- Norfolk Technical Center
- Registered Apprentice Requirements
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Registered Apprentice Requirements
APPRENTICE ELIGIBILITY
What makes one a Virginia Registered Apprentice?
All the following must apply:
- The apprentice must be working for a Virginia employer in an apprentice-related trade
- The apprentice must have registered with the Virginia Works organization
- The apprentice must have a registration card or Apprenticeship registration papers (Apprentice Agreement Form – A.A.F.) from the State of Virginia.
All Virginia Registered Apprentices are required to enroll in Related Instruction classes. Those who are not Virginia Registered Apprentices are welcomed in most programs* on a space-available basis. *(This does not apply to Cosmetology or Dispensing Optician). Virginia Registered Apprentices pay a reduced fee because a portion of their training costs are covered by specific state funds for apprenticeship training.
STEPS TO BECOMING A REGISTERED APPRENTICE
STEP 1: Identify the occupation that is right or appropriate for you.
All prospective apprentices should start by identifying the trade or craft they wish to learn. There are many ways to learn about occupations. One way is the Virginia VIEW Occupational Search that matches an individual’s personal preferences in work situations to occupations. Career counselors and professionals in high schools, vocational centers, community colleges, and public service agencies, such as the Virginia Employment Commission, can assist potential apprentices here. People who want to become apprentices can even discuss the requirements of a particular trade with their local Virginia Employment Commission Office.
STEP 2: Identify an employer who will sponsor your apprenticeship.
A sponsor, also known as a business, must be identified to provide on-the-job training for the apprenticeship program to be conducted. If prospective apprentices know of a business establishment that is willing to hire them in the trade or craft they wish to learn, the prospective apprentice should contact an Apprenticeship Representative at Virginia Works (see email addresses and phone numbers below). The Virginia Works Representative will assist the prospective apprentice in asking the business to establish an Apprenticeship Training Program.
If the prospective apprentice has decided on a particular trade or craft but does not know of a business willing to be a sponsor, the Workforce Information Coordinators in his/her local Virginia Employment Commission Office can be contacted to assist in identifying possible sponsors.
STEP 3: Contact the Apprenticeship Representative from Virginia Works.
The apprenticeship representative from the Department of Labor and Industry will meet with the prospective apprentice and sponsor, usually at the sponsor’s business establishment. At the meeting, the training program will be outlined and discussed. The length of time an individual will be required to serve on-the-job and to attend related instruction will be discussed. An apprentice action form which formalizes the apprenticeship agreement is signed by the sponsor and the apprentice. This is not a contract, but rather an agreement as to the timeframe and terms of the apprenticeship.
Virginia Works - Apprenticeship Representatives
Maynard Stowe 757-666-9847 Maynard.Stowe@virginiaworks.gov
Clayton Duvall 757-666-9846 Clayton.Duvall@virginiaworks.gov
Barbering/ Cosmetology
Andrew Johnson 804-305-5979 Andrew.Johnson@virginiaworks.gov
Tereza Edwards 804-217-1913 Tereza.Edwards@virginiaworks.gov
STEP 4: Work, learn, and earn during your apprenticeship.
The now registered apprentice will work in the field of the trade specified in the A.A.F (Apprentice Agreement/Action Form), and attend A.R.I (apprentice related instruction). Once the apprenticeship training program is completed, the apprentice will receive a Certification of Completion of Apprenticeship Training.