Apprenticeship Training Program
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Northeast Florida Builders Association - Apprenticeship Training Program
All Rights Reserved - February 2003
What trades are registered in the association program?
The program currently trains apprentices in four building trades: electrical, plumbing, carpentry and heating/air conditioning/refrigeration.
Can a contractor enroll existing employees in the program?
Yes. Contractors can enroll existing employees in the program. In addition, if a contractor has not previously participated in the program, he may "grandfather in" any of his existing apprentices. This is a one-time only privilege allowed by the state.
Where and when are classes held?
Classes are held at an approved educational facility from September through April, two nights per week on either Monday and Wednesday or Tuesday and Thursday for three hours per night.
What is an apprentice paid?
First year apprentices start at 50 percent of the established journeyman's wages and receive 5 percent increases every six months thereafter. On Davis-Bacon jobs (federal), the apprentice must be paid his proper percentage rate applied to the prevailing wage determined for that particular job or the Association wage rate, whichever is higher.
Is the apprentice paid for classroom attendance?
No, the apprentice is not paid to attend class. However, tuition for the class is paid by the employer.
When is the contractor billed?
Apprentice tuition is billed at the time of indenture or when first hired and on July 1st for successive years.
Is there any cost to the apprentice?
Yes, the apprentice buys his or her own books for classes.
Who may use apprentices?
Any licensed contractor who is a member of the Northeast Florida Builders Association may agree to become a participating employer.
Who oversees the program?
Four individual trades committees, each made up of five participating contractors, develop curricula, interview applicants and monitor the progress of apprentices.
The Executive Committee, made up of two representatives from each of the trade committees plus two builder members, sets general policies for the entire program.
Is the program approved and monitored by the Florida Department of Labor?
Yes, representatives from the Florida Bureau of Apprenticeship monitor the program.
Is the program approved for veterans administration benefits and does it meet the requirements for Davis-Bacon (Federal) jobs?
Yes, it is an approved program.
Is there a ratio requirement?
Yes, the present ratio required is as follows: a contractor may have one apprentice for the shop and two for every three journeymen thereafter. A contractor must have four journeyman to have three apprentices and seven to have five apprentices, etc.
When are applications taken?
Applications for electrical, heating and air conditioning and plumbing trades will be taken in June 2012. Applications for the carpentry trade are taken at anytime during the year.
How long is the program?
The apprentice training program is four years long.
Can the apprentice be advanced in less than four years?
Credit may be granted for verified work experience and/or training, based on
employer's recommendation and instructor and trade committee approval.
What are the minimum qualifications for apprentice applicants?
- Be at least 18 years of age, (exceptions can be made for graduates of
high school vocational education programs).
- Be a high school graduate and supply transcripts or GED certificate.
- Provide two letters of recommendation from two persons who have known
the applicant for more than three years and who are not related to the applicant.
- Provide proof of residency in jurisdictional area (driver's license,
etc.).
- Be physically able to perform the work of the trade as detailed in the
job description.
- Have transportation.
- Have and maintain a valid Florida driver's license.
- You must have a Social Security Card.
Applications for electrical, heating and air conditioning and plumbing trades will be taken in June 2012. Applications for the carpentry trade are taken at anytime during the year.
Electrical, Plumbing, and Heating, A/C & Refrigeration
