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 Career Planning and Development: Apprenticeship
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Apprenticeship?
It is an employer's training program. It is a time-honored program combining on-the-job training (OJT) and related instruction (RI) resulting in a skilled craftsperson.
Why should I participate?
Some reasons are: graduated pay scale, higher wages in the future, greater promotion potential, less likely to be laid off, and a State Certificate that distinguishes you from your peers. Many graduate apprentices become supervisors, estimators, or business owners.
What is a Certification Card?
A wallet-size identification card certifying you as a registered apprentice with your current employer, issued by your Virginia Department of Labor and Industry (VADOLI) apprenticeship representative.
When do I complete my apprenticeship?
When you finish both OJT (as a Virginia Registered Apprentice) and RI.
How do I complete?
By having VADOLI certify completion of OJT from your employer and completion of RI from Fairfax County Public Schools (FCPS).
What do I receive?
Electricians, Plumbers, and HVAC completers are pre-approved to sit for the state exam. They get their VA state Journeyman's license exam application from VADOLI. All registered apprentices receive a certificate of completion from the State of Virginia that is recognized nationally (transfers to other states). Only registered apprentices complete and earn a state apprenticeship certificate. Non-registered apprentices who successfully complete related instruction will earn a FCPS certificate of completion.
What if I become unemployed or laid off and need another job?
Stay in school, register with the Virginia Employment Commission (VEC) and call the Adult Education Counselor’s office at 703-227-2220, for a list of recent job openings. Seek employment with a company willing to sponsor your apprenticeship training.
When do I get my application for taking the test for a license?
About a month after the related instructor coordinator signs off on your class work and the employer signs off on your OJT, and if you are a Virginia registered apprentice, you will receive your application at graduation or in the mail. If you are not a Virginia registered apprentice, you must call PSI at 800-733-9267 or www.psiexams.com. Electrical, Plumbing, and HVAC apprenticeship completers who are registered with their current employer prior to July 1, 1997, are exempt from taking the exam but must file an application to receive a license. Cosmetology and Nail Technicians call Experior Assessments at 800-356-3381 to get your applications.
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Official Registration as an Apprentice
Am I registered?
Yes, if you have signed a state document or apprenticeship agreement or certification card with your current employer.
How do I get registered?
Ask your employer to call the Virginia Department of Labor and Industry (VADOLI).
703-392-0900 (extension: 102, 103, or 108)
How does my employer get registered/certified?
Call VADOLI to set up a program and to register a new employee into an established program. This free service usually takes less than an hour for traditional trades to set up a program and only 15 minutes to register a new employee.
Why do I need to keep a record of OJT?
To document your OJT for your protection if you change employers and to prove you have the field experience needed to become a journeyworker.
If I change employers, am I still registered?
No. Apprenticeship is a training agreement between an employer and that employee. It is not transferable.
What should I do if I change employers?
Stay in school, but call the VADOLI and the related instruction office, as soon as possible. You can be re-registered without loss of credit. Call for details.
If an employment change occurs, what happens and who do I tell?
If a registered apprentice changes jobs, the registration with your previous job is voided. You must call the apprenticeship office. Your new employer must call VADOLI.
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Apprenticeship Classroom
What is Related Instruction (RI)?
Related Instruction classes, administered through Fairfax County Public Schools (FCPS), are primarily for the purpose of teaching the appropriate knowledge in your related trade area that will be the foundation for continued advancement throughout your career. RI classes also enhance your understanding of work skills being performed on the job. It is not intended to teach trade skills nor produce a qualified trades person from the classroom, although demonstrations and labs are often included.
What is the attendance policy?
You must attend a minimum 85 percent of scheduled classes.
How do I get my grades?
The Apprenticeship Office will mail quarterly grades and accumulated hours to employers about every eight weeks. Employers or apprentices may request interim reports from the instructor at any time. Grades and attendance are posted on transcripts and are sent to the apprentice's home in late July.
