Adult Apprenticeship
What is Adult Apprenticeship?

What better way to learn a craft or specific skill than by working with an expert or as known in the construction and manufacturing trades, a
master craftsman?  Being an apprentice is an opportunity to learn from a master; the skills,  pitfalls, and ins and outs of a skilled trade.  
Training lasts a specified length of time depending on the requirements of the occupation.  The apprentice is paid for the on-the-job training
and it covers all aspects of the occupation and  includes on-the-job training and related classroom instruction.

What Occupations Have Apprenticeships?

There are more than 1,000 apprenticeable occupations currently recognized by the Bureau of Apprenticeship and Training (BAT).  
Apprenticeable occupations are found in traditional industries such as construction, aerospace, and manufacturing, as well as new emerging
industries such as health care, information technology, energy, telecommunications and more.  Some apprenticeable occupations include chef,
carpenter, child care development specialist, construction craft laborer, electrician, welder, plumber, equipment operator, boilermaker,
pipefitter, energy lineman, and industrial maintenance mechanic.  Apprentices completing their training in a registered BAT apprentice
ship
program will receive a Nationally recognized Certificate of Completion from the United
States Department of Labor, Bureau of Apprenticeship
and Training.

What About Employers and Apprenticeship Programs?

Apprenticeship is for companies of all sizes, not just large ones.  An apprenticeship program can be sponsored by a single employer, a group
of large and/or small employers, trade associations, training corporations, unions, or a combination of all the mentioned organizations.  
Registered BAT  apprenticeship programs benefit employers by  providing them with a source of skilled workers with industry-specific training
and hands-on experience.  Registered apprenticeship programs can be customized to match employers’ need which enhances the employment
retention of completing apprentices and gives them a competitive edge in the job market.

Employers have found that apprentices are more motivated, learn their jobs faster, are more loyal to an employer who helped provide training,
and are more likely to become supervisors than workers trained in other ways.

The cost of on-the-job training through apprenticeship is lower, because wages are paid in proportion to the skills and abilities of the

apprentice.  The apprentice begins earning approximately half the wages of workers fully trained in the occupation and usually advances at six-
month intervals until the apprentice completes the training.
What Kind of Classes are Required For Apprenticeship Programs?

Apprenticeship training can last from one to six years depending upon the occupation and the requirements.  Classroom instruction is a
minimum of 144—160 hours per year depending on the chosen occupation.  Instruction includes related subjects such as mathematics,
blueprint reading, safety training, and technical courses relative to the specific occupation.  Instruction can be provided through traditional
classroom presentations or an individual competency-based program which allows apprentices to advance according to their abilities.
Instruction is then applied under the supervision of a skilled  journeyman or master worker through on-the-job training.    

Can existing employees receive credit for previous experience?

NATF will perform a training needs analysis for existing employees.  The goal of an apprenticeship training program is to increase the skills of
employees...not send them through training they have mastered.  The analysis consist of written  exams and on-the–job skills evaluations.  
Apprentices can receive up to 75% credit towards their certificate of completion.

Can an individual company start up a private apprenticeship school?

Yes!  If you are interested in starting an apprenticeship program for your employees NATF will walk you through the entire process!  We will
assist you in designing the program, evaluating your current employees, developing the standards of apprenticeship and   administering the
program.

Can employers join together to offer apprenticeship classes?

YES!  NATF currently administers joint apprenticeship programs for over 500 companies located in Arkansas for electricians, plumbers, and
machinist .Theses apprenticeship schools are located in
Batesville, Benton, Camden, Forrest City, Harrison, Hazen, Hope, Malvern, Magnolia,
Mena, Mountain Home, Searcy, Texarkana, and West Helena.  This joint effort enables NATF to provide quality training at an affordable price.

Why partner with Registered Apprenticeship?

Benefits for your bottom line
—Investing in the future of your employees can strengthen their loyalty to your company.  Teaching employees
new skills and providing incremental raises increases productivity, decreases turnover and save your company money on training.

Business-driven, customizable program—NATF will work with you to create a flexible training program appropriate for your business.  
Apprenticeship programs can range in size from one apprentice to hundreds.  As your workforce needs change, we will help you adjust your
training curriculum or design a new program if necessary.

Financial Incentives—By creating a registered apprenticeship program, your business may qualify for state tax benefits or other financial
support.  Many employers experience strong returns on investments after partnering with the National Apprenticeship Training Foundation
(NATF).