What is an Apprenticeship?
A registered apprenticeship is a voluntary partnership between an Employer and one or more Employees who receive on-the-job training, employer-paid schooling and supervision by a qualified and experienced machinist, CNC, maintenance or specialist supervisor who is an “expert”. “Registered” apprenticeships are approved by and certificates are awarded by the State of California and the US Department of Labor.
What is the committment?
A regular Apprenticeship is either 4,000 Hours or 8,000 Hours on-the-job supervised training from the designated skill standard plus 288 or 576 Hours of CTMAA certified College courses – depending upon the trade.
An entry-level candidate with good mechanical aptitude, reasonable math and language skills, working full time and taking class one or two nights (or a Saturday) per week for 2 Semesters per year will complete our program – all the while earning an increasing wage as his or her skills increase – with NO college debt!
What are the requirements?
Your Apprenticeship is sponsored and paid by Your Employer. If you do not have an employer – or your employer is not willing or able to sponsor – we cannot enroll you in this program.
What if I am not currently employed?
Sometimes, CTMAA may know of employers looking for motivated, responsible entry-level trainees. Email a cover note, resume and work experience, and most of all, show you are serious by enrolling on your own at a local college machine shop course.
Pre-Application Checklist
Select a College CERTIFICATE PROGRAM Near Where You Live or Work
CTMAA has certified the above college Machine Technology Certificate programs meet the standards set forth for apprenticeship. You are responsible for enrolling in the college and completing each class to earn the college certificate – with a ‘C’ or better grade. Apprentice employers are required to reimburse apprentices in good standing for their college tuition, books and necessary fees.
Discuss with Your Supervisor - Will the Company Sponsor Your Program?
Discuss with Your Supervisor – Will the Company Sponsor Your Program? Next, at a meeting with your employer and you – we’ll walk you both through each of your responsibilities and determine if your prior experience or background might enable your employer to ACCELERATE from a 4-year program to a shorter period. If you have taken any machining courses or have performed relevant shop duties – it is this initial meeting where CTMAA and your employer determine the length and elements of the 2 or 4-year program you’ll be required to complete.
CTMAA Success Story
“My dad and I rebuilt a 1955 Ford pickup as my first car. I started remembering that I’ve always liked taking things apart and building stuff. It almost seemed more natural. I was thinking about the viability and the job market and what I was going to do and how I could continue to grow and learn. I didn’t see school as something I could do and continue to work full-time to raise my family. As an apprentice, I now work full-time. I now go to school full-time and I’m a full-time parent. So, it’s like 3 full-time jobs right there. Because I’m in this apprenticeship, I’m able to be sponsored to go to school and my boss has graciously worked around my hours.”
