How to Become an Apprentice in Virginia
If you want a career in Virginia's construction or service trades, an apprenticeship will help you get work experience and education while earning a portion of standard construction worker wages. Whether you want to become a plumber, electrician, blacksmith or mechanic, you can locate a paid apprenticeship to help you get started. To become an apprentice in Virginia, you need to be at least 16 years old.
Other People Are Reading
Instructions
-
-
1
Call your local Department of Labor and Industry office using the online directory at the Department of Labor and Industry Website (see Resources). Set up an appointment to meet with an employee regarding Virginia apprenticeship programs.
-
2
Complete an apprenticeship application during your meeting with the Department of Labor and Industry representative. The representative will help you develop a training plan specific for your industry that combines on-the-job experience with classroom time.
-
-
3
Wait to be accepted by a sponsor organization. Depending on the number of opportunities available in your industry and the amount of competition, this could take may months or it could be fast.
-
4
Fill out the Minimum Standards for Apprenticeship. This form outlines your responsibilities as an apprentice and discusses issues like overtime hours, wages and evaluation standards. Per Virginia law, apprentices must complete at least 2000 work hours and 144 education hours to receive a Certificate of Completion.
-
5
Begin working as an apprentice. Once you complete classroom and work hours, you can begin working in your chosen trade.
-
1
