Trades & Apprenticeships

Building and Industry Trades

Want to learn a trade in construction or be an electrician, plumber or builder?

The Registered Apprenticeship system of training is unique in that it is the only formal, structured, and nationally recognized education and training program available that combines the two most common forms of career and occupational learning: classroom instruction with on-the-job training.

Apprentices not only learn occupational skills in the classroom, their learning is expanded to include hands-on, paid, on-the-job training! Students learn and practice all phases of the trade/occupation in real-world applications. The program must be registered with the California Division of Apprenticeship Standards (DAS).

Registered Apprenticeship programs may take from 1-6 years to complete, depending on the occupation. Most programs are 3-4 years in length. The length of training (term) is determined by standards adopted by the industry.

Each industry establishes its own minimum age requirement, although the typical minimum age is 18. There are no upper age limits on apprentices.