Apprenticeship Training

In Europe, the apprenticeship program has experienced success for many decades. Under the auspices of the US and NJ Departments of Labor, apprenticeships may be found in many different fields and reflect participation in a nationally recognized workforce development structure. In many cases, schools provide related technical instruction in the most matriculated fields. BCIT currently offers apprenticeship training in auto mechanics, carpentry, electrical, plumbing, HVAC/R and Welding. However, BCIT is looking to expand the apprenticeships related to technical instruction in a number of emerging fields of interest that support green technology, water/wastewater management, manufacturing, fabrication and engineering, which may include customized related technical instruction to support these interests 

Working closely with the US Department of Labor’s Office of Apprenticeship Training, Employer and Labor Services (OATELS) and the NJ Department of Labor and Workforce Development (NJLWD), apprentice students must be registered and must fulfill as part of the apprenticeship a theory component consisting of a minimum of 144 hours and in many cases 576 hours of Related Technical Instruction (RTI), and a practical experience consisting of up to 8,000 hours of On-the-Job Training (OJT) responding to set trade processes with a registered sponsor (employer) with the US Department of Labor. After meeting the RTI requirements and OJT, a registered apprentice student is positioned to receive a Certificate of Completion from the U.S. Department of Labor’s Office of Apprenticeship, the certificate of which is a recognized and respected credential, which reflects successful completion of academic achievement and actual work experience. In some cases, RTI may be eligible for up to 24 college credits, college credits toward an Associates Degree in Technical Studies.

For information regarding Apprenticeship Registration, please contact Dr. Andrew McAlpin. For information regarding scheduling, pricing, and registration for classroom training, please contact the respective BCIT Adult Education Office at the nearest campus: BCIT Medford (609) 654-0200 ext. 8426 or BCIT Westampton (609) 267-4226 ext. 8231.

Apprenticeship Eligibility:

A participant must have a high school diploma, be 18 years of age and have the ability to complete the coursework associated with the respective field of interest. The programs are a perfect opportunity to add a skill set for a college or post-college graduate, cross-training for interdisciplinary applications, a solution for veterans, returnships to those who are seeking to re-enter the workforce after a period of time, career changers, those who have children, underemployed, unemployed, those who have gaps in their resume, a second chance for formerly incarcerated or boost of confidence for those in post-rehabilitation. BCIT Adult Education is a conduit to position students of all ages and circumstances in life to reinvent themselves or launch careers while subscribing to a commitment to being lifelong learners.

Economic Value of Apprenticeships:

An apprentice is committed to the employer and comes to the employer concurrent with trade codes and academic standards. The apprentice brings to the workplace a rigorous technical education while learning advanced-related industry work processes incorporated into customized on-the-job training by the employer or sponsor. Given this duality, a benefit realized by an employer is that apprenticeships are opportunities to develop and maintain highly skilled employees. Last, as a result of the commitment by the employer to the apprentice regarding the payment of wages and appropriate training, employers may be eligible for benefits such as tax incentives.

Interested prospective apprentices are encouraged to contact Dr. Andrew McAlpin, for more information.