Apprenticeship

Become an Apprentice Register an Apprenticeship

Registered Apprenticeship is a proven model of job preparation that combines paid on-the-job learning with related instruction to progressively increase workers’ skill levels and wages.

It is an employer-driven model that provides an effective way for employers to recruit, train and retain highly skilled workers. As an "earn and learn" strategy, Registered Apprenticeship offers job seekers immediate employment that offers advancement along a career path and a nationally-recognized credential.

The Office of Apprenticeship is responsible for:

  • Registering apprenticeship programs that meet federal and state requirements
  • Protecting the safety and welfare of apprentices
  • Assuring the programs provide high-quality training and on-the-job mentoring
  • Assuring the programs produce skilled and competent workers
  • Issuing nationally-recognized and portable credentials to apprentices
  • Promoting the development of new apprenticeship programs

Through our partnership with Apprenticeship RI, we are working to help employers build new apprenticeship programs in a variety of industries including healthcare, information technology, marine trades and manufacturing, with the goal of doubling the number of workers trained through apprenticeship within 5 years.

We are deepening connections between apprentices and higher education, working to create new paths through apprenticeship to earning a college degree.

Apprenticeship Occupations

Apprenticeship programs can be created in any occupation where the employer has a need for skilled workers. The occupations below are examples of occupations registered in Rhode Island.

  • Customarily learned in a practical way through a structured, systematic program of on-the-job (OJT), supervised training
  • Clearly identified and commonly recognized throughout an industry
  • Involves manual, mechanical or technical skills and knowledge which require a minimum of 2,000 hours of OJT work experience
  • Requires related instruction to supplement the OJT training

All programs that have 5 or more apprentices sponsored must have a written Affirmative Action plan and a selection procedure. It must consist of activities to equalize opportunity in apprenticeship to permit full use of the work potential of minorities and women. It should involve special efforts to identify, recruit, motivate and train potential apprentices from these groups, along with goals and timetables for increasing their participation.

  • Alcohol and Drug Recovery Counselor
  • Biomedical Equipment Technician
  • Bricklayer
  • Carpenter
  • Case Manager
  • CNC Machinist
  • Commercial Fisher
  • Community Health Nurse
  • Community Health Worker
  • Composite Tool and Pattern Maker
  • Construction Craft Laborers
  • Drywall Finisher
  • Electrician
  • Electrician, Maintenance
  • Electronics Technician
  • Elevator Constructor
  • Glazier
  • In-Patient Nurse
  • Iron Worker
  • IT Help Desk Technician
  • IT Sales Associate
  • IT Service Dispatcher
  • Landscape Technician
  • Manufacturing Worker, General
  • Marine Support Service Manager
  • Medical Assistant
  • Medical Coder
  • Musician / String Music Instructor
  • Network Engineer
  • Network Support Technician
  • Nurse, Licensed Practical
  • Oil Burner Technician
  • Operating Engineer
  • Painter
  • Pharmacy Technician
  • Piclas/Painting Industrial
  • Coating Lining Specialist
  • Pipefitter I and II
  • Pipefitter II
  • Plumber
  • Police Officer
  • Production Technician
  • Refrigeration Mechanic I and II
  • Roofer
  • Sheet Metal Worker I and II
  • Sprinkler Fitter
  • Tile Finisher
  • Tool and Die Maker

State Apprenticeship Council

Members

  • Andrew Cortes, Chair
  • Steven Affonso
  • William Bryan
  • Joseph Caparco
  • Darche’ Hood
  • Barbara Jackson
  • Matthew Jackson
  • Jody Jencks
  • Michael Petit
  • Joseph Degnan, Assistant Director, RI Dept. of Labor & Training (Ex-Officio)
  • Paul McConnell RI Dept. of Education (Ex-Officio)

Meetings

Generally the 4th Tuesday of the month at 9:30 am

Contact

Center General Complex
1511 Pontiac Avenue,
Building 70, Cranston

Mailing Address
RI Dept. of Labor and Training, Office of Apprenticeship
P.O. Box 20247
Cranston, RI 02920-0943

Trades & Construction
Juana Rosales (401) 462-8526

Manufacturing, Healthcare, Technology and Other
Kasey Johnson (401) 919-5919 x 205

Inquiries about recruitment, tax credits or Workforce Development Funds
Lori.Turchetta@dlt.ri.gov

Supervisor of Apprenticeship
Sherri Scalzo (401) 462-8536