What is a Registered Apprenticeship?

A registered apprenticeship combines on-the-job learning, related instruction, and paid work experience. Unlike a degree program at a college or university where you pay to attend school, apprenticeships pay you while you train for well-paying jobs with promising futures. Apprenticeships prepare the workforce to meet industry demands and deliver on the promise to hire Idahoans first.

Apprenticeships are more common in certain industries including construction, advanced manufacturing, automotive industries, healthcare, information technology, and geospatial technology.

Apprenticeships offered by the Idaho Department of Correction:

• Teacher’s Aide/Assistant 1
• Bricklayer
• Residential Carpenter
• Residential Electrician
• Drywall Applicator
• Cook
• Drafter
• Graphic Designer
• Metal Fabricator
• Upholsterer

Interesting facts about registered apprenticeships:

• They are one of the oldest and most portable industry credentials, which makes you eligible to work anywhere you can land a job for which you qualify
• They offer wage progression on an increasing scale
•  They provide on-the-job learning and industry-driven skills that make you more competitive in the labor market
• They provide an opportunity to convert completed registered apprenticeship training into college credit and degrees at participating colleges and other postsecondary institutions
• They offer training and certifications that meet industry standards

Interested in a Registered Apprenticeship?

• Have you completed any of the formal classes offered by IDOC during your incarceration (construction, electrical, Microsoft Office Specialist, janitorial, or other courses)?
• Have you worked for Idaho Correctional Industries during your incarceration?
• Have you been enrolled in the Federal DOL Apprenticeship program during your training? If so, would you like to continue with your Apprenticeship when released?

If the answer to any of these questions is yes, or if you are interested in continuing with your apprenticeship, contact the Idaho Department of Labor for more information about the U.S. Department of Labor Registered Apprenticeship program.

What are Workforce Training Centers?

Several of Idaho’s community and technical colleges have Workforce Training Centers (WTC’s), which are educational programs that help train people on specific and often high-demand skills. These programs do not require any sort of entrance exam and are designed to set you up with the skills you need to find your next job or build a future career.

Visit the Next Steps Idaho website for more information and links to Idaho’s WTCs.

Sometimes getting started is the hardest part. Not sure what kinds of jobs you’re interested in? Looking to match your skills and interests with a job you will succeed at? Try some of these fun, interactive quizzes that ask you about your interests and skills and then give you ideas about what kinds of career paths might be good a fit for you!

Once you’ve found a job or apprenticeship that interests you, it’s important to make sure your application materials are ready. This includes getting a resume and cover letter written and preparing ahead of time for how you will address your previous incarceration with your potential employer. Explore these resources to learn more.