Registered Apprenticeship & Pre-Apprenticeships
PROGRAMS
Registered Apprenticeships
Educate Maine connects and provides technical assistance to businesses, community-serving organizations, and education providers to create and expand registered apprenticeship and pre-apprenticeship programs in Maine. Registered apprenticeship programs are recognized by the Maine Department of Labor, thus taking the basic apprenticeship model of paid on-the-job training and providing additional standardization, quality assurance, and program elevation.
As an Intermediary Sponsor registered with the Maine DOL, Educate Maine through the Maine Career Catalyst program connects youth with paid, year-round experiential learning opportunities through our employer partners to help them explore alternative career pathways and employment options in Maine. Our focus is on creating registered apprenticeship programs that employ youth apprentices ages 16-24. Funding to support our apprenticeship program has been made possible through grants from the Maine Department of Labor and Jobs for the Future.
See our Apprenticeship Flyer to discover the core features of Registered Apprenticeship programs. Spanish, French, and Arabic translations are also available.
See our Apprentice Guidelines to learn more about program benefits and expectations. Spanish, French, and Arabic translations also are available.
Informational materials for interested employers on registered apprenticeships can be found on the Employers page.
If you would like to learn more about registered apprenticeships and how you, your business, or your students can get involved, please contact Hannah Greene.
Pre-Apprenticeships
Pre-apprenticeships are programs that students participate in to prepare them to become successful apprentices and workers. Pre-apprenticeships are typically offered through high schools, career and technical schools, adult education providers, or community colleges in collaboration with local employers. These programs focus on teaching industry-approved curriculum, developing employability skills, encouraging career exploration, facilitating hands-on learning experiences, providing supportive services, and promoting participation of disadvantaged or underrepresented individuals. Students who successfully complete pre-apprenticeship programs receive advantages if and when they become apprentices afterward.
If you are an educational provider interested in learning more about how to offer a pre-apprenticeship program at your institution, please contact Hannah Greene.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
What is the difference between an internship and an apprenticeship?
Internships are paid, short-term experiential learning opportunities. These programs typically take place while the intern is enrolled in a part-time or full-time educational program. Interns are paid for their work, which is often based on a specific project(s), but are not considered employees of the business or organization.
Registered apprenticeships are paid, year-round, on-the-job learning (OJL) experiences. Apprentices are employees of their business or organization and are subject to all the benefits and responsibilities therein. Anyone 16 years or older is eligible to be considered for an apprenticeship. Prior experience and higher levels of educational attainment are usually not required. Registered apprenticeship programs are structured by a defined schedule of work and a minimum number of OJL hours to be completed by the apprentice under the mentorship of a subject matter expert. Apprentices also participate in a minimum number of hours of classroom instruction in courses related to their occupation. After completing a registered apprenticeship program, apprentices receive a nationally recognized credential of value. Most apprentices continue to work for their employers and/or further their education in their field or occupation.
How can employers establish a registered apprenticeship program?
Employers can partner with Educate Maine to become the sub-sponsor of a registered apprenticeship program that Educate Maine sponsors. Maine Career Catalyst staff will work with you closely to complete the necessary registration paperwork and design your program to meet Maine Department of Labor standards. Our staff will provide continuous expert assistance throughout program implementation and assume primary responsibility for program administration, oversight, and recordkeeping. We will connect you with local education institutions and community-serving organizations for talent attraction. We will work to provide additional supportive and professional development services for your apprentices.
How do I become an apprentice in a registered program?
Are you an in-school or out-of-school youth ages 16 or older who wants to gain hands-on, real-world experience, establish your career pathway, or explore available job opportunities? If so, we encourage you to apply to become an apprentice through one of Educate Maine’s sponsored RA programs.
How is a pre-apprenticeship program established?
Pre-apprenticeships are directly tied to registered apprenticeship programs. There must already be a registered apprenticeship program that pre-apprentices can apply to upon completing their pre-apprenticeship.
What is the advantage of participating in a pre-apprenticeship?
Students that successfully complete a pre-apprenticeship receive advantages when applying to become a registered apprentice. Advantages can include guaranteed interviews and credit for previous classroom experience that can lessen the amount of related technical training needed for an apprenticeship. Pre-apprenticeship programs also often include opportunities to learn and practice employability skills and help prepare you for the apprenticeship application process.
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EMPLOYER PARTNERS
EDUCATION PARTNERS
Educate Maine is proud to partner with Jobs for the Future (JFF) to share resources and gain expertise to create registered apprenticeship and certified pre-apprenticeship programs that incorporate high quality DEIA principles and practices. We are committed to connecting apprentices and pre-apprentices of all backgrounds to the support and wraparound services needed to reduce barriers to participation and successful program completion. To learn more about Educate Maine’s commitment to DEIA, check out our Equity Statement, Mission, and Vision Statements.