Prepare For a Career - Not Just a Job​​​

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​​​​​​​​​Registered Apprenticeship is an employer-driven career pathway that combines paid employment, structured on-the-job learning, classroom instruction and a nationally recognized credential.

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Frequently Asked Questions

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What is Related Technical Instruction (RTI)?

​Related Technical Instruction is the classroom-based education that supports the skills and knowledge an apprentice develops through on-the-job training.

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HCVSD Adult & Continuing Education provides apprenticeship-related instruction in Electrical, HVAC, Plumbing, and Heavy Equipment Operator occupational areas.

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Is HCVSD an apprenticeship sponsor?

No, HCVSD provides the Related Technical Instruction (RTI) portion of apprenticeship training.

 

HCVSD does not employ apprentices or operate registered apprenticeship programs. An employer or other approved apprenticeship sponsor is responsible for hiring the apprentice, providing supervised on-the-job training, tracking work hours and progress, and registering the apprentice.

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Do I need to be employed to enroll in related-instruction classes?

No.  You may begin HCVSD related-instruction classes before obtaining apprenticeship employment.

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However, enrolling in a course does not make you a registered apprentice.  You must be hired and registered through an approved apprenticeship sponsor to become a registered apprentice.

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​​Will HCVSD find me an apprenticeship employer?

HCVSD provides related classroom instruction but does not guarantee apprenticeship employment or placement with an employer.

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Students who are not currently employed in the trade may enroll in related instruction while seeking qualifying employment.

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How Registered Apprenticeship Works

Registered apprenticeship combines:

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• Paid Work Training (OJT)
  Apprentices work under the supervision of experienced professional while earning wages and developing occupational skills.

 

• Related Technical Instruction (RTI)
  Apprentices complete classroom instruction that supports the knowledge and skills learned on the job. 
   

Apprentices typically work during the day and attend related-instruction classes in the evening.

 

How many hours are required?

Requirement varies by occupation and are established by the employer's registered apprenticeship standards.

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A traditional four-year apprenticeship may include approximately:

• ​8,000 hours of On-The-Job Training (OJT)
  (Approximately 2,000 hours of paid employment each apprenticeship year)

• 576 hours of Related Technical Instruction (RTI)
  (A minimum of 144 hours of classroom instruction during each four years)

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​HCVSD's Electrical, HVAC, Plumbing, and Heavy Equipment Operator related instruction programs are orgnaized into annual course levels, with each course providing approximately 150 hours of instruction.

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What course formats are available?

Course delivery varies by program and course level.

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Hybrid Learning

• Attend scheduled in-person instruction 

• Participate in a scheduled live virtual class and/or complete online assignments.

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Virtual Learning

• Attend scheduled live virtual classes

• Complete required coursework and assignments through the Learning Management System (LMS).

 

What happens when I complete my apprenticeship?

After a registered apprentice successfully completes the requirements established by the apprenticeship sponsor, including required on-the-job training and related instruction, the apprentice may be eligible to receive a nationally

recognized Certificate of Completion of Apprenticeship from the United States Department of Labor, Office of Apprenticeship.

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Completing HCVSD related-instruction courses alone does not constitute completion of a registered apprenticeship.

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Does completing an apprenticeship give me a New Jersey trade license?

No.  Apprenticeship completion and professional licensing are separate processes.

 

For Electrical, HVACR and Plumbing licensing requirements, contact the appropriate board through the New Jersey Division of Consumer Affairs. www.njconsumeraffairs.gov

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Ready to Get Started?

Explore our apprenticeship related-instruction courses and find the program that's right for you.

• Electrical

•  Heavy Equipment Operator 

• HVAC

• Plumbing

Notice to Employers

Employers play an essential role in Registered Apprenticeship.  The apprenticeship sponsor is responsible for hiring and paying the apprentice, providing supervised on-the-job training, tracking work hours and progress, and registering the apprenticeship program and apprentices.

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Employers interested in establishing or registering a Registered Apprenticeship Program  may receive assistance from the U.S. Department of Labor, Office of Apprenticeship.

 

There is no fee charged by the U.S. Department of Labor, Office of Apprenticeship to register an apprenticeship program. 

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Need Assistance?

U.S. Department of Labor, Office of Apprenticeship for Hunterdon, Somerset, Warren and Mercer County:

     Ms. Chris Lee, USDOL Representative

     Lee.Huiching@dol.gov  - 732-581-9097

 

Apprenticeship Coordination Assistance

    Ms. Christina Shockley, Hunterdon/Somerset County Apprenticeship Coordinator

    cshockley@hcvsd.org  -  908-284-1444 x2007.

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Explore Trade Careers

Learn more about career outlook, job duties, skills, and wages.

Electrical Occupational Profile 
Heavy Equipment Operator Occupational Profile
Plumbing Occupational Profile

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