Apprenticeships
Apprenticeships are available in hundreds of positions ranging from Accounting Clerk to Machinist, Firefighter to Graphic Arts Technician, Boat Builder to Sheet Metal Worker. See Become an Apprentice and browse the hundreds of occupations in our state with the Find an Apprenticeship tool. Many apprenticeships lead to well-paying, high-demand jobs. Our buildings will always need maintenance; our airplanes and ferries and boats will always need to be put together; our children will always need to be taken care of; our offices will always need workers.
Most apprenticeships require a high school diploma or GED and have minimum ages of 17 or 18.
Washington State Labor and Industries Department functions as Apprenticeship central for the state, listing both preparation programs and full apprenticeship programs. See links and files below.
Apprenticeship Resources
Video: Skilled Labor Shortage
PBS NewsHour segment focuses on a plumbing firm in Seattle and other skilled trades training programs, focusing on opportunities, salaries, and perceptions.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O_iHdmMOHZ0
Become an Apprentice
Great intro to WA State resources. Includes a handy list of which careers offer apprenticeships. It’s not only construction trades!
https://lni.wa.gov/licensing-permits/apprenticeship/become-an-apprentice
Video: Intro to Apprenticeships & Pre-Apprenticehips
Start here: it’s a nice 2-minute overview.
Video: Pre-Apprenticeships Seattle Area
Watch & learn about a local pre-apprenticeship program.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IpVUUxZwfUI
The Apprenticeship Alternative: What You Need to Know
An excellent overview of what apprencticeships involve. “Not your father’s apprenticeship” is one main point.
http://payingforcollege101.com/1859/the-apprenticeship-alternative-what-you-need-to-know/
Apprenticeship Preparation Programs
Often there are minimum standards beyond having high school diploma and being the age of 18 (some are open to 17 year olds). These programs–the sectors and training vary–will help young adults be prepared to enter an apprenticeship program.
https://lni.wa.gov/licensing-permits/apprenticeship/apprenticeship-preparation
Sisters in the Building Trades
This organization is just what it sounds like.
Programs
South Seattle College Apprenticeship Education Center
Every week, over 3000 apprentices train for more than 50 different trades at this facility. The possibilities are wide-ranging, from Iron Worker to Seattle City Light Electrical Worker, to Glassworker, to a Boeing program.
https://georgetown.southseattle.edu/apprenticeship-education-center/apprenticeship-training
ANEW Pre-Apprenticeship Programs
Offers 11-week free training programs for construction trades. Partners with several apprenticeship programs and provides job search & interview support. Frequent Shorewood guests.
Level Up Masonry & Marble Apprenticeships
Level Up Masonry Trades trains Bricklayers, Finishers, Marble Masons, Refractory Workers, Restoration Specialists, Stone Masons, and Terazzo Workers. Training is both on-the-job and in class. First year apprentices start at $22/ hour with benefits. Must be 18 and have a driver’s license.
Seattle Pre-Apprenticeship Construction Training
Earn a certificate through the Seattle Vocational Institute, part of Seattle Colleges.
The Pre-Apprenticeship Construction Training Program (PACT) includes both classroom instuction and hands-on skill building. Participants obtain several certifications necessary for construction trades.
Informational workshops offered.
https://svi.seattlecolleges.edu/pre-apprenticeship-construction-training-pact
The Western Washington definitive guidebook on Pre-Apprenticeship programs and Apprenticeship options. Start with this!
Apprenticeship Catalog of Programs & Services
L & I publication with everything you need to know about apprenticeships, including links and descriptions for Pre-Apprenticeship Programs in the area.
A Parent’s Guide to Apprenticeships
An excellent summary of how apprenticeships work, how parents can help their young people find opportunities, and an outline of major industries that offer apprenticeships. A publication of Washington State Labor & Industries.
