Apprenticeship Applicant FAQ
- Am I eligible for apprenticeship program?
- Yes, everyone is eligible to apply and participate in apprenticeship program.
- Do I need to have a degree to apply?
- No, you do not need a degree to apply. However, if you have a degree and are finding it challenging to get a job in the tech field, Bridge Builders can help get you in the door. No prior technical experience is required to be accepted into our program.
- How do I apply for the apprenticeship program?
- The application includes a short questionnaire where you’ll share information about yourself, your desired occupation, and your location. After applying, you’ll receive an email with instructions on how to complete the Bridge Builders assessment. The assessment is an opportunity to demonstrate your competency in math, critical thinking, and interpersonal skills, and make sure you’re ready for the intensive Related Technical Instruction required for the apprenticeship.
- How many apprenticeship openings are available?
- The number of available apprenticeship openings is based on the interest and demand of hiring partners. Apprenticeship opportunities become available on a rolling basis.
- What can I expect after being accepted into the program?
- We will enroll you in accelerated, full-time classroom-based technical training that takes between two and five months to complete, depending on the occupation. Once you complete technical training, the next step is paid on-the-job training with your employer, which lasts one year. After successfully completing your apprenticeship, you may be hired into a permanent position with your employer.
- What can I expect to earn during my apprenticeship?
- As a Registered Apprenticeship program, Bridge Builders sets minimum rates for pay based on location and occupation. Employers may pay their apprentices more than those minimum rates but not less. As apprentices’ skills and experience increase, so does their pay. Apprentices are also entitled to health and dental benefits during their on-the-job training and potentially other standard company benefits, such as 401(k) retirement savings or a health care savings account.
Employer FAQ
- Why Apprenticeship?
- The answer is simple. The United States does not produce enough tech talent to fill growing needs each year. As such, employers require a secondary system in which they can produce and attain talent. We see a future where organizations will have two talent development pipelines: the university system and registered apprenticeship. The intent of the U.S. in the elevation of registered apprenticeship programs is to help organizations become more confident posting jobs with the requirement of either a college degree or completion of an apprenticeship. Europe and Asia have adopted apprenticeships in nearly every industry and continue to reap the benefits.
- What are the benefits of registered apprenticeship?
- Registered apprenticeship creates a diverse, flexible pool of employees who are trained with specific skills needed in the workplace. It’s a proven and integrated workforce strategy, recognized by the Department of Labor, and allows employers to reduce recruiting and hiring time and save money by selecting and developing a qualified workforce at training wages. Registered apprenticeship is proven to instill loyalty and increase productivity because employees are in a structured training program that pays dividends through high retention rates. Apprentices also receive vast benefits. Registered apprenticeship offers them a pathway to a career, education, and income, as well as hands-on experience with portable skills to help launch their career in tech.
- What’s the difference between and internship and a registered apprenticeship?
- Internships offer job exposure for a short period of time, typically 1-6 months, with a variable structure that may include on-the-job training. Registered apprenticeships offer job experience and begin with the intent to retain. Typically lasting at least one year, the registered apprenticeship commitment includes competency benchmarks with structured technical and on-the-job training. Successful completion of registered apprenticeship results in a transferable, nationally recognized credential certifying competency as a fully qualified worker in a specific occupational role.
- Are employers required to hire apprentices after their apprenticeship?
- Employment at the conclusion of apprenticeship is “at will,” so employers are not required to hire their apprentice/s post-apprenticeship. However, more than 8 out of 10 apprentices receive full-time offers at the completion of their program. Employers find their investment in job-specific apprentice training consistently pays off.
