Pre-Apprenticeship Program

What is the Pre-Apprenticeship Program?

The Pre-Apprenticeship Program is a three-month intensive training program designed to prepare dedicated, motivated individuals for a career in carpentry. The program focuses on developing fundamental skills and a strong work ethic, ensuring that participants are not just skilled builders, but also committed and reliable team members, with strong character and work ethic. It is intended to bridge the gap in available workers who possess essential carpentry skills.

What Builders Get Out of It

• Vetted and Committed Workers: You receive access to a pool of heavily vetted, highly motivated students who have already completed an intensive three-month program. These individuals are committed to a career in the trades.
• Dedicated Skill Development: The program provides a master carpenter from your team to oversee the apprentice’s skill development, ensuring they learn the specific techniques and standards your company values.
• Three-Year Employment Agreement: You and the apprentice will enter into a three-year employment agreement. The agreement includes language that provides flexibility and protects your business interests while ensuring a long-term commitment from the apprentice.
• Reasonable Salary Compensation: Apprentices are brought on at a reasonable salary, which can be a significant perk as you gain a dedicated, trained builder for a lower hourly rate.
• Partial Reimbursement: In some cases, you may be eligible for partial reimbursement for the apprentice’s wages through the Vermont Department of Labor.

Builder Requirements

To participate in the program, builders must meet the following requirements:

• Master Carpenter: You must provide one experienced carpenter, referred to as a “master carpenter,” to mentor the apprentice. This is not a state-licensed title, but rather someone on your team with a high level of skill.
• Registered in Good Standing: Your company must be registered and in good standing with the state of Vermont.
• Employment Agreement: You will enter into a three-year employment agreement with the apprentice.
• Apprenticeship Classes: You must agree to release the apprentice for one day a week so they can attend additional classes to continue their formal education.
• Pay and Insurance: You are responsible for the apprentice’s salary, following a developed pay schedule, and providing insurance coverage. Apprentices come with their own basic hand tools, but you are responsible for providing all other necessary tools.
• Hiring Commitment: You are expected to hire the apprentice for at least four days a week upon completion of the pre-apprenticeship program. You will have input on the hiring process and get to choose your potential apprentice.

What the Student Gets Out of It

• A Clear Career Pathway: The program provides a clear pathway to becoming a knowledgeable, experienced professional with the title of Journeyman.
• Paid Employment and Education: Students receive three months of paid training, with tools and education costs covered.
• Guaranteed Employment: Upon completion, they receive guaranteed employment as an apprentice with an established, legal builder.

Apprenticeship Program Syllabus

• Program Structure: The full apprenticeship program runs for four years, with students attending classes one day a week. This amounts to 144 hours per year. The program covers a total of 6,000 hours of paid on-the-job training.

Apprenticeship Curriculum

• Curriculum: The curriculum includes instruction in core skills such as electrical and plumbing. 

Read More:

• Pre-Apprenticeship Syllabus
• Pre-Apprenticeship Curriculum

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