What is an apprenticeship?

Apprenticeship is a combination of paid on-the-job training and job-related-instruction in which workers learn the practical and theoretical aspects of a highly skilled occupation.

Why is apprenticeship a solution for recruiting new talent?

With the Baby Boomer population on the verge of retiring, apprenticeships offer companies the opportunity to provide a roadmap to individuals seeking direction, mentoring and the opportunity to be paid to learn a skill that allows them to earn a living and assist companies in filling critically needed occupations.

How does the TTC Division of Apprenticeships and Employer Partnerships assist companies?

Trident Technical College’s Division of Apprenticeships and Employer Partnerships office provides consultative and training services designed to help local companies who are in need of skilled workers and are seeking alternative ways for developing new talent. We do this by partnering with local companies and assisting them with developing U. S. Department of Labor Apprenticeship (USDOL) programs and then connecting them with aspiring apprentices who are seeking opportunities.

What are the responsibilities of employer partners who participate in an apprenticeship program?

• Register the company apprenticeship with the United States Department of Labor (USDOL).
• Grant equal treatment and training opportunities for all aspiring apprentices.
• Have equipment available and rotate apprentices in the various processes of the skilled occupation.
• Identify a mentor for apprentice(s).
• Interview and hire aspiring apprentices to train in company apprenticeship program.
• Oversee apprentice’s on-the-job training and monitor attendance at related training classes.
• Periodically review and evaluate apprentices.
• Pay apprentices a scalable wage.
• Recommend Award of Completion certificate when an apprentice has satisfactorily completed the required coursework and on-the-job training.

How do I register an apprenticeship program with the United States Department of Labor (USDOL) for my company?

Trident Technical College’s Division of Apprenticeships and Employer Partnerships will connect you with Apprenticeship Carolina, a state agency that assists South Carolina companies with registering apprenticeship programs. All services provided by Apprenticeship Carolina are at no cost.

What is the purpose of the Charleston Regional Adult Apprenticeship program?

The purpose of the Charleston Regional Adult Apprenticeship program is to connect individuals with companies interested in starting USDOL Registered Apprenticeship Programs.

How does the TTC Division of Apprenticeship Programs recruit individuals for the adult apprenticeship program?

The Charleston Regional Adult Apprenticeship program advertises new apprenticeship opportunities in the following ways:

• Email blast to 6,000 TTC students and alumni through our Student Employment office
• Announcement to program-specific classes
• Advertisement with local Workforce Investment Boards

What are the minimum requirements for individuals who apply for the Charleston Regional Adult Apprenticeship program?

All applicants must:

• Be at least 18 years of age.
• Be a high school graduate or have a GED.
• Be legally able to work in the United States.
• Complete ACCUPLACER test and achieve minimum scores for the program they are seeking.
• Complete Apprenticeship Application Package.
• Sign Release of Information form.

How does the TTC Division of Apprenticeship Programs connect aspiring apprentices with apprenticeship opportunities?

• Aspiring apprentices notify TTC Division of Apprenticeships and Employer Partnerships of their interest.
• Aspiring apprentices fill out apprenticeship application and submit to TTC Division of Apprenticeships and Employer Partnerships office.
• Companies notify TTC Division of Apprenticeships and Employer Partnerships office when new apprenticeship opportunity becomes available.
• TTC advertises opportunity to aspiring apprentices.
• TTC Division of Apprenticeships and Employer Partnerships office forwards apprenticeship application and resume to employer.
• Employer contacts applicants, interviews and, if an offer of employment is made, student begins employment and TTC classes.
• Student graduates with TTC certificate and USDOL Journeyman credential.

What are the benefits of starting an apprenticeship program and partnering with TTC's Division of Apprenticeships and Employer Partnerships?

• Access to aspiring apprentices
• Recruit and screen potential employees
• Free consultative services
• Workers compensation coverage of apprentice provided by TTC
• $1,000 tax credits for each apprentice for up to four years

Who is responsible for funding the Job Related Education (JRE) portion of the apprenticeship program?

All tuition, books and other fees are billed once a semester to employer partners.
NOTE: Aspiring apprentices sponsored by workforce development partners fund up to $7,500 for all tuition, books and other costs.

How can I reduce my Job-Related-Education (JRE) costs for the apprenticeship program?

• Ensure each aspiring apprentice has filed for financial aid through the college. TTC’s office invoices employer partners after all financial aid has been applied. If aspiring apprentice receives federal aid, in many cases JRE is free to the employer.
• Hire a veteran with GI Bill® benefits.
• For-profit companies are eligible for a $1,000 tax credit per year, per apprentice for up to four years or $4,000.

What apprenticeship occupations can be recruited?

• Air Conditioning and Heating
• Assembler/Machine Setup Operator
• CAD Technician
• Culinary Arts
• Electrician
• Engineering Technician
• Hotel Operations
• Industrial Mechanic
• Machinist

Can you develop apprenticeships and recruit students for other occupations?

TTC Division of Apprenticeships and Employer Partnerships office can assist companies with developing any type of apprenticeship and recruit individuals interested in participating.

GI Bill® is a registered trademark of the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). More information about education benefits offered by VA is available at the official U.S. government Web site at  http://benefits.va.gov/gibill.