Apprenticeship

ABC Apprenticeship Program Overview

The ABC Apprenticeship Program is a Department of Labor registered four-year program that delivers training from entry- to journey-level skills in the craft selected. This requires a minimum number of classroom training hours as well as on-the-job training hours.

Apprentices gain on-the-job training hours while employed during the day and attend classroom training and labs in the evening. Classes meet one night weekly from 4:30-9:00 pm with an occasional additional night/week monthly for labs. Each year is divided into a Fall and Spring semester for a total of 32-36 weeks.

In contrast to a degree program, apprentices are able to earn while they learn. Additionally, many employers offer tuition reimbursement with successful completion.

Apprentices become certified as Journey-level technicians in their craft and gain other industry-recognized certifications during the term of their program and upon completion. As apprentices advance in their skill level, they are eligible for increases in pay commensurate with their skills.

Apprentice Requirements

Minimum Requirements:

• • An apprentice must be at least 18 years of age.
• • An apprentice must be employed to learn an apprenticeable occupation.
• • There is an educational requirement of a high school diploma or GED.
• • There is a physical requirement of capability of performing the essential functions of the craft without posing a threat to the health and safety of the individual or others. Some employers may require drug testing and/or background checks.
• • A valid Texas driver's license is required, and applicants must be able to provide his or her own transportation to school and work.
• • Proof of eligibility to work in the United States.

Required Documentation:

• • Proof of Age (must be 18 or older)
• • Valid Texas Driver’s/Identification License
• • Proof of Eligibility to Work in the US (Social Security Card or other acceptable documents)
• • Certified copy of High School Diploma Transcript, GED Transcript or Completed Waiver (If not a High School Graduate/GED recipient)
• • Proof of Selective Service Registration
• • Military Veterans should include a copy of your separation form DD214.
• • Resident Aliens should include a copy of your green card (front and back) or USCIS employment eligibility documents

How to Apply

Complete each of the steps below to apply for registration.
Click on each item listed, one at a time, and read carefully. Then complete online application and upload all required documentation. Please note that all forms and required documentation must be submitted for registration.

1.  Read and understand the ABC Apprenticeship Web Page and ensure you meet the minimum requirements.
2.  Read and understand the ABC Student Handbook.
3.  Complete, sign and email the ABC Apprenticeship Application and gather all additional required documentation and resume for hiring consideration.
4.   Scan and email completed, signed application and additional documents to [email protected] or call 512-719-5263 to schedule an appointment at ABC offices to complete your registration.

Once all forms and documents have been received, you will receive an email confirmation.

ABC Apprenticeship & Craft Training

ABC Central Texas offers Apprenticeship and NCCER Craft Training programs for crafts including HVAC, Pipefitting, Plumbing and Sheet Metal.

Apprentices must be employed and sponsored by an ABC Member Employer, but individuals may register (non-sponsored) or sponsored by their employer, for NCCER Craft Training. If your employer has agreed to sponsor you as an apprentice, continue with the steps below to apply for the ABC Central Texas Apprenticeship Program.

If you are not sponsored by an employer, you may be eligible for the ABC Craft Training Program. Call ABC offices for details at 512-719-5263.

The ABC Central Texas Chapter and the ABC Central Texas Apprenticeship Trust are Equal Opportunity Educators. Selection of apprentice applicants under this program shall be on the basis of qualification and without regard to race, color, religion, creed, national origin, gender or non-job-related disability.

Contractor Information

What can ABC's quality Apprenticeship Program do for your company? At ABC, our training program can:

• • Improve and upgrade the quality of your workforce.
• • Help you comply with prevailing wage requirements.
• • Train skilled craftsperson for the future of your business.
• • Increase productivity.
• • Reduce turnover, injuries and absenteeism.
• • Lower your project costs.
• • Secure your labor force for the future.
• • Save you money by allowing you the opportunity to pay apprentices a percentage of the journeyman wage while they receive on-the-job-training. You get a lower payroll cost, reduced taxes, and other rates and fees at a lower rate.

Add it up: ABC's training program can improve your overall profit margin and help you train your skilled craft workers of the future!

What are the requirements to employ and train apprentices through ABC?

• • Be an ABC member in good standing. Membership fees are offset by reduced labor costs and increased productivity.
• • Agree to train in compliance with ABC Apprenticeship Standards
• • Be approved to train by the appropriate ABC Apprenticeship Committee

Important Dates

• • August - Registration opens
• • Mid-August - Resumes due from Apprenticeship Candidates interested in consideration of employment.
• • Mid-August-September - Register for, or schedule an appointment to attempt testing out of pre-requisite CORE (Construction Orientation Readiness Education) class.
• • Mid-September-December - First semester begins with CORE curriculum (pre-requisite for all crafts), CSST and CMA.
• • January -May  - Second semester with craft-specific curriculum.