An apprenticeship is a real job where you learn, gain experience and get paid. You’re an employee with a contract of employment and holiday leave. By the end of an apprenticeship, you’ll have the right skills and knowledge needed for your chosen career.

It can take between one and 4 years to complete an apprenticeship depending on which one you choose, what level it is and your previous experience. 

 Eligibility

Sponsors of registered apprenticeship programs are considered employers. As a registered apprentice, you immediately become part of the employer’s workforce.

To be eligible to become an apprentice, you must meet the employer’s minimum qualifications. Each employer has different minimum qualifications. Most require:

• A high school diploma, or
• The equivalent of a high school diploma

Some employers require:

• Specific high school courses
• Prior experience
• Courses related to the occupation
• Physical requirements (e.g. be able to lift 40 lbs

 Training

Each apprenticeship trade has a standard training outline. This assures that apprentices, in the same trade, across the state receive training on the same tasks and obtain the same set of skills when they complete a Registered Apprenticeship program. The length of time it takes you to learn the skills of the trade will depend upon the length of the program.

Each trade has a definite term of training. As a registered apprentice, you may progress according to that training term, or you may become skilled more quickly or more slowly than the training term. You may even start your apprenticeship with credit toward your goal. This is because your employer may choose to award you credit for prior work experience or coursework in the trade. 

You work under the guidance of experienced workers called journeyworkers. You learn the skills of the trade from them. As you master each skill, you become a more productive employee and valuable part of the Sponsors workforce.

While you are working, you will also be required to attend related instruction in a classroom. The place and time of instruction is set up by your employer.

At the successful completion of your Registered Apprenticeship, the Department of Labor will award you with a “Certificate of Completion.” This is a nationally recognized credential, showing you have reached mastered the skills of the trade and reached the level of journeyworker. 

Know the occupation

Apprenticeship is a 1-5 year commitment to prepare you for a specific occupation. Explore the career before making that commitment. Talk to people in this job, research the occupation online and make sure it is a good fit for you.

Know yourself

Apprenticeship is for people who:

• Are ready to take on the responsibilities of a job
• Like to learn by doing
• Want their education to be relevant
• Want or need to be financially self-supporting
• Do not want to take on college debt
• Are motivated to build mastery in their chosen career

Understand the apprenticeship program

Apprenticeship programs have core components, but every apprenticeship program will be different based on the occupation. Each Registered Apprenticeship program has Standards that outline the program and the sponsor (employer) is required to provide these to apprentices. There is also an Apprenticeship Agreement you will be asked to sign to become an apprentice. These documents will tell you:

• What you will learn on the job
• What related education is required and who will pay for it
• When and where courses are offered
• Is instruction paid or unpaid
• How many hours of paid work can be expected in the first year
• What is the wage progression schedule and how will progress be evaluated
• How much college credit will be earned for the apprenticeship and is there a path to completing a college degree

Meet with a Workforce Development Specialist to explore support

Applicants may be eligible for Workforce Development dollars for training. Contact or visit the Virgin Islands Department of Labor:

St. Croix                                              St. Thomas

[Address]                                            [Address]

340.773.1994                                      340.776-3700

Stay on top of documentation

Once you are on the job, learn about how On-the-Job Learning and Education will be documented and be diligent about keeping records of your work hours and courses completed. It will be your job to provide transcripts for your completed education to your sponsor unless your sponsor is providing education in-house.

Click HERE for the full list of apprenticeship programs.

If you are interested in becoming an apprentice, you may contact the Virgin Islands Department of Labor Apprenticeship office at 340-776-3700 ext 2080 or apprenticeshipvi@dol.vi.gov for more information or follow the steps below:

Step 1: View current apprenticeship programs.

Step 2: For additional information on becoming an apprentice, here is a link to an introductory presentation “Registered Apprenticeships:  Earn as You Learn!”

Step 2: Complete the Apprenticeship Interest Application.

Step 3: Apply directly to the program sponsor or employer.

Note: The Virgin Islands Department of Labor does not place individuals into apprenticeship programs. Sponsor and/or employers hire apprentices directly. These sponsors and/or employers may work through VIDOL to hire. An apprenticeship program sponsor may not be hiring at the time of your search. You must contact the apprenticeship program sponsors directly to find out the application requirements.

For tips on how to apply for a job, find education and training, or to identify more job opportunities, visit the Virgin Islands Electronic Workforce System.