I hear people talking about "Certifications" and "Qualifications." Does an apprenticeship give me a certification or qualification?

When you complete your apprenticeship program the U.S. Department of Labor issues a "Certificate of Completion of Apprenticeship." This means that you have completed the industrywide required number of classroom hours and on-the job training requirements for that trade. A "certification" program normally requires that you pass a standardized test and obtain a federal, state, or local license to [...]

Do most employers accept the DOL apprenticeship Certificate of Completion?

Since employers have learned that apprenticeships are the most cost effective way to get trained employees, thousands of employers do accept the Certificate. This Certificate is one of the oldest, most basic, and most highly portable industry credentials in use today and you are recognized as a qualified journeyman [...]

How does the Certificate of Completion benefit me as a Service member?

While you are in the military, getting your certificate shows your chain-of-command that you are working to improve yourself. This often helps you advance or to be considered for the jobs you want. When you get out of the military, employers want to see your certificate and logbook to verify that you have completed an apprenticeship. Proving you have your apprenticeship can mean that you qualify [...]

How many hours are required for an apprenticeship?

Each apprenticeship requires from 2,000 to 8,000 work hours to complete. The apprenticeship is broken down into skill areas with a set number of hours for each skill area. An apprenticeship also has structured formal training. Each year of apprenticeship (2,000 hours), requires 144 hours of apprenticeship-related [...]

What is an apprenticeship?

A registered apprenticeship is a formalized structured training program. It combines on-the-job training and related technical instruction in which you receive practical and technical training. Industry determines the essential skills because apprenticeship is industry-driven career [...]