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FAQ - Sponsor/Employer

The following eight questions are frequently asked by sponsors and employers.

1. What is apprenticeship training?
2. What are the benefits to an employer to participate in apprenticeship training?
3. What are my responsibilities as a trainer of apprentices?
4. How much paperwork will I have to complete?
5. How much will it cost me to train apprentices?
6. How do you determine what occupations are apprenticeable?
7. What support is available to me from the Bureau of Apprenticeship Standards while training apprentices?
8. Who do I contact for ?

 

1. What is apprenticeship training?

Apprenticeship is a training program that combines structured on-the-job training with related instruction. It is sponsored by employers, employer associations, or labor/management groups that can hire and train in a working situation. The employment opportunity is the most basic requirement for an apprenticeship. Without a job there is no "on-the-job" training", and such training represents about 90% of the program.

2. What are the benefits to an employer to participate in apprenticeship training?

• Apprenticeship training reduces turnover.
• Provides long-term training with measurable results.
• Apprentices are usually the most productive workers and the most technologically advanced.
• The program provides a pool of skilled workers who are highly skilled from which future managers may be selected.
• The structured training of the program promotes and fosters quality and teamwork.
• The training gives workers a path for upward mobility.
• An employer’s costs in starting a program are minimal.
• Allows employers to provide career advancement opportunities to employees who wish to advance
• Apprenticeship provides both state and national recognition for the apprentices and the sponsors of the program.

3. What are my responsibilities as a trainer of apprentices?

• Primary responsibility of a trainer is to provide the on-the-job training to the apprentice under the supervision of skilled workers.

• Pay the apprentice wages for work performed and for hours of related instruction required of the program as outlined in the apprentice contract.

• Release the apprentice from work to attend related instruction.

4. How much paperwork will I have to complete?

Paperwork is minimal. Information for the application will require some paperwork to be completed and on-going training records must be maintained. Assistance is available from the Bureau of Apprenticeship Standards Field Representatives with the application process and to understand the selection process or procedures or policies. 

5. How much will it cost me to train apprentices?

Although you pay for the apprenticeship training, the actual cost to you is affordable. The program includes both classroom and on-the-job training, so the apprentices will be producing for you while they learn. In addition, you must pay the apprentice’s wages for time spent in related classroom Instruction. The number of hours required vary from occupation to occupation. Normally 144 hours per year are required. Apprentices are responsible for their books, tuition and travel costs.

6. How do you determine what occupations are apprenticeable?

In order for an occupation to be determined apprenticeable, the occupation:

• must involve, manual, mechanical or technical skills;

• must customarily be learned in a practical way to training on the job;

• must require that there be related instruction to supplement the on the job training; and

• is clearly identified and recognized throughout the industry.

7. What support is available to me from the Bureau of Apprenticeship Standards while training apprentices?

Local Field Representatives are available to provide technical support. The list of the representatives is available by geographical area, under "Who Do I Contact?" on the web site.

8. Who do I contact for ?

The Bureau’s local Field Representatives will assist you in securing the information that you desire. The list of the representatives is available in the "Who Do I Contact?" section on the Apprenticeship webpage at wisconsinapprenticeship.org.