Frequently asked questions

What is the scope of the program?

The apprenticeship program is a 3.5 year program. In addition to instruction time, apprentices are required to complete 7,000 hours (2,000 hours/year) of on-the-job-training hours. PHCCLA has a school in Shreveport and an eLearning course.

Why do I have to complete the program?

An apprenticeship is no longer required to apply for your residential-limited or journeyman license.  However, when enrolled in a program, you have a 6 month advantage to take qualify for tests sooner.

When can I enroll in the program?

Applications are accepted year round.

What are the age requirements of the program? 

A potential apprentice must be at least 16 years of age at the time of entry in the program, unless state or local laws and applicable regulations supersede such minimum age requirement.

What are the education requirements of the program? 

A high school diploma or GED equivalency is recommended. Applicants who do not posses one of the recommended documents must demonstrate suitable capability through a math entrance exam to maintain the established pace of the instructional program.

What are the employment requirements of the program? 

Apprentices must be employed by an approved plumbing heating-cooling contracting company.

Can credit be given for previous work experience?

Credit may be granted to new applicants who demonstrate previous achievement of skills or knowledge equal to what would be received under the apprenticeship program. This credit may be no greater than the equivalent of 3,500 hours.

How much does it cost to enroll in the program?

Tuition is $900/enrollment period (6 months), and includes textbooks.  

What are my options to attend school?

Shreveport - Apprentices meet for a full week four times a year. Attendance for the full week is mandatory.

eLearning - Apprentices follow online, self-disciplined, instruction, completing all assignments and tests on a pre-defined timeline. 

Can I finish the program early?

No, you must complete the course work and 1,000 hours of on the job training each enrollment period.  If you complete the eLearning assignments early, you may only move on once you have submitted 1,000 hours. 

How do I navigate the eLearning portal?

You can click here to download the user guide. 

What is IWTP?

The IWTP Small Business Employee Training Program (SBET) is designed to benefit business and industry by assisting in the skill development of existing employees through individual, standardized (off-the shelf) training. Employers are reimbursed for tuition and required textbooks and manuals once the training has been completed and proper documentation has been submitted to the Louisiana Workforce Commission (LWC).

What are the program requirements for IWTP? 

• An apprentice must be employed with the employer throughout the ENTIRE semester in order to qualify for reimbursement.

• Requests may only be submitted at the beginning of the semester (during the application timeframe) and claimed at the conclusion of the semester.

• If an apprentice changes employers during a semester, all reimbursements are forfeited and are not transferrable.

• An employee is only eligible for this program if ALL of the following criteria are met:

1. Employer must be a Louisiana based business with fifty or fewer employees.

2. Employer must have been in business in the state for at least three years, contributing and in full compliance with state UI tax laws.

3. Trainees must be incumbent workers for whom the employer incurs a state UI tax liability.

4. Employer can not receive IWTP Small Business Employee Training and IWTP customized training concurrently.

5. The request for training must be in a labor demand occupation(s) (Excel®) as defined for Workforce Investment Act (WIA) purposes, or in a cluster based industry as defined in Vision 2020.

How do I apply for IWTP? 

During the application time, PHCCLA will submit all apprentice information to the IWTP program and inform employers of all necessary follow-up documents that must submitted on their own.