If I am not registered, will I get credit for the class?
Yes.
If I am not registered, can I still enroll in Related Instruction?
Yes (except for Cosmetology, Barbering, Nail Technology, and Directed Study).
What is different about Cosmetology, Barbering, Nail Technology, and Directed Study?
These classes are structured specifically for apprentices. If you are not working in a shop and are not registered, you need a program with other components. Call 703-227-2368 for information on Trade and Industry's Cosmetology program. A cosmetology, barbering, or nail technician apprentice may begin related instruction at any time during the year. The fees are good for one calendar year. If the related theory is not completed in one calendar year; the tuition for another year must be paid.
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More Information
When will I know if I have passed?
Ask your instructor or your employer at the last class, or ask your employer 2 or 3 weeks after your last class. Seventy percent (70%) grade with 85% attendance is passing.
What if I fail?
You must retake the course or take a Credit-By-Exam (if available) and earn a passing grade of 70% or more.
Can I still stay in school if I switch employers?
Yes, in fact you should stay in school.
What if you need additional help with related instruction?
First talk to your instructor and other classmates. Your employer may also be able to suggest a mentor.
Who pays for my schooling?
You or your employer or a combination. It varies depending on company policy.
Who may visit our related instruction class?
People and groups interested in the apprenticeship program including employers, advisory committee members, VADOLI representatives, college students, curriculum coordinators, building coordinators, and/or related instruction coordinators.
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Apprenticeship Terms/Definitions
Apprentice: Person, 16 years or older, learning a trade with OJT and RI in accordance with state and federal apprenticeship standards.
Apprenticeship: A certified, structured, well-defined program of training that combines supervised on-the-job training skills with related instruction training in the classroom.
Apprenticeship Agreement: Voluntarily signed document between employer (sponsor) and the apprentice that establishes their commitment and responsibilities.
Apprenticeship Representative: A person employed with the Virginia Department of Labor & Industry who registers and certifies program sponsors, registers apprentices and certifies completions.
Certification Card: Wallet-sized identification card issued by VADOLI certifying that you are a registered apprentice.
Completion: Finishing both on the job training (OJT) and related instruction (RI).
Credit-By-Exam: Optional test designed to give advanced placement for a specific level to students with prior training. (Note: Exams are not available for all courses and levels.)
Fairfax County Public Schools (FCPS): Agency responsible for related instruction and certifying its completion.
Licensing: Upon completion of apprenticeship you will receive your application at graduation or in the mail. If you are not a Virginia registered apprentice, you must call PSI at 800-733-9267. Electrical, Plumbing, and HVAC apprenticeship completers who are registered with their current employer prior to July 1, 1997, are exempt from taking the exam; but must file an application to receive a license. Cosmetology and Nail Technicians can call Experior Assessments at 800-356-3381 to get their applications.
OJT: On-the-job training.
OJT Credit: Credit granted by current employer for previous work experience and/or documented by record books.
Program Sponsor/Sponsor: A "registered program sponsor" is an individual employer, association, or joint apprenticeship committee with a Virginia address who has adopted VA Apprenticeship Standards with VADOLI. Also, they must have registered a structured, OJT training program, including specific work assignments, wage scales and the requirement to attend related instruction classes.
Record Book: Booklet for daily logging of OJT hours into categories based on work processes detailed in your apprenticeship agreement.
Registered: A person is a registered apprentice only if he/she has signed an apprenticeship agreement with a registered program sponsor who is his/her employer and has been certified by VADOLI.
Related Instruction:
Related knowledge and information about a trade that enhances and supplements OJT.
RI Credit: Credit for related instruction from other sources is granted via credit by examination or with documentation of participation in a program approved by FCPS.
Transcript: Record of attendance and grades in RI.
Virginia Deptartment of Labor and Industry (VADOLI):
Agency responsible for supervision and certification of OJT, registering apprentices, certifying and registering employers and issuing state certificates.
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