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Apprenticeship

• Nuts and Bolts
• Virginia Licensing Information
• Employer Information
• Directed Study
• Credit by Exam
• Class Offerings
• In the News

Nuts and Bolts

Apprenticeship is a two-part training program consisting of classroom related instruction and on-the-job training (OJT). Apprenticeship related-instruction classes are designed to complement OJT provided by employers participating in the Virginia state registered apprenticeship program. ACE offers classes in building maintenance, carpentry, cosmetology, barbering, electricity, electronic systems, HVAC-R, opticianry, painting, plumbing, and surveying. For other trades, we offer individualized study to meet the requirements for related instruction for state registered apprentices. All classes are open to nonregistered apprentices.

Each apprenticeship program has its own requirements in terms of hours and project completions. The work processes and curriculum for each program is listed in PDF format for you to view. Keep track of your work experiences on a work log.

Need more information on what it takes to be a state registered apprentice? Visit frequently asked questions.

 

Virginia Licensing Information

Check for current Virginia Licensing Information.

Employer Information

The Virginia Registered Apprenticeship is a training system that produces highly-skilled workers to meet the demands of employers competing in a global economy through a combination of on-the-job training and theoretical classroom instruction. It is a win-win approach to workforce development for more than 13,000 apprentices throughout the Commonwealth.

The Virginia Registered Apprenticeship currently meets the needs of approximately 2,000 Virginia sponsors who use custom programs to train their employees in a variety of occupations, ranging from high tech to highly-skilled trades.

Get details from the Virginia Department of Labor and Industry about registering employees with an apprenticeship representative.

Directed Study

Virginia registered apprentices are eligible for individualized instruction and study of the related theory in trades for which there are two few apprentices for a unit class. The student must be working in the trade of study. Trades in our directed study program include, but are not limited to, millwright, glazier, and heavy equipment operator.

Credit-by-Exam

A credit-by-exam (CBE) is designed to give advanced placement to students with prior training. CBEs are optional. Most exams take two hours to complete. View the current credit-by-exam schedule.

Class Offerings

Full 2011-2012 Catalog

Beauty Services
Cosmetologists and barbers provide beauty services to their clients. 

• View barbering and cosmetology classes
  
• Curriculum

Electricity
Electricians install and repair electrical wiring and systems in residential and commercial buildings following local and national electrical code specifications.

• View electricity classes
  
• Curriculum
  

HVAC-R
A heating, ventilation, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic installs and repairs systems that control air temperature and movement in residential and commercial buildings.

•  View HVAC-R classes
  
• Curriculum
  

Opticianry
Opticians order and adjust eyeglasses and contact lenses for clients who have had their eyesight evaluated by an ophthalmologist or optometrist. 

• View opticianry classes
  
• Curriculum
  

Plumbing
Plumbers install, maintain, and repair the pipes and fixtures that carry water, gas, or drainage to or from a building.

• View plumbing classes
  
• Curriculum
  

Surveying
Surveyors measure land, air space, and water areas and describe what it looks like and how much space is available. Their findings are used in deeds, leases, and other legal documents. 

• View surveying classes
  
• Curriculum
  

In the News - Nancy Benjamin, Opticianry Instructor

Nancy Benjamin, a Northern Virginia native, is the sole owner and operator of Brahm Opticians. Nancy began her career as an optician over 31 years ago. At the age of just 16, she entered the opticianry workforce as an apprentice and began aggressively pursuing and obtaining the necessary certifications and credentials to one day strike out on her own.

A distinctive entrepreneurial spirit guided her, and a short time later in 1987 she accomplished her dream of becoming a business owner by acquiring Brahm Opticians, all while balancing the demands of early motherhood and raising a family.

She has tirelessly demonstrated devotion to her trade, fostering future entrepreneurs by providing instruction in her field for over 26 years. She is also a published author of several technical opticianry text books.

Nancy has lived and worked in the West End of Alexandria for over 26 years and has involved herself philanthropically throughout her residence. As the mother of four children, all of whom attended City of Alexandria Public Schools, she played an active role throughout the years in the school system and the community. She’s held numerous positions in the schools’ PTAs, donated time and financial resources to the schools and to help feed and shelter the homeless. In addition to her business acumen, her friendly nature has been one of her greatest assets enabling her to build a loyal customer base and solid relationships in the community over the years.

Credentials:

• VA State Licensed
• ABO Certified (American Board of Opticianry)
• Refractometry Certified
• VA Apprentice Training Program