REGISTERED APPRENTICESHIP
& TRAINING PROGRAM

For EDUCATORS

A guide to Apprenticeship and Pre-Apprenticeship in Montana for guidance and career counselors, co-op instructors, work based learning coordinators, and other educators

The Primary Components of Apprenticeship

on-the-job training
journey-level mentoring
related instruction
incremental wage increases

The Montana Apprenticeship & Training Program (ATP) is a training program that combines paid, on-the-job training with related coursework.

Overview of Apprenticeship Programs
Apprenticeship combines post-secondary education with full time work, which includes valuable on-the-job training. Apprenticeship programs can be sponsored by employers, employer associations, or labor/management groups that can hire and train in a working situation.

Employment is the most basic component of Apprenticeship. There is no “on-the-job training” without a job, and this training represents about 90% of the program. The eligibility criteria for Apprenticeship are that a student has a high school diploma or GED, be at least 18 years of age, and physically able to perform the work.

Apprenticeship is an innovative, yet time-tested way for your students to receive essential on-the-job training while being paid and to further their education.

The length of an Apprenticeship can vary depending on the occupation, but typically ranges from one year to five years.

How you can help students interested in Apprenticeship

Ensure a plan for graduation is in place.
Call for information or assistance. You can contact the area field representative. Remember that there are people to help you.
Review the apprenticeable occupation list with the students.
Choosing an apprentice-able trade is a career decision not a summer job choice. There should be a high degree of personal commitment prior to entering into an apprenticeship training program.
Visit the Apprenticeship sponsor (employer) list available on our website. This listing of registered program sponsors does not signify they are taking applications for Apprenticeship or employment. It is a starting place to see, which companies in your area have a registered Apprenticeship program. The student must have a job with an Apprenticeship program sponsor to participate.
Contact the sponsor to inquire about Apprenticeship opportunities. For a student to work in an Apprenticeship program, the sponsor’s company must be registered with The Montana Apprenticeship Program.
- Note: If a company does not have a registered Apprenticeship program, offer to help in the development. Your local Apprenticeship Representative or the Supervisor of Apprenticeship can also offer assistance.

What is related instruction?
Related instruction includes classroom and other forms of instruction and theory that reinforce on-the-job training as part of Apprenticeships taking place post-high school. The related instruction can be during working or non-working hours and usually entails no less than 144 hours of technical instruction directly related to the trade per year.

Who provides related instruction?
It depends on the sponsor's preferences and affiliations, but the following provides a list of state approved related instruction sources.

MSU-Northern (Havre) – correspondence course provider
NDSCS (Wahpeton, ND) – correspondence course provider
Independent Electrical Contractors (IEC)
Numerous state community colleges and COT's
Union sponsored classroom training

Basic skills employers are looking for in potential apprentices

► Basic math ability

► Strong work ethic – apprenticeship is full-time employment

► A sense of responsibility & the willingness to learn the trade

► Good communication skills

► Ability to work in a ‘team’ environment

RESOURCES

Jobs.mt.gov - An electronic labor exchange that provides job seekers and employers a marketplace to connect online at no cost to them.

REGISTERED APPRENTICESHIP & TRAINING PROGRAM

For EDUCATORS

REGISTERED APPRENTICESHIP
& TRAINING PROGRAM