Five steps to getting started

This handy step-by-step guide to the materials on this Web site is provided to help you through the process of becoming an apprentice.

• 1. Some basic — but important — information you'll need to know about apprenticeship...

  Reviewing this information ensures that you have the information you need to make a decision as to whether you want to become a registered apprentice.

  • The Apprenticeship Advantage...earn while you learn! (187 KB PDF)
    General information pamphlet about Apprenticeship.
  • What is Apprenticeship?
    Basic information about apprenticeship.
  • Ready for Apprenticeship?
    Do you have what it takes to be a successful apprentice? Find out about Pre-Apprenticeship Training.
  • Pre-Apprenticeship Programs
    Information on programs to help individuals qualify for apprenticeship.
  • Glossary of Apprenticeship Terms
    Terms that you should know the meaning of.
  • Apprenticeship Programs in Washington
    View all registered apprenticeship programs, or search for programs by county or occupation.
    For a printable copy: Washington State Apprenticeship Programs Catalog (638 KB PDF / 2 min). This 115-page document has general information about Apprenticeship programs in Washington State, including addresses, phone numbers, and other information about active Apprenticeship programs.
  • Apprenticeship Occupations in Washington
    List of current and past occupations that have had apprenticeship programs in the state of Washington.
  • Apprenticeship forms and publications
    Get electronic forms and publications about apprenticeship.

  Once you have looked through these documents, you should have enough information to make an informed decision about whether you want to become an apprentice.

   Get Help Downloading Files (files open in a new window).

• 2. Find an apprenticeship program you would like to apply to...
  • In Washington State: Use our online Apprenticeship Registration and Tracking System (ARTS) database and look for them:
    • By county - Print a report of those apprenticeship programs available in the county where you plan on living and working. (RECOMMENDED)
      OR
    • By occupation - Print a report of those apprenticeship programs that provide training in the occupation you are interested in.
    • Registered apprenticeship programs by county with occupations and contact information. These are Acrobat files for each county which are sorted by occupation and list all programs that cover that county. Includes appropriate contact information.
  • In other states: You may also go to the following sites for information on apprenticeship programs governed by the Federal Government or in other states.
    • Career Voyages.
    • Apprenticeship Training, Employer and Labor Services (OATELS).

    These sites list apprenticeship program sponsors recognized and registered by the federal Office of Apprenticeship Training, Employer and Labor Services (OATELS) or other State Registration agencies (where appropriate).

• 3. Review the Apprenticeship Program Standards for the program(s) you want to apply for...

  ...so that you have a good understanding of what you will be doing and what will be required of you. Go to Apprenticeship Program Standards.

• 4. Once you have decided on a specific apprenticeship program, here's what you need to do...
  1. Contact the program directly.
  2. Ask if they are taking applications.
  3. Follow their instructions for applying.
• 5. If you are accepted into a registered apprenticeship program...

  ...the program sponsor will send in your registration information to the Apprenticeship Central Office, which will register you as a Washington State Apprentice. You will then receive a registration card.
  
  NOTE: Some registered apprenticeships (electrical, plumbing, dispensing optician) also require that you apply for a Trainee card or other license. Please check with your apprenticeship program about any additional license requirements.

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  If you have any questions or concerns, or if you need paper copies of any of these documents, please contact:
  - the Apprenticeship Coordinator for your area or
  - the Central Apprenticeship Office