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Find answers for career seekers, employers, and parents/students in our concise apprenticeship FAQs.
The Institute for Advanced Learning and Research’s Expanding Talent through Registered Apprenticeship (ExTRA) program supports employers in the 15 GO Virginia Region 3 localities and focuses on expanding apprenticeships in construction, healthcare, early childhood education, manufacturing, and information technology.
A registered apprenticeship is a work-based learning program validated by the State Apprenticeship Agency or U.S. Department of Labor that combines on-the-job training with classroom instruction to teach people a skilled occupation. It’s a way for employers to develop a qualified workforce and for individuals to gain valuable work experience and a nationally recognized credential while earning a paycheck.
Our partner, IALR, supports businesses in the development and implementation of successful internship programs across Southern Virginia.
| Apprenticeship | Internship | |
| Duration | Long Term: 1-6 years | Short term: 1-3 months (occasionally last up 12 months) |
| Employment | Company employee with no anticipated employment end date | Temporary or seasonal |
| Learning | Structured on-the-job training and related technical instruction required | General exposure to industry/work environment through entry-level or project-based experiences |
| Compensation | Always paid with progressive wages | Paid or Unpaid |
| Mentorship | Mentor required during entire process | Optional |
| Credential | Nationally recognized credential at program completion and other credentials may also be obtained | Not typically obtained |
Our resource, here, explains the differences between apprenticeship and internship.
Our partner, IALR, supports businesses in the development and implementation of successful internship programs across Southern Virginia.
Pre-apprenticeship is a program or combination of services created to prepare individuals for entry into registered apprenticeship programs. Pre-apprenticeship programs should be partnered with an existing registered apprenticeship program.
There are over 1,000 apprenticeable occupations in industries such as:
There are many benefits of apprenticeship such as:
Requirements can vary by program, but generally, you’ll need to be at least 16 years old, authorized to work in the United States, have a high school diploma or equivalent (GED), and meet any employer-specific requirements and skills outlined in the program description.
Absolutely, apprentices are paid employees from day one. As your skills and experience increase, so will your pay. Not bad, right?
Learn and Earn: No student loans here! You get paid throughout the program.
Build Your Skills: Master the tricks of the trade with a mix of practical experience and classroom knowledge.
Career Launchpad: Many apprenticeships lead straight to a progressive career path with opportunities for advancement.
Nationally Recognized Credentials: Upon successful completion, apprentices receive a nationally recognized credential that demonstrates their competency in the chosen field.
Get Mentored: Learn from the best! Apprenticeships often pair you with experienced pros in your field.
Here are some resources to help you find Registered Apprenticeship opportunities:
Nope! There are over 1,000 occupations in various industries like advanced manufacturing, education, healthcare, information technology, hospitality, and government.
Registered apprenticeships provide access to nationally recognized credentials, quality standards, potential tax credits, and state/federal resources.
ExTRA offers grant funding to employers in Southern Virginia to help offset certain program expenses. We will connect you with other resources that may be available to support the program and participants.
If you are interested in any of the following:
Contact us today to learn more and join our ExTRA partner network!
You are permitted to make updates to your registered apprenticeship program(s). Modifications must be approved by the State Apprenticeship Agency or U.S. Office of Apprenticeship.
ExTRA awards are presented during National Apprenticeship Week to celebrate program partners with active apprenticeship programs. Click here to see recipients of the 2023 ExTRA awards.
Regional apprenticeship program sponsors and employers of record with active registered apprenticeship programs that have incurred costs from supplying related technical instruction for at least one apprentice are eligible to apply for funding.
ExTRA funding can be used as a last dollar resource to cover an employer’s registered apprenticeship program expenses associated with supplying related technical instruction (RTI) sourced from a community college, technical school, online provider, or by the business supplying in-house instruction. Expenses such as tuition, required course fees, and textbooks qualify for ExTRA reimbursement; other RTI expenses may also be considered.
An employer can receive up to $2,700 a year per active apprentice. The number of apprenticeship positions available for yearly reimbursement depends on the size of the company.
Please complete the ExTRA grant pre-qualification form to receive a general qualification determination.
Youth apprentices are required to be paid at least a minimum wage from the first day of employment. Although it is a best practice, wages are not a requirement for interns. An apprenticeship is structured to prepare for a specific occupation. An internship often focuses on career exploration and the development of employability skills. Apprentices are required to work under mentor supervision and complete coursework that complements what is learned on the job. The connection between the classroom and workplace provides students with opportunities to take on job responsibilities and contribute to an employer’s bottom line.
Absolutely! Federal and state law allows employees as young as 16 years of age.
It is typical for youth apprentices to work part-time hours during the school year and increase their workload during school breaks and/or weekends. After graduating high school, apprentices can work full-time hours year-round.
Yes, they can. Contact us for more information.
Not only does youth registered apprenticeship help students build occupation specific skills, it also fosters the development of students’ personal and professional skills to result in better communicators, problem solvers, team players and leaders.
In Virginia, youth apprentices have the opportunity to earn one high school credit toward graduation for completing 280 hours of work experience. On-the-job training and relevant career technical education (CTE) course hours earned in high school will also be credited toward the completion of an adult Registered Apprenticeship program.
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