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Frequently Asked Apprenticeship Questions

Q: What is an apprenticeship? Additional benefits include:
A: A registered apprenticeship is a nationally credentialed, • Customized training that meets industry standards,
“earn while you learn” model that combines on-the-job tailored to the specific needs of businesses, resulting
training with related classroom instruction using the highest in highly-skilled employees.
industry standards. When you establish an apprenticeship
program, you develop a world-class manufacturing workforce • Increased knowledge transfer through on-the-job learning
and enhance your company’s bottom line. from an experienced mentor, combined with education
courses to support work-based learning.
Q: What apprenticeship trades does the Manufacturers’
Association offer? • A safer workplace that may reduce worker compensation
costs, due to the program’s emphasis on safety training.
A: The Manufacturers’ Association offers the following
sponsored trades: Tool and Die, Machinist, Industrial • A stable and reliable pipeline of qualified workers.
Maintenance Technician, Mechatronics, Quality Control
Technician, Industrial Manufacturing Technician (IMT), • A systematic approach to training that ensures employees
and Automation Robotics Technician. are trained and certified to produce at the highest skill
levels required for the occupation.
Q: How long are apprenticeship programs?
Q: How much does apprenticeship educational
A: The length of an apprenticeship program varies depending training cost?
on the occupation. They typically last between a year and a
half and five years. Apprentices require 144 hours of A: An apprenticeship through the Manufacturers Association
classroom education annually, along with 2,000 hours on is a healthy alternative to other manufacturing trainings.
the job each year. The Association’s schooling is typically less than three
thousand dollars per year. The state of Pennsylvania does
Q: Do apprentices get paid? have programs to help offset the cost of tuition. Ask our
Apprentice Coordinator or Training Coordinator for more
A: Yes! An apprenticeship is a career pathway that includes information on these programs!
a paid-work component and an educational or instructional
component, where an individual can obtain workplace-relevant Q: Where are the courses located?
knowledge and skills. Apprentices are also regularly required
to receive raises and an evaluation every six months. A set A: The training program is located at the Manufacturers’
minimum apprentice rate will be established per employer. Association in York, PA.

Q: Are apprenticeship programs flexible and adaptable? Q: What is a sponsorship?
A: Yes! The apprenticeship model is adaptable based on the A: The Federal and State government require that every
skills required by you, the employer. Some apprentices allow company must be a sponsor or use a sponsorship to register
for grandfathered on-the-job hours or educational hours to for an apprenticeship trade. Employers are required to fill out
accelerate program completion. For more information, please mandatory paperwork and proposals to the state for approval
contact us. and track apprentice progress with the state after each course
to receive their registered journey papers at completion.
Q: Do you earn college credit while participating in
apprenticeship programs? Q: Can the Manufacturers’ Association sponsor my
company?
A: Yes! The Manufacturers’ Association has partnered with
Thaddeus Stevens and Harrisburg Area Community College A: Yes! The Manufacturers’ Association is a Group Non-Joint
to provide credits towards an Associates Degree. Apprentices Sponsor, meaning, we can sponsor your company with the
finishing the program receive 33 credits. state and save you all the hassle! The Association will gather
and submit your paperwork to the state and track your
Q: How does an apprenticeship program benefit an apprentices’ educational hours and grades.
employer?
Q: Where do I sign up?
A: First and foremost, apprenticeships help businesses
develop highly-skilled employees. Apprenticeship programs A: Please contact Chris Zimmerman at the Manufacturers’
also reduce turnover rates, increase productivity and lower Association. He can be reached at 717-843-3891 or
the cost of recruitment. czimmerman@mascpa.org.

Apprenticeship Course Catalog 3