Each apprenticeable occupation has a standard training outline. This assures that apprentices across the state have the same set of skills. The length of time it takes you to learn the skills of the occupation will depend upon the standard training outline and how fast you learn.
Each trade has a definite term of training listed in years. As a registered apprentice, you may progress according to that training term. Or, you may become skilled more quickly or more slowly than the training term. You may even start your apprenticeship with credit toward your goal. This is because your employer may choose to award you credit for prior work experience or coursework in the occupation.
You work under the guidance of experienced craft workers called journeyworkers. From them, you learn the skills of the trade. As you master each skill, you become a more productive employee.
At the same time you are working, you are also required to attend classroom related instruction. This is usually in the evenings. The place and time of instruction is set up by the employer and the local educational provider(s). It may be at one or more of these locations:
- A trade school
- Community college
- BOCES
Your progress is tracked by
- You
- Your employer
- Your educational provider
At the successful completion of each registered apprenticeship, the Department of Labor awards the apprentice with a "Certificate of Completion." This is a nationally-recognized credential.
A new trend in apprenticeship is for the apprentice to earn an educational degree. This builds on the current required classroom instruction. Some sponsors do this by combining the standard on-the-job skill part of apprenticeship with expanded classroom instruction in a particular field. This classroom training is offered at the community college level. As a result, the registered apprentice will then earn both:
- A Certificate of Completion from the New York State Department of Labor
- An Associate Degree from a community college
