Apprenticeships

WhAT IS AN APPRENTICESHIP? 

THE PROCESS

The process of becoming an apprentice starts with employment at an apprentice sponsoring company or with a trade union.  An apprenticeship is an "earn while you learn" program with a built-in formal training agreement (Apprentice Contract) providing on-the-job training and related classroom instruction provided by MATC. The training is received on-the-job where the employer teaches the skills of the occupation. The classroom instruction is theoretical knowledge pertaining to a specific occupation and usually taught at MATC. When unavailable, factory training schools or correspondence courses can be substituted. The term of training may vary from two to five years, depending on the occupation. The process of becoming an apprentice starts with employment at an apprentice sponsoring company or with a trade union.

PROSPECTIVE EARNINGS

Wages in various occupations vary. Most apprentices begin at approximately 50% of the current skilled wage rate. It has been the practice in most occupations to provide a periodic step increase every month or 1,040 hours and apprentices wages must average 60% of the skilled wage rate during the term of the apprenticeship program.

 

TYPES OF APPRENTICESHIPS

AREAS OF INTEREST

To learn more about construction, industrial, information technology (IT) and service apprenticeships -- including bilingual options -- see below!

BILINGUAL APPRENTICESHIPS

Bilingual Barber and Cosmetologist Apprenticeship Program

This program is offered by MATC to help Spanish-speaking students strengthen their English language skills while preparing for a career as a barber or cosmetologist. The first year of instruction is held at MATC's Education Center at Walker's Square, 816 W. National Ave., Milwaukee. The students later attend traditional barber/cosmetologist apprentice classes at MATC's Downtown Milwaukee Campus for an additional year or two after the first year of bilingual classes.

CONSTRUCTION REGISTERED APPRENTICESHIPS

How Do I Apply?

Construction registered apprenticeships are sponsored by local committees, not individual employers. Follow the steps below to jumpstart your apprenticeship.

  1. Search for a local committee that fits your apprenticeship occupation.
  2. Apply directly to the local committee by visiting their website. Satisfy the committee's minimum entry requirements, which may include an aptitude test, interview, and more.
  3. The committee will notify qualified applicants as to the next steps.
  4. The committee will place apprentices in jobs using a rank order list or letter of introduction.
    • The rank order lists candidates by their accumulative scores. When an employer requests an apprentice, the committee contacts the next apprentice on the list.
    • The committee will provide a letter of introduction stating that the applicant has fulfilled the entry requirements for an apprenticeship. It is then the responsibility of the applicant to find an employer to sponsor their apprenticeship. The committee may provide a list of employers who work with that committee to the applicant to use.

List of Apprenticeships

Construction Electrician
Environmental Service Technician
Residential Wirer
Sheet Metal Worker
Steamfitter (Construction)
Steamfitter (Refrigeration)
Telecommunications (VDV) Installer/Technician

INDUSTRIAL REGISTERED APPRENTICESHIPS

How Do I Apply?

The Department of Workforce Development lists featured sponsors that have apprenticeship opportunities, but applicants apply directly with the employer. Each application process varies depending on occupation and the business. Follow the steps below to begin your journey into apprenticeship.

  1. Search for employers that meet your apprenticeship interests and visit JobCenterofWisconsin.com to find job openings and apprenticeships.
  2. Satisfy the minimum entry requirements for the individual trade and for the employer.
  3. Apply directly to the company that operates an apprenticeship program.

Note: Some employers may limit apprenticeships to current employees, so consider taking another position with the company in the meantime.

List of Apprenticeships

Facilities Maintenance Technician
Industrial Electrician (Maintenance Electrician)
Industrial Maintenance Mechanic
Industrial Manufacturing Technician
Industrial Pipe Fitter
Machine Repair
Machine Tool (Machinist)
Mechatronics
Tool and Die Maker (Patternmaker)

INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY REGISTERED APPRENTICESHIPS

How Do I Apply?

The Department of Workforce Development lists featured sponsors that have apprenticeship opportunities, but applicants apply directly with the employer. Each application process varies depending on occupation and the business. Follow the steps below to begin your journey into apprenticeship.

  1. Search for employers that meet your apprenticeship interests and visit JobCenterofWisconsin.com to find job openings and apprenticeships.
  2. Satisfy the minimum entry requirements for the individual trade and for the employer.
  3. Apply directly to the company that operates an apprenticeship program.

Note: Some employers may limit apprenticeships to current employees, so consider taking another position with the company in the meantime.

List of Apprenticeships

I.T. Data Analyst

 

SERVICE REGISTERED APPRENTICESHIPS

How Do I Apply?

The Department of Workforce Development lists featured sponsors that have apprenticeship opportunities, but applicants apply directly with the employer. Each application process varies depending on occupation and the business. Follow the steps below to begin your journey into apprenticeship.

  1. Search for employers that meet your apprenticeship interests and visit JobCenterofWisconsin.com to find job openings and apprenticeships.
  2. Satisfy the minimum entry requirements for the individual trade and for the employer.
  3. Apply directly to the company that operates an apprenticeship program.

Note: Some employers may limit apprenticeships to current employees, so consider taking another position with the company in the meantime.

List of Apprenticeships

Arborist
Barber
Cosmetologist
Culinary Cook
Early Childhood Educator
Pharmacy Technician

For more information

MATC works in partnership with area employers to meet their workforce and employee training needs. We would happy to assist you to set up the apprenticeship contract with the State of Wisconsin to launch an apprenticeship program at your business.

David Stuart, stuartd@matc.edu

 

CONTACT US

Prospective students may direct questions to Roxanne Christian at 414-571-4638.

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