Frequently Asked Questions
- What is Apprenticeship?
- What is required?
- How long is the training?
- Do apprentices get paid?
- What occupations have apprentice programs?
- What is the New York State Education Department’s role in Apprenticeship?
- What is a DLEA?
- How do I get there from here?
- Who do I contact for more information?
What is Apprenticeship?
Apprenticeship is the process of learning a skilled trade through training on the job (practical experience) plus acquiring the related technical knowledge, usually in a classroom. Training is given under the guidance of experienced instructors.
What is required?
In many instances, a high school or equivalency diploma is required.
Related instruction is taken in a classroom setting typically in the evenings or weekends outside working hours. A minimum of 144 hours per year of related instruction is required in a program.
How long is the training?
The length of training in an apprenticeship program varies from one to six years, depending on the trade.
Do apprentices get paid?
Apprentices usually start at about 40% of the craft workers’ prevailing wage rate with increases every six months until training is completed. They then can receive the full craft workers’ wages.
What occupations have apprentice programs?
More than 300 apprenticeable occupations offer training through an apprenticeship program in New York State.
Apprenticeship opportunities depend on industry needs. Currently there are needs in the following trades:
- Construction
- Culinary
- Health (LPN)
- Manufacturing
- Police
- Firefighters
- Child Care
- and others
What is the New York State Education Department’s role in Apprenticeship?
In 1970, the State Education Department first instituted a policy of administering the related instruction program through local regional centers, known as a DLEA (Designated Local Education Agency). The procedure for assigning apprentices to and supervising related instruction in this manner strengthened the programs in that it put the decision making on the local level. Because the Department still retained the overall responsibility for administering the program, a procedure for effecting a complementary relationship from the state to the local level was established.
What is a DLEA?
The Designated Local Education Agency (DLEA) is the local regional center responsible for administering the related instruction for all apprenticeship programs in that region. One DLEA is appointed for each county in New York State. The Commissioner of the State Education Department appoints the DLEA. In most instances, a BOCES or vocational center has been appointed as the DLEA. The Superintendent (or administrator in charge) of each regional center then selects the specific person responsible for overseeing related instruction for a region.
How do I get there from here?
For a listing of programs that are recruiting new apprentices visit:
http://www.labor.state.ny.us/pressreleases/ApprenticeshipArchive.shtm 
Contact information
For more information on Apprenticeship Programs in your area or the name of the DLEA in your county, contact the NY State Apprenticeship Coordinator at:
Tom Orsini, Team Leader
Adult Education Team
Office of Curriculum and Instructional Support
New York State Education Department
89 Washington Avenue, Room 307 EB
Albany, New York 12234
Phone: (518) 474-8940
Fax: (518) 486-1751
Email: torsini@mail.nysed.gov
The State Education Department does not discriminate on the basis of age, color, religion, creed, disability, marital status, veteran status, national origin, race, gender, genetic predisposition or carrier status, or sexual orientation in its educational programs, services and activities. Portions of this publication can be made available in a variety of formats, including Braille, large print or audio tape, upon request. Inquiries concerning this policy of nondiscrimination should be directed to the Department’s Office for Diversity, Ethics, and Access, Room 530, Education Building, Albany, NY 12234.