Apprenticeships
Earn While You Learn.
Start your career while you're still training. College of the Mainland partners with employers to develop U.S. Department of Labor Registered Apprenticeships and industry-recognized apprenticeship programs that combine paid employment, hands-on training and job-related instruction.
Gain real-world experience while building the skills, knowledge and credentials needed to advance in your career.
What is an Apprenticeship?
An apprenticeship is an industry-driven career pathway that combines employment, structured on-the-job training and job-related instruction. Programs are developed with employers around the skills and competencies required for a specific occupation.
College of the Mainland offers both U.S. Department of Labor Registered Apprenticeships and industry-recognized apprenticeship programs, giving employers and apprentices flexible options to meet workforce needs.
Registered Apprenticeships
Industry-recognized apprenticeships
Apprenticeship Benefits
Apprenticeships create opportunities for individuals and strengthen the workforce for employers.
For Apprentices
- Earn while you learn
- Gain real-world experience
- Develop skills employers need
- Build a pathway to a rewarding career
- Earn valuable credentials
For Employers
- Develop and retain a skilled workforce
- Build a talent pipeline for the future
- Upskill current employees
- Create training aligned with your workforce needs
- Strengthen your industry through education and workforce development
Build Your Workforce With COM
Whether you are developing new talent, upskilling current employees or building a workforce pipeline for future growth, COM can help develop Registered and industry-recognized apprenticeship programs that are aligned with your business goals.
Frequently Asked Questions
An apprenticeship is an industry-driven career pathway that combines paid employment, structured on-the-job training and related instruction. Apprentices develop the skills and competencies required for a specific occupation while gaining real-world experience.
Yes. Apprenticeships include paid employment. Employment schedules and compensation vary by employer and apprenticeship.
On-the-job training is structured workplace learning that allows apprentices to develop and demonstrate the skills required for their occupation while working with experienced professionals or mentors.
Related instruction provides the classroom, lab or technical education that complements workplace training. COM works with employers to align instruction with the knowledge and skills required for the occupation.
A Registered Apprenticeship is an industry-driven apprenticeship registered with the U.S. Department of Labor. It combines paid employment, structured on-the-job training and related instruction and leads to a nationally recognized U.S. Department of Labor credential upon successful completion.
An industry-recognized apprenticeship is developed with an employer around the skills and competencies needed for a specific occupation. Program structure, training requirements, progression and credentials may vary based on the employer and industry.
Program length varies by occupation, employer and apprenticeship model. Programs may be time based, competency based or use a combination of time and demonstrated competency.
The application process varies by apprenticeship. For employer-sponsored programs, candidates may apply with the participating employer before enrolling in apprenticeship training at COM. Review the individual apprenticeship opportunity for specific application steps.
Requirements vary by employer and occupation. Review the individual apprenticeship opportunity for qualifications and eligibility requirements.
Credentials vary by apprenticeship. Registered Apprenticeships lead to a portable, nationally recognized U.S. Department of Labor credential. Other programs may incorporate industry certifications, college credentials or other recognized occupational credentials.
Potentially. Some apprenticeship training may align with COM credit programs. Prior Learning Assessment may allow eligible apprentices to receive college credit for completed training and work experience. Credit is evaluated individually and is not automatic.
Yes. Apprenticeships can be used to develop new employees or help current employees build skills and prepare for advancement, depending on the program developed with the employer.
Yes. COM works with employers to explore Registered Apprenticeship and industry-recognized apprenticeship models based on workforce needs, occupations and training requirements.