The five parts of a registered apprenticeship
Every registered apprenticeship has the same five building blocks.
- 01
An employer
Every apprenticeship starts with a business that hires you. An employer, or a union working with its contractors, sponsors the program.
- 02
Paid work
You are paid from your first day, and your pay usually goes up as your skills grow.
- 03
Structured on-the-job learning
An experienced mentor trains you on real job sites, following a written list of the skills you need to master.
- 04
Related classroom instruction
You take classes alongside the job, at a college, a union training center, or a trade school.
- 05
A nationally recognized credential
When you finish, you earn a credential recognized across the country, such as a U.S. Department of Labor journeyworker certificate.
Pre-apprenticeships: a first step
A pre-apprenticeship gets you ready for an apprenticeship if you don't meet the requirements yet. In Indiana, most pre-apprenticeships run through high schools and career centers.
If you're in high school
Ask your school counselor or career center about pre-apprenticeship and career and technical education (CTE) programs. Many let you earn entry credentials before you graduate.
If you're out of school
Ask WorkOne or a training center whether a state-certified pre-apprenticeship is running near you.
Two routes in: union and merit (non-union)
Union route
Union apprenticeships are run by a union and its contractors together. Many in Indiana partner with Ivy Tech so apprentices can earn an associate degree along the way. IBEW locals cover different regions; the Indianapolis program is linked here.
Merit (non-union) route
Merit-shop apprenticeships are run by contractor associations. ABC of Indiana/Kentucky partners with Vincennes University so apprentices can earn college credit toward a degree.
Each program sets its own requirements, application dates, and fees. Most ask for a high school diploma or GED, and many ask for algebra and a driver's license. Check with the program before applying.
Find a program
Apprenticeship Indiana
The state's official apprenticeship site. Search for training providers and local contacts in your county.