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What is Apprenticeship?

Apprenticeship is a relationship between an employer and an employee during which the worker, or apprentice, learns a trade. The training lasts a specified length of time. An apprenticeship program covers all aspects of the trade and includes both on-the-job training and related instruction. For example, apprentice auto mechanics learn how to repair automotive equipment, how the various systems are designed, how to diagnose malfunctions, how to use the principal tools and test equipment found in an automotive shop, pertinent safety precautions, and cleanup of tools and work areas. Related instruction generally takes place in a classroom. The teaching covers the techniques of the trade and also the theory behind the techniques. It includes detailed discussion of how typical tasks are preformed and the safety precautions that must be taken. Classes, which are taught by experienced craft-workers and other skilled persons, require the study of trade manuals and educational materials. Classes can be scheduled during the day or in the evening.Apprenticeship usually lasts about (4) four years depending on the trade you select, but range from one to five years. During this time apprentices work under experienced workers known as journey workers, the status they will attain after successfully completing their apprenticeships. Under the journey worker's guidance, the apprentice gradually learns the mechanics of the trade and performs the work under less and less supervision. Apprentices are employees.

An apprentice's pay starts out at about 45% to 50% of a journey workers' wages and increases periodically throughout the apprenticeship. Many programs are cosponsored by trade unions that offer apprentices union membership.The sponsor of the apprenticeship program plans, administers, and pays for the program. Sponsors can be employers or employer associations and sometimes involve a union. When an apprentice is accepted into a program, he or she and the sponsor sign an apprenticeship agreement. The apprentice agrees to perform the work faithfully and complete the related study. The sponsor agrees to make every effort to keep the apprentice employed and to comply with standards established for the program.

The National Apprenticeship Act of 1937 (also called the Fitzgerald Act) authorized the Secretary of Labor to work with the State apprenticeship agencies, the Department of Education, and the representatives of labor and management for the welfare of the apprentices. This Act also promotes the establishment of apprenticeship programs. Apprenticeship programs are registered with the Federal Government or a federally approved state agency. Registered programs meet federally approved standards relating to job duties, related instruction (a minimum of 144 hours), wages, and safety and health conditions. Apprentices who successfully complete registered programs receive certificates of completion from the State Apprenticeship Council. Registered programs offer apprenticeships in over 850 occupations. Apprentices are in registered programs sponsored jointly by employers and labor unions or operated by employer/employer associations. The administrative body in such programs is called an Apprenticeship and Training Committee. Representing the union and management, the Apprenticeship Committee reviews applications for apprenticeships and interviews applicants. The Committee also consults with the State Apprenticeship Council, reviews applications for apprenticeship, and works with the regional representative of Federal Bureau of Apprenticeship and Training (BAT) concerning apprenticeship standards, equal employment opportunity, safety and similar duties. Registered apprenticeship programs meet standards approved by the U.S. Department of Labor. Graduates of registered programs increase their potential job mobility because employers have greater confidence in the quality of the training received in registered programs.


If you are interested call
(505) 841-4405 or (505) 841-4406
E-mail: infodws@state.nm.us

Click here to see a list of programs in New Mexico

Workforce Investment Act

The Workforce Investment Act, or WIA, reformed Federal job training legislation and created a new and comprehensive workforce investment system. Title I of WIA authorizes a number of services which include employment and training activities for adults, dislocated workers, and youth.

To receive adult services an individual must be 18 years of age or older, a United States citizen or eligible non-citizen, and in compliance with the registration provisions of the Military Selective Service Act.

Services to dislocated workers are similar to those offered to adults however the eligibility requirements differ. There are many situations that cause a person to qualify as a Dislocated Worker. Possibly the worker has been laid off from a long-term job and has very little hope of returning to that employer or industry. He or She could have been an unpaid caregiver to the family and dependent upon someone else’s income. Self-employed workers who have faced natural disasters or local economic downturns may also qualify for assistance as dislocated workers.

are available for in-school and out-of-school youth. These services prepare youth for postsecondary educational opportunities and for employment. Eligible youth must be 14 to 21 years of age, low income, and meet at least one of six specific barriers to employment. These barriers include: (1) deficient in basic literacy skills; (2) school dropout; (3) homeless, runaway or foster child; (4) pregnant or parenting; (5) offender; (6) requires additional assistance to complete an education program to secure or retain employment (includes youth with disabilities).

The One-Stop Service Center is the primary framework for the delivery of WIA services in New Mexico. These centers offer co-located partner staff such WIA program, TANF Works, Division of Vocational Rehabilitation and various other partners.
Three levels of WIA services are provided through the One-Stop Service Centers with service at one level being a prerequisite to moving to the next level. The first level consists of core servicess. Core services include activities such as outreach, intake and eligibility determination as well as information on services available through the One-Stop Service Center. Other services include basic assessment of skill levels, aptitudes, abilities, and supportive service needs; job search and placement assistance and the provision of labor market information.

Some individuals need only the most basic information and services to meet their needs. However, for a large number of clients, core services are the foundation for developing a more comprehensive plan for attaining employment and/or training goals and targeting the intensive services most appropriate for the client.
To be eligible for intensive, adults and dislocated workers must have received at least one core service and have been determined to be in need on intensive services in order to obtain or retain employment. Intensive services may include comprehensive and specialized assessments of the skill levels and service needs of adults and dislocated workers, a variety of counseling services, the development of an individual employment plan, case management for participants seeking training services; and short-term prevocational services, including development of learning skills, communication skills, interviewing skill, punctuality, personal maintenance skill, and professional conduct to prepare individuals for unsubsidized employment or training.
The third and final level of WIA service is training servicess. Training services may be made available to adult and dislocated workers who have received at least one core and one intensive service. Training services may include; (1) occupational skills training; (2) on-the-job training; (3) programs that provide workplace training with related instruction which may include cooperative education programs; (4) private sector training programs; (5) skill upgrading and retraining; (6) entrepreneurial training; (7) job readiness training; (8) adult education and literacy training in conjunction with other training services; and (9) customized training.

Training services are provided in a manner that maximizes customer choice in the selection of an eligible provider of such services. First, eligible adults are given finance power to use Individual Training Accounts (ITAs) at qualified institutions. These ITAs supplement financial aid already available through other sources and in some cases pay for the entire cost of training. Second, individuals are empowered with greater levels of information and guidance, through a system of consumer reports providing key information on the performance outcomes of training and education providers. Third, individuals are empowered through the advice, guidance, and support available through the One-Stop Service Center.

WIA also offers services that benefit employers. Services include assistance in finding worker, training new or existing workers and in addressing business downsizing and/or closing.

For additional information on WIA services and any applicable eligibility criteria, please contact the One-Stop Service Center nearest you.