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Archived News Release--Caution: information may be out of date.

U.S. DEPARTMENT OF LABOR

ETA Press Release: Everything Old Is New Again: Apprenticeship Training Leads To Sizzling New Careers With Sizeable Paychecks [10/04/2000]

For more information call: (202) 219-6871

Apprenticeship training is the hot new ticket to a high tech job and, for some, a nontraditional, high-paying, new career. The U.S. Department of Labor wants you to know about the opportunities offered through registered apprenticeship programs.

"Apprenticeship is as old as Babylon and as modern as the Internet," Secretary of Labor Alexis M. Herman said. "We think of apprentices as young trainees learning skilled trades by working side-by-side with master craftsmen. That's a correct image, but today the master craftsman might be an Internet working technician, or the carpenter's apprentice might be a woman."

"Registered apprenticeship is a sure shot to a lasting career," said Raymond Bramucci, assistant secretary for employment and training. "Registered apprenticeship programs must meet high standards, so trainees can be assured that the certificate they receive at the end of their training is highly respected in their industry."

"Nearly 440,000 people are in registered apprenticeships each year, and there's room for more," said Anthony Swoope, director of the department's office that registers apprenticeship programs. "We're making a special effort this month to increase awareness about the opportunities available through registered apprenticeships. This tried-and-true training method can help us close the skills gap by preparing workers for the jobs employers need to fill today."

In Denver, Ramon Villa Nueva is a warehouse apprentice for Swisslog Translogic Corp. "I'm getting new levels of responsibility and contributing as I train," Villa nueva said.

Savannah Hill, a plumbing apprentice in Atlanta, is looking forward to a well-paying job in a trade she once thought was exclusive to men. Her apprenticeship is sponsored by the United Association of Journeymen and Apprentices of the Plumbing and Pipefitting Industry in Atlanta. Hill said the relationship between employers and apprentices is win-win. "I give employers stability and dependability in the workforce," she said. "They know I'll work as hard for them as they would for themselves."

In Arizona, Jim Wortham is an instrumentation and control apprentice with the Arizona Public Service Co. in Palo Verde. "After getting out of the military, I was looking for a new opportunity. Now I can see my career really taking off. It gives me a feeling of ownership," Northam said.

The goals of the awareness initiative are to increase the number of individuals entering apprenticeship and to increase the number of employers who use registered apprenticeship training to develop their workforce.

As part of its effort to spread the word about apprenticeship, the Labor Department and state apprenticeship agencies will provide information to employers, school guidance counselors and labor organizations. Information also is available at http://www.doleta.gov/jobseekers/apprent.cfm.

Some Facts About Registered Apprenticeship Training

_ Apprenticeship has produced skilled workers in this country since colonial days.

_ Registered apprentices earn a salary during the term of apprenticeship and usually go immediately into full-time jobs after completing the apprenticeship.

_ Sponsors of apprenticeship programs pay for the training so for apprentices, it's like getting a full scholarship.

_ Apprenticeship may be linked with higher education leading to an associate's degree.

_ Military personnel may participate in registered apprenticeship training.

_ High school students may become apprentices under a School-to-Registered Apprenticeship Program.

_ Registered apprenticeship includes on-the-job training and related technical instruction - both necessary to become highly skilled.

_ Apprentices can expect to receive an increase in wages as they gain skills during the term of apprenticeship.

_ Many currently registered apprenticeship sponsors have used apprenticeships for 50 years or more.

_ Twenty-seven states have an apprenticeship registration agency.

_ Registered apprenticeship provides a practical, productive life-long career.

_ Completing apprentices receive a nationally recognized certificate - just as important and valuable as a four-year degree.

Archived News Release--Caution: information may be out of date.