills increase during the apprenticeship program.
- Registered Apprenticeship programs usually last about 4 years, depending on the employer or occupation, although they may take as little as 12 months.
- These programs are registered with the New York State Department of Labor (NYSDOL).
- At the end of a Registered Apprenticeship program, apprentices receive a nationally recognized certificate of completion as proof of their skills that they can take anywhere.
Training and Education
- As a Registered Apprentice, you’ll receive all the necessary training and education you need to succeed.
- We partner with technical schools, community colleges, training institutions, and other education providers to ensure you’re ready to join the manufacturing workforce.
- Through government and education grants, this education and training comes at an extremely low cost.
- Due to the low-cost of this schooling, most apprentices’ graduate debt-free.
Does this Sound like You?
- Like working with your hands.
- Enjoy making things.
- Good at taking things apart and putting them back together.
- Gravitate towards subjects like math and science.
- Ability to work independently and as a team.
How does a Registered Apprenticeship Compare to a Typical 4-Year College Degree?
Frequently Asked Questions:
Apprenticeship is a time-honored approach to training skilled workers through a combination of on-the job training and classroom instruction. Each apprenticeable occupation has its own standard training outline which details the on-the-job training and classroom instruction required. Apprentices are full-time employees who produce high-quality work while they learn skills that enhance their employment prospects. An apprentice operates under the close supervision of a skilled worker on the job and takes related classroom instruction at night or on weekends. A graduated pay scale assures that salary reflects the degree of skill achieved.
Registered Apprenticeship Programs are conducted by employers, jointly by employers and unions, or by groups of employers. The State Department of Labor registers apprenticeship programs, working with forward-looking businesses across the state to develop the skilled workforce of the future.
Each company selects its own apprentices from its current workforce.
One of the requirements of a Registered Apprenticeship Program is a “wage progression.” The apprentice begins at an entry level salary and over the course of the training receives incremental increases as they successfully master the trade. Some of you may be familiar with the term “pay for performance” – the concept is very similar. Each company sets its own internal wage progression.
When you contact us (see below) we will schedule a time to meet you at your facility. You should probably have HR representation, an operations person, and someone from management with the authority to approve the program involved in the meeting.
The on-the-job training is done by your skilled trades people at your facility. We will provide you with a detailed training outline for them to follow, along with training on how to instruct the apprentices. The related instruction, which will range from 3-5 hours per week, will be provided by ToolingU and local community colleges. We will coordinate all of the related instruction for you.
Classes are an important requirement of the Registered Apprenticeship program. Working with you and your manager, the Alliance will source your classes from SUNY and other NYSED-approved providers, both in-person and online, that relate to your trade and fit with your work schedule.
A good place to start is the New York State Department of Labor website. There you’ll find a list of programs and sponsors throughout the state.
Great! You’ll get related instruction credit for trade-related college classes that you’ve completed.
It can. Our SUNY partners are experts at creating pathways to degrees; many of the trade-related classes are also relevant to degree programs
If you need to leave the program, you would work it out with your employer. They will let you know if you’re eligible for reinstatement. When you reinstate, the rule is that you must spend at least 12 months in the program.
A Registered Apprenticeship program should cost you nothing. Some employers cover the cost of tools and classes that are not covered by training grants; it’s recommended that you discuss this with your employer while you’re considering the program.