Apprenticeships
The AZ CTE Curriculum Consortium Registered Apprenticeship Program is officially recognized by the Arizona Department of Economic Security, Office of Apprenticeship. We provide a streamlined, supported process to help your business develop skilled, work-ready talent – while giving students life-changing opportunities.
Employers
Partnering with us is easy, impactful, and fully supported.
Step 1 – Connect With Us
Meet with our Apprenticeship Coordinator to discuss your workforce needs and how an apprentice can support your team.
Step 2 – Define the Role
We’ll help create or refine a job description aligned with classroom instruction and real-world skills.
Step 3 – Meet Qualified Candidates
We refer trained, motivated CTE high school students. You choose who to interview and bring onto your team.
Step 4 – Onboard & Assign a Mentor
We coordinate paperwork, scheduling, and orientation. You assign a mentor or supervisor to guide the apprentice.
Step 5 – Train on the Job
Apprentices contribute immediately while building skills through hands-on experience and related classroom learning.
Step 6 – Stay Connected
Our team provides regular check-ins, performance support, and troubleshooting when needed.
Step 7 – Evaluate Next Steps
At the end of the placement, you may hire, extend, or help the student transition to their next opportunity.
involved:
- Paid Employment: You set the wage (must meet minimum wage); many employers offer raises as skills grow.
- Work Hours: Up to 40 hours/week, based on student and business schedules.
- Mentorship: Assign a mentor or supervisor to guide, support, and give feedback.
- On-the-Job Training: You provide hands-on instruction tailored to your workplace.
- Classroom Learning: Students complete related instruction through Curriculum Connection.
- Check-Ins: Monthly or as needed; we keep communication brief and purposeful.
- Duration: Placements range from a semester to a full school year—or longer, if desired.
If the match isn’t right, we’ll help reassess or reassign. No long-term obligation.
Build a Skilled Talent Pipeline
- Access trained, motivated students
- Shape future employees to fit your needs
- Reduce recruitment and turnover costs
Save Time and Money on Training
- Apprentices arrive with foundational skills
- We handle coordination, scheduling, and training plans
- Apprentices earn lower wages than fully qualified workers, reducing labor costs
Boost Productivity and Engagement
- Apprentices contribute from day one
- Their energy, curiosity, and drive often increase morale across the team
- Mentoring builds leadership among current staff
Demonstrate Community Leadership
- Strengthen partnerships with local schools
- Show your commitment to workforce development
- Help close industry skills gaps
What is an apprenticeship?
A structured, paid training program combining hands-on work experience with classroom instruction.
Who are the apprentices?
High school CTE students or recent grads—pre-screened, trained, and supported by our team.
What roles can they fill?
Entry-level or support positions where they can grow and contribute meaningfully.
How is this different from hiring a regular employee?
Apprentices are employees with a guided learning plan, built to grow their skills and impact over time.
How many hours do they work?
Schedules vary—up to 40 hours/week, with flexibility for school.
Do I have to pay them?
Yes. You determine their wage, which must comply with labor laws. Most employers start with a training wage and raise it as skills develop.
What support do I get?
We help design the role, coordinate training, manage compliance, and provide ongoing support and communication.
What if it’s not a good fit?
Apprentices follow your company policies. If needed, we’ll step in to support, mediate, or reassign the student. You’re not locked in.
Resources
Students
Still in high school? Kickstart your career with a paid apprenticeship…earn while
you learn!
MASTER YOUR CRAFT
Get hands-on training from industry pros
EARN WHILE YOU LEARN
Get paid while gaining real-world skills
BOOST YOUR CREDENTIALS
Earn nationally recognized certifications
START YOUR CAREER IN ELECTRICAL
As an electrical apprentice, you’ll train with a skilled journeyperson who teaches you hands-on skills. You’ll learn to read blueprints, install wiring, use pro tools, fix electrical issues, and follow
safety codes, all while getting paid to learn on the job.
START YOUR CAREER IN CARPENTRY
As a carpentry apprentice, you’ll team up with expert journeymen and learn the trade on real job sites. You’ll read blueprints, measure and cut wood, frame walls and roofs, use power tools safely, and help build everything from doors to full structures. You get paid while you train
and gain real-world experience.
Our registered apprenticeship programs in Carpentry and Electrical are designed to set students up for real success—by learning directly from experienced professionals while earning a wage and building a career in the skilled trades.
Here’s what you can expect:
Tuition Costs
All classroom instruction may be covered at no cost for CTE students and graduates and is delivered by certified instructors with real-world expertise.
Safe Work Environments
Apprentices are trained in essential safety protocols to ensure safe and professional job site practices from day one.
Earn While You Learn
Apprentices start earning right away, with wages increasing as they gain experience and complete training milestones.
Hands-On Experience
Training happens on real job sites using the tools, technologies, and techniques needed to succeed in today’s workforce.
Health & Wellness Benefits
Access to health care and other benefits may be available through employer partners, depending on placement and participation.
Retirement Pathways
Some employer partners offer retirement plans—helping apprentices build toward long-term financial security.
- Approximately 8,000 hours completed over 4 years
- Averages 40 hours/week while working full-time
- Supervised by a journey-level professional
- Focused on real-world skills and trade-specific experience
Classroom Training (Related Technical Instruction)
- 576 total hours completed over 4 years
- 144 hours per year, distributed throughout the year
- Delivered 100% virtually by certified instructors, with the continued support of an Apprenticeship Coordinator
Summary (Typical 4-Year Program)
On-the-Job Training – 2,000 hrs/year – 8,000 hrs total
Classroom Instruction – 144 hrs/year – 576 hrs total
What is a Registered Apprenticeship?
A Registered Apprenticeship is a real job where you get paid to learn. While working with skilled professionals, you’ll train in a hands-on trade like Carpentry or Electrical, all while earning a nationally recognized certification that proves you’re ready for a career.
Why Should I Join An Apprenticeship?
You Earn While You Learn
You’ll earn a paycheck from day one, and as your skills improve, your wages go up!
Hands-On, Real-World Experience
You’ll work with pros in your community, learning by doing, not just reading or watching.
Industry-Recognized Credentials
When you complete the program, you’ll earn a certificate that’s respected across the country,
giving you a serious head start in the trades.
How is This Different from Other Training Programs?
Registered Apprenticeships are the only nationally recognized programs that combine:
- On-the-job training (where you earn $$)
- Classroom instruction (to build your technical skills)
- It’s the best of both worlds: real experience + real education = real career.
How Long Does It Take?
Most apprenticeships in Carpentry or Electrical take about 4 years to complete. During that time, you’ll build skills step by step, both on the job and through structured learning.
Do I Have to Go to School Too?
Yes, but it‘s virtual! You’ll take around 144 hours of online training each year, taught by certified instructors using NCCER (National Center for Construction Education and Research) curriculum. It’s flexible and designed to fit your work schedule.
Who Will Be Teaching Me?
- Certified online instructors guiding your Related Technical Instruction (RTI)
- Experienced professionals (journeypersons) who mentor you on the job
- You will also use training created by NCCER, a leader in construction education.
Can High School CTE Credits Count?
Absolutely! If you’ve already taken CTE classes, you may be able to transfer your credits and certifications toward your apprenticeship training. That gives you a head start.
Resources
Contact Us
Adela Millan
Apprenticeship Coordinator
amillan@ctecaz.org
619-616-8640 (c)
520-347-8570 (o)