Registered apprenticeships allow job-seekers to enter nationally recognized programs that will lead directly to in-demand careers while earning money and building their skillbase along the way.
Apprenticeships are all different depending on the employer and program, but will either be time-based, competency-based, or a combination of both. Regardless of which apprenticeship you pursue, you will receive mentoring from experience professionals, minimize debt, and earn pay on day one while continually increasing your wages throughout.
If you’re interested in learning more or getting started, reach out through the Contact Us button below or email apprenticeship@idmfg.org. You can also complete the form on our “contact us” page. A Forging Futures or Idaho Manufacturing Alliance representative will reach out to answer your questions and share the Occupational Standards for the apprenticeship you want for your review. From there, we will work with you to understand expectations for the apprenticeship, fill out agreements, and have you match with your employer!
Selection Procedures
No. Apprentices have the option to take classes from an approved program of their (or their employer’s) choice.
There is no cost to join the program as an apprentice. The employer is responsible for paying the apprentice’s wages and for the Apprenticeship fees with the Idaho Manufacturing Alliance. Educational credits may have additional cost associated for the apprentice unless the employer assumes responsibility for those educational costs. Students will be able to use Financial Aid (Grants, Scholarships, Veteran Benefits, etc.) to pay for educational credits.
Apprentices are not restricted from participating in multiple apprenticeships. However, due to the number of hours required by each occupation, we recommend participating in one apprenticeship occupation at a time.
Yes. Previous experience and training must be approved by the Apprenticeship Training Committee. This training may place an apprentice further along in their program.
Apprentices will be required to receive additional instruction on top of their job training. This credit can be obtained through local colleges/institutions, or can be obtained through an online program (ToolingU). We recommend working with an employer directly to determine the best option for receiving credit.
Upon completion of the program, the apprentice will receive a nationally recognized credential. The apprentice may have additional licensing requirements through the State of Idaho. Although it is not a requirement, we encourage apprentices continue working for their employer sponsor after they complete the program.
The employer is required to provide appropriate training and supervision as well as maintain employment and on-the-job training records. Apprentices will be treated as employees of the company.
From their first day of work, apprentices receive a paycheck that is guaranteed to increase as their training progresses. Apprentices also complete a combination of job-related instruction and hands-on training at the job site leading to a nationally recognized, portable credential. See the IMA Apprenticeship Value Proposition for more information on why an apprenticeship might be valuable for you.
Connecting Apprenticeship with your state and local workforce systems is a win-win partnership. The strategy helps businesses thrive by building a highly skilled, highly productive workforce, and it helps job seekers access and maintain stable careers with good wages. Additionally, apprenticeship is a successful job-driven training strategy that can be an effective tool under the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act.
Apprenticeship contributes to positive outcomes in each of the workforce system’s performance measures:
- Employment: Apprenticeship is a job. All apprentices enter employment when they begin an apprenticeship program.
- Retention: Apprenticeship programs have high retention rates; 91% of apprentices retain employment after the program ends.
- Earnings: The average starting wage for apprentices is $15.00 an hour, with wage increases as apprentices advance in skills and knowledge.
- Credential Attainment: All apprenticeship completers earn a national, industry recognized credential.
To apply as an apprentice, the individual must review the Standards of Apprenticeship and apply to the Forging Futures Apprenticeship Program. After we have received applications from apprentices, IMA will match apprentices with appropriate employers and vice versa.