RETURN TO ENERGYApprenticeship Programs
An apprenticeship is a good way to start an awarding career in a skilled craft or trade. You can earn a salary while gaining marketable skills.
In Minnesota, there are two types of state-approved apprenticeship programs:
- Youth apprenticeship for high-school juniors and seniors.
- Registered apprenticeship for all Minnesota citizens age 16 or older.
What are youth apprenticeship programs?
Youth apprenticeship programs are state-approved programs that meet certain standards. They must:
- Be paid.
- Involve 800 to 2,000 hours of work-based learning.
- Combine on-the-job learning with classroom instruction.
- Include a written agreement between the school, employer, student and parent.
- Offer training specific to a particular career.
- Help the student explore career roles.
- In some instances, provide college credit.
The youth apprenticeship program is developed by a partnership of employers, labor, workers, K-12 and postsecondary educators, learners, parents, community organization representatives, and representatives from related government agencies where appropriate. Apprenticeship programs are approved by the Adult and Career Education Division of the Department of Education (MDE).
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Details about youth apprenticeship programs
Who is it for?
Youth apprenticeships are designed to provide 11th and 12th graders with the skills necessary for lifelong learning and career advancement.
How can I get a youth apprenticeship?
If you're interested in a youth apprenticeship, talk with a teacher or administrator in your school. The program is specifically designed for students to work with their teachers to find career experience opportunities.
Find more information about youth apprenticeship at
Career and Technical Education, Minnesota Department of Education.
What is a registered apprenticeship?
A registered apprenticeship is a structured way of learning a skilled occupation, craft, or trade.
During the apprenticeship, you gain skills through a combination of on-the-job training and classroom instruction.
- Program length: Programs range from one to six calendar years; four is the average.
- Pay: Apprentice pay usually starts at about half the rate for journey-level workers. After six months, your pay begins to increase, and eventually it reaches the journey level. Apprentice wages are never less than the federal minimum wage.
- Course work: For every 2,000 hours (one year) of on-the-job training, you're required to have 144 hours of classroom instruction. Classes are usually taught by a journey-level worker and are often held at night in community colleges, vocational-technical schools, or online.
- Sponsors: Apprenticeship programs are often sponsored by labor unions and employers. Sponsors plan, administer, and pay for the program. As an apprentice, you are a full-time, paid employee of the company where you work.
- Credit for past experience: If you have previous related experience, you may be granted advanced placement in an apprenticeship program. Your pay could also be higher because of your experience.
- Credit toward an associate degree: Some two-year schools offer college credit— "credit for experience"— in apprentice occupations. For more information, contact your local technical college, community college, or university.
- Certificate of completion: When you finish your training, you'll receive a certificate of completion from the Department of Labor and Industry, Apprenticeship Unit. This credential will be recognized throughout the United States and Canada. Registered apprenticeship programs with the Minnesota Department of Labor and Industry are WIA certified.
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Details about registered apprenticeship
Who is it for?
To apply for an apprenticeship, you must:
- Be at least 16 years old
- Have a high school diploma or be actively pursuing a GED
- Be physically able to work in the trade
There may be other requirements, such as an entrance exam, in your chosen field.
What are the advantages?
- You can choose from more than 100 occupations. While most apprenticeships are in construction, there are opportunities in other occupations too — including carpenters, graphic artists, electricians, firefighters, and machinists.
- Graduates are well paid. After completing your apprenticeship, your wages should reflect your skill level. As your skills increase, your wages will, too.
- Graduates have marketable skills. Once you finish your apprenticeship, you'll receive a Certificate of Completion of Apprenticeship from the state of Minnesota. Employers across the U.S. and Canada recognize this credential.
- Graduates are well trained. A construction trade study showed that apprentices get broader training than people who learn the trade informally.
How can I get a registered apprenticeship?
Make contact! The Apprenticeship Resources section directly below provides a list of contacts in various apprenticeship programs to get you started.
Apply. After finding an apprenticeship you want, you'll need to complete an application form and submit it, along with a birth certificate, school transcripts, and letters of recommendation.
The selection process. Once you submit your application, a committee will review it. The committee will be looking over your materials to review:
- Your desire and persistence (Why do you want to enter the trade? Will you be likely to stick with it?)
- Your knowledge (Do you know about the tools, equipment, or techniques used? Jobs that are typical in this field?)
- Your work experience (Do you have any related work experience? Do you have references that can attest to your work ethic?)
- Your personal experience (Do you have hobbies or interests that are related to the skills needed in this trade— for example, fixing or building things?)
Sample interview questions. If you are a finalist, expect to have an interview. Be prepared to answer questions like these:
- Why did you choose this over some other trade?
- What kinds of work have you done in the past?
- Construction sites are cold in winter, hot in summer; they can be muddy and wet. What makes you consider working in these conditions?
- Do you have transportation available?
- How do you feel about going to school as part of your apprenticeship?
- Is there anything else that you would like to tell us about yourself? (This general question gives you a chance to mention any skills, interests, goals, or activities not covered in previous questions and that you think are important.)
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Apprenticeship Resources
Department of Labor and Industry, Apprenticeship Unit
This office lists the occupations with current apprenticeship programs and provides detailed information about apprenticeships in Minnesota.You can also contact the Apprenticeship Unit at:
Minnesota Department of Labor and Industry, Apprenticeship Unit
443 Lafayette Road N.
St. Paul, MN 55155
Phone: (651) 284-5090 or 1-800-DIAL-DLI (1-800-342-5354)
Fax: (651) 284-5740
Email: DLI.Communications@state.mn.usApprenticeships on MinnesotaWorks
View apprenticeship job openings on MinnesotaWorks.Constructioncareers.org
This site includes details for 27 construction trades. Find job descriptions, contacts, qualifications and wages for each craft.National Association of State and Territorial Apprenticeship Directors
You'll find national-level information on this website, including the links for apprenticeship information and personal contacts for 27 states and 3 territories that belong to this association.U.S. Department of Labor, Office of Apprenticeship Training, Employer and Labor Services
This office has information about apprenticeship at the national level, including benefits for you and employers. Their web site also provides additional state-specific information in the "Contacts/Links" section. -
Trade Associations
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Labor Organizations
