U.S. DOL Registered Apprenticeship Program is an industry-driven, high-quality career pathway where employers can develop and prepare their future workforce, and individuals can obtain paid work experience, related instruction, mentorship, and a portable and nationally-recognized credential.

Apprenticeships allow you to earn while you learn. Employers pay your wages and often provide for the cost of your tuition while you earn a nationally-recognized, portable credential for life.

If you are not selected for an apprenticeship position in the first round of interviews, we encourage you to participate in the corresponding training program at Lawson or Jefferson State Community College to increase your knowledge and skillset of the industry and be eligible for future positions.

The classroom instruction will occur at either Lawson State Community College (Bessemer) or Jefferson State Community College (Center Point) two nights per week.  The length of the program varies based on the program of study and the school selected.

Our employer partners will interview each candidate to determine employment eligibility. Once a job offer is extended and accepted, the apprentice will be employed during the day and receive on-the-job training while at work.

The welding apprenticeship program will last approximately three years (6,000 hours on-the-job training), which includes two years of classroom instruction two nights per week, and full-time employment.

The machining and industrial maintenance apprenticeship programs will last approximately four years (8,000 hours on-the-job training ), which includes two years of classroom instruction two nights per week and full-time employment.

Each apprentice receives competitive entry-level wages plus applicable benefits based on company eligibility requirements. Wage increases also occur at regular intervals upon successful completion of on-the-job training and satisfactory job performance as determined by the company.

Individuals 18 years of age or older, residing in one of the following counties in Alabama: Jefferson, St. Clair, Walker, Blount, Chilton, or Shelby. The individual must have either a Driver’s License or State ID.

Applications are currently closed and will reopen Summer 2020. Once the application opens, submit a completed apprenticeship application by the due date provided on the application. Second, download and complete the WIOA Customer Information Form (WIOA Customer Information Form). Please bring the completed form in-person to the interview.

Following your application submission, you will receive additional information, including day/time to interview and a skills assessment (only applicable to IT apprenticeship). Please bring a resume to the interview. Following the interview, you will be contacted directly by the company with follow-up steps. Each apprentice must then adhere to the college’s admissions requirements prior to beginning of the semester.

If you have questions, please contact Morgan Bell at mbell@centralsix.org or 205-719-3224.

The Workforce Innovations & Opportunities Act (WIOA) may provide funds for eligible apprentices seeking training. WIOA may also provide funds to companies to offset wages for an apprentice. By completing a WIOA Customer Information Form, eligibility for these grants are determined. Please fill out this form as accurately as possible.

For the manufacturing apprenticeship programs, Lawson State Community College and Jefferson State Community College require that each student submits a high school and college (if applicable) transcript as part of the admissions process. Forms exist for this purpose and will be provided following your application. The applicant is responsible for completing and mailing those forms to your high school and/or college.

Apprenticeship programs help employers recruit and develop a talent pipeline of highly-skilled workers that helps grow their business. Apprenticeships improve productivity, profitability, and an employer’s bottom line through flexible training options. An apprenticeship ensures workers develop the right skills, minimize liability costs through appropriate training of workers, and increase retention of workers.

As an employer, you are responsible for all wages paid to your apprentice while they are at work. For the manufacturing apprenticeship programs, an employer is also responsible for providing tuition and school supplies for the apprentice to obtain related instruction at a local community college. There are grants available that may offset the cost of wages and tuition for those eligible. Please contact Kristen Holder at Central Six AlabamaWorks! at kholder@centralsix.org and 205-719-3243 for more information.

For more information on how to become an employer partner, please contact Kristen Holder at Central Six AlabamaWorks! at kholder@centralsix.org or 205-719-3243.