Apprenticeships

To help with your research about different occupations in the trades here are some helpful resources:

• Accessing Union Apprenticeships: The website has a variety of resources about apprenticeships for students, educators and counselors, and career seekers. Learn more.
• Oregon’s Occupation and Wage Information: This website houses the State of Oregon’s Occupation and Wage Information. For example, on the search bar type in “carpenter” and you will be presented with an occupational profile for all Oregon counties, including a description and short video about what a carpenter does, wage ranges, and current job openings across the State of Oregon, including expectations for knowledge, abilities and skills. Learn more.
• Oregon Apprenticeship Occupations: Curious about what sort of careers an apprenticeship program could lead to? Use this website to learn more about the different types of jobs supported by apprenticeship programs. Learn more.
• Oregon Apprenticeship Openings by Geographical Area: This website includes information about which apprenticeship programs are open in different parts of the state. Learn more.
• Union Apprenticeships at a Glance: Learn about the current journey wage, hourly benefits, starting wage, educational requirements, and contact information. Learn more.

Every Registered Apprenticeship Program is steered by a local committee comprised of equal numbers of employees and workers. These Joint Apprenticeship and Training Committees (JATCs) are responsible for oversight of the apprenticeship training program, including the application process. Typically, an application will ask about previous education and training, work experience, industry certifications and related volunteer experiences. You may even score points for having a valid driver’s license or commercial driver’s license, high school diploma and related coursework in high school. Some programs require a math test too. Applications are scored and ranked for a possible interview with the JATC. The more points you earn on your application, the more likely you will be invited to interview for an apprentice position.

• Apprenticeship Point System: Use the Apprenticeship Posting list, found here, to review and study the point system. The point system can be found in the individual posting list after selecting an individual occupation and committee in the "View Details" section. 
  • Example: Pipefitter Position in Salem, Oregon

Helpful Resources: 

• Document- Understanding and Accessing Apprenticeships. This document provides an overview of apprenticeship programs and discusses how to join one.

It’s important to know which documents will be required compared to what is recommended for your Application Packet. A good rule-of thumb is to look at the specific apprenticeship posting to know exactly what’s required of you. Generally you should expect to provide the following:

• Proof of age (e.g., valid driver’s license, ID card, passport)
• Proof of high school degree, modified diploma, or GED attainment
• Proof you meet math requirements (e.g., transcripts showing completion of high school/college algebra with a C or better, OR a qualifying math placement test score, OR in process of taking a math test as part of the application)

Possible additional documents:

• Resume
• Portfolio of photos of past projects
• Proof of past employment
• Proof of any certifications (e.g., OSHA 10 or First Aid/CPR)
• Transcripts
• Cover letter
• Letter of recommendation
• Assessments (e.g., Workkeys, math placement tests)

PRO TIP: A letter of recommendation is a great supporting document that can help demonstrate your past experience and highlight your strengths. Reach out to current or former colleagues and ask if they would be willing to support you with a letter of recommendation. Some apprenticeship programs may require proof of past employment, which is usually a document on company letterhead from a past employer outlining your experience and timeline of work.

As an apprentice, you won’t be expected to know how to do everything right away. You’ll learn on the job, but having certain experiences or qualifications beforehand can help you stand out on your application.

• Having a good attitude and willingness to learn are top qualifications hiring managers are looking for in applicants. If you’re lacking experience, make it clear that you’re a quick learner and are willing to dedicate the time to improve your skills.
• Relevant work experience can include paid job experience, volunteer experience, career and technical education and training, industry-related certifications, and classes you have taken.
• A resume may be required to document past experience. You can also take photos of past work and compile them into a portfolio. Sometimes a letter of recommendation is needed, be sure to ask people ahead of time to provide them time to write you one.
• Some roles may require proof of work experience from a previous employer. If so, they will need to create a document on their company letterhead that details your time worked and tasks you performed.

After you’ve carefully reviewed the requirements for your application and compiled all necessary documentation, it’s time to submit your application for apprenticeship! Application submissions and deadlines can vary by program. Carefully review the application deadline and procedure to see if your application should be submitted in person, by mail, or online/email.

