Registered apprenticeships in West Virginia offer individuals the opportunity to learn a skilled trade through on-the-job training and classroom instruction. These programs are sponsored by employers, labor unions, or joint committees composed of both employers and unions. Apprenticeships in West Virginia are registered with the state’s Division of Apprenticeship and Training (DAT), which oversees the administration and quality of the programs.
There are three types of registered apprenticeships in West Virginia: traditional, pre-apprenticeship, and modular.
- Traditional apprenticeships: Traditional apprenticeships are the most common type of registered apprenticeship in West Virginia. They involve a structured program of on-the-job training and classroom instruction that typically lasts for two to five years. During this time, apprentices work alongside experienced professionals in their trade and receive supervised training and guidance. As they progress through the program, apprentices receive incremental wage increases and gain more responsibility and independence on the job. Upon completion of the program, apprentices receive a journeyman’s certificate and are qualified to work as skilled professionals in their trade.
- Pre-apprenticeship programs: Pre-apprenticeship programs in West Virginia are designed to prepare individuals for entry into a traditional apprenticeship program. These programs typically last for six months to a year and provide individuals with the skills and knowledge they need to succeed in an apprenticeship. Pre-apprenticeship programs may include classroom instruction, hands-on training, and job shadowing opportunities. Upon completion of a pre-apprenticeship program, individuals may be eligible to apply for a traditional apprenticeship in their chosen trade.
- Modular apprenticeships: Modular apprenticeships in West Virginia are a flexible alternative to traditional apprenticeships. They allow individuals to complete their training at their own pace and on their own schedule. Modular apprenticeships are made up of a series of modules, or units, that cover specific topics in a trade. As they complete each module, apprentices receive a certificate of completion. Upon completion of all the modules in a trade, apprentices receive a journeyman’s certificate and are qualified to work as skilled professionals in their trade.
Registered apprenticeships in West Virginia provide individuals with the opportunity to learn a skilled trade while earning a wage. They are a valuable resource for individuals looking to start a career in a skilled trade and for employers looking to train the next generation of skilled workers. If you’re interested in starting an apprenticeship in West Virginia, be sure to visit the DAT website for more information and to find a program that fits your needs.
