To Learn More About Apprenticeship Opportunities in Colorado

If you are considering a career in construction, a registered apprenticeship provides on opportunity to earn while you learn career skills in a craft.  Emily Griffith School of Opportunity provides weekly orientation sessions for those interested in learning more about local programs. 

What is A Registered Apprentice?

A “registered apprentice” is an apprentice enrolled with a program that is certified and overseen by the federal Department of Labor, Office of Apprenticeship Training (OAT) (formerly known as Bureau of Apprenticeship Training/BAT).  Registered programs are required to comply with federal regulations governing their method of selection of new apprentices into their program, including non-discrimination and affirmative action goals for women and individuals of color.

Registered programs use national curriculum that are designed and updated regularly.These curriculum are intended to ensure that the individual receives a broad overview of all aspects of the craft – to ensure they are trained for a career in the industry and not just one skill or job.  Classes are taught by a qualified journeyperson with years of experience in the craft.

Shawna Smith, 5th Year Electrical Apprentice at the Denver Joint Electrical Apprenticeship and Training committee (DJEATC68), speaks about the Apprenticeship Training opportunities to a woman who attended the Apprenticeship Opportunities for Women Outreach Event in June 2010.

The event was jointly organized by FRESC and the Green Jobs Pipeline for Women (GJPW). The event featured speakers from the Electrical Apprenticeship (DJEATC68), the Sheetmetal Workers Apprenticeship (SMW9), and the Laborer’s apprenticeship (LIUNA).  The goal of both organizations is to introduce and promote Registered Trades Apprenticeship opportunities to women.

What Kind of Training is Involved in a Registered Apprenticeship?

To graduate as a journeyperson, an apprentice must receive 1800-2000 hours of on the job training (OJT) AND approximately 144 hours of classroom training each year.

In licensable trades such as electricians, a registered program is likely to include preparation for licensing exams.

What are the Benefits of Completing a Registered Apprenticeship Program?

A certificate from a registered apprenticeship program is nationally portable in the United States.

Registered apprenticeship programs affiliated with Emily Griffith School of Opportunity receive 42 community college credits that can be transferred towards a general associate of applied science.  EmilyGriffith also monitors program curriculum to ensure on-going academic rigor and compliance with community college standards.

Graduates of registered apprenticeship programs are considered "Journeypersons" and should receive a higher rate of pay to reflect their level of knowledge and skill.