• Your application will likely be tallied using a point system. You’ll receive points for relevant documents, education, experience, and certifications. The more you can provide, the more points you’ll receive.
• Be sure that you have carefully followed directions and have completed all parts of the application before submitting. Failure to do so could mean that your application is automatically disqualified.
• Proofread your application several times to ensure there are no spelling or grammatical errors. Have a friend, family member, teacher, mentor, or coach review your application to catch any errors you might have missed.
• It’s important to know that apprenticeship programs can be competitive, and there may be a wait before you hear back about whether you’ve been accepted for apprenticeship.

Most registered apprenticeship programs have an interview component to their hiring process. An interview is a great opportunity to market yourself for the position. Make sure not to make common mistakes that could hurt your chances at landing the apprenticeship.

Members of a local Joint Apprenticeship and Training Committee (JATC) interview top scoring applicants. Do your research ahead of time – learning as much as you can about the industry and what the type of work involves will help you feel prepared.

• Be able to answer WHY you have applied for this apprenticeship
• What experiences have you had to determine HOW you know you will be a good fit for this position.
• Bring a trades portfolio with certificates, letters of recommendation, photos of projects you built, etc.
• Do your research on the occupation you’re interviewing for. Be ready to talk about the qualities you like about that occupation.
• Practice how you’ll talk about your strengths and how you would apply them to particular aspects of the role. If you lack any skills, express your excitement to develop those skills in the prospective role.
• Common interview mistakes include using one word answers or not showing genuine interest or knowledge in the apprenticeship. Answer each question as thoroughly as you can so the hiring panel knows you’re invested.
• Research behavioral interviews and practice questions about your personal approach to common workplace scenarios.
• When choosing what to wear, make sure to dress in clean, professional clothing that’s still suitable for the role you’re applying for. You may be asked to perform tasks as part of your interview, and may even be asked to start your apprenticeship immediately.
• Getting to your interview on time is critical. Play it safe and aim to show up 10 minutes early.
• During your interview, shake hands when greeted, make eye contact, and practice good posture.

Helpful Resources: 

• Checklist- Apprenticeship Application Guidelines: This document provides additional information about apprenticeship applications.
• Website- Oregon Apprenticeship FAQ: This website contains frequently asked questions about the apprenticeship process. 

Apprenticeship Checklist

Apprenticeship employers share they specifically look for individuals who are dependable, have a strong work ethic, and have related job experience. In addition, they like to see education courses in math, and career technical courses that are related to the occupation.

Narrow down your top apprenticeship choices and look at the Apprenticeship Application Point System for your trade occupation to help determine how you can build the strength of your apprenticeship application.

• Involvement and attendance at school, extracurricular activities, team sport, or paid job position shows your dependability and leadership skills
• Grades and education matter – do your best
• Math Courses (Algebra 1, 2, Geometry with C or better) – most Apprenticeship programs give points for the level of math you have completed.
• Take Career Technical Education (CTE) and/or STEM Courses offered at your high school
• Job shadow or informational interview opportunities give opportunities to learn more about the trades/occupations you are interested in. This also may give opportunities to build connections with industry professionals.
• Get your driver’s license – employers need to know you can reliably get to job sites
• First Aid and CPR Certifications
• Stay Drug free – drug testing is required to become an apprentice

Although Pre-apprenticeship can be helpful, it’s not required (and often not necessary) to become a Registered Apprentice. Pre-apprenticeships may be a good fit for individuals who

• Are interested in a career in the construction trades and have little or no experience
• Experience barriers to employment (i.e. previous incarceration)
• Need to improve their math skills
• Need assistance obtaining supplies or equipment
• Need help meeting minimum qualifications for a Registered Apprenticeship

Helpful Resources:

• Website-List of Pre-Apprenticeship Programs. This website from BOLI includes 
• Website- PNCI Trade Prep. This website discusses how to prepare for a career in the carpentry trades.
• Website- PNCI Pre-Apprenticeships. This website provides information about PNCI's pre-apprenticeship program.