Build Flexible Skills

Apprenticeships give you access to careers that are typically unavailable to those without experience, and build skills that are transferable from one employer to another and from one area of the country to another. They combine structured on-the-job training with related classroom instruction.

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Apprenticeship Opportunities

Scholarships for Wisconsin Apprenticeship Students

Tools of the Trade Scholarship Program

Apprenticeships in high-growth industries offer a great path to jobs that pay family-sustaining wages and offer strong lifetime career growth. Don't let the cost of tools, clothing, and other equipment required for an apprenticeship to keep you from reaching your career goals. So, put up to $2,000 back in your pocket with a scholarship from the Tools of the Trade Scholarship Program.

// Learn more about the Tools of the Trade Scholarship Program

Contact Us

CVTC Manufacturing Education Center
2320 Alpine Road
Eau Claire, WI 54703

715-831-7222
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Data Analyst

Work Description
The primary role of a Data Analyst is to collect and organize data to provide business insight. Data analysts are typically involved with selecting, integrating, querying, and aggregating data, and conducting a range of analytical studies on that data. They work across a variety of projects, providing technical data solutions to a range of stakeholders/customers issues. They document and report the results of data analysis activities to improve business performance. They have a good understanding of data structures, database systems, and data processing and manipulation skills using analytical tools to undertake a range of different types of analyses.

Working Conditions
They typically work full-time and may work in the evenings and weekends.

Training

  • 2 year training program
  • 4,000 hours of on-the-job training
  • 360 hours of related instruction

Application Requirements

  • High School diploma or equivalent
  • Employer sponsorship & Wisconsin BAS signed contract
  • Able to perform assigned job duties and tasks

Estimated Cost
Total Tuition & Fees: $1,623

Early Childhood Educator

Working Conditions
Early Childhood Educators typically work full-time and may work in the evenings.

Training

  • Two year training program
  • 4,000 hours of on-the-job training
  • 432 hours paid related instruction

Application Requirements

  • Applicants must be at least 18 years of age
  • Entry requirements vary by employer
  • High school diploma or equivalent
  • Physically able to perform trade
  • Applicants apply directly to participating employers

Estimated Cost
Total Tuition & Fees: $4,665

Electric Line Worker

Work Description
Electric lineworkers install and repair cables or wires used in electrical power or distribution systems. They erect poles and light or heavy duty transmission towers. They locate line trouble, climb poles, use hot line tools, and operate and maintain substations.

Working Conditions
Electric lineworkers usually work outdoors and are subject to 24-hour call. Most usually work a 40-hour week, but when severe weather damages power lines, they may work long and irregular hours to restore service.

Training
Classroom instruction is offered in weekly blocks staggered throughout the year.

  • Four year training program
  • 7,360 hours of on-the-job training
  • 640 hours paid related instruction
  • Additional related instruction may be required

Application Requirements

  • Applicants must be at least 18 years of age
  • High school diploma or equivalent
  • Valid driver's license or reliable transportation
  • Commercial driver's license (CDL) with an "A" endorsement or the ability to get the CDL
  • Be physically able to perform the work with reasonable accommodations
  • Travel out of state for extended periods of time

Estimated Cost
Total Tuition & Fees: $3,069

Electrician (Construction)

Work Description
Electricians install, connect, test, and maintain electrical systems for a variety of purposes, including climate control, security, and communications. Electricians use a variety of electrical equipment and apply appropriate techniques, plan wiring installation from blueprints, and properly locate boxes and outlets. They test continuity of electrical circuits to ensure compatibility and safety of components following national electrical code and complying with state and local building codes. Electricians may install coaxial or fiber optic cable for computers and other telecommunications equipment.

Working Conditions
Electrical work can be indoors or outdoors and is sometimes physically strenuous requiring prolonged standing in cramped or uncomfortable positions. Electricians follow strict safety procedures to prevent injuries from electrical shock, falls, and cuts.

Training

  • Five year training program
  • 8,000 hours on-the-job training
  • 700 hours paid related instruction
  • Additional related instruction may be required

Application Requirements

  • Applicants must be at least 18 years of age
  • High school diploma or equivalent
  • Algebra with a passing grade of "C" or higher or equivalent
  • Meet required norms on aptitude test (if required)
  • Must be physically able to perform trade
  • Valid driver's license or reliable transportation

Estimated Cost
Total Tuition & Fees: $3,386

 

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Industrial Manufacturing Technician

Work Description
Industrial manufacturing technician apprentices operate industrial production related equipment, work with manufacturing related tools, and perform work processes related to a wide variety of manufacturing setting.  Industrial manufacturing technician apprentices will learn to set up, operate, monitor, and control production equipment. They will also help improve manufacturing processes and schedules to meet customer requirements. This apprenticeship training program combines on-the-job learning with related instruction in a classroom to prepare apprentices for journey level work after they complete the program.

Working Conditions
Today, most modern industrial facilities are relatively clean, well lit, and ventilated. They must be able to stand for long periods of time and work in cramped or uncomfortable positions and on ladders and lifts. They often work with their hands above their heads, in confined spaces and in a variety of conditions and temperatures, both hot and cold.  Working around machines and equipment and with high voltage presents certain dangers. Technicians must vigilantly follow safety precautions, and wear personal protective equipment.

Training

  • 1.5 year training program
  • 2,736 hours of on-the-job training
  • 264 (8 credits) of related instruction

Application Requirements

  • High School diploma or equivalent
  • Employer sponsorship & Wisconsin BAS signed contract
  • Able to perform assigned job duties and tasks
  • Mechanical ability and aptitude as determined by employer assessment practices

Estimated Cost
Total Tuition & Fees: $1,306

IT - Service Desk

Work Description
Responsible for fielding incoming technical support communications and tickets, troubleshooting issues, communicating over the phone, email, live online chat, and resolving help inquiries. The job includes working with customers and internal teams to process incoming customer contacts, triaging customer issues, solving issues and escalating issues.

Working Conditions
They typically work full-time and may work in the evenings and weekends.

Training

  • 1 year training program
  • 2,000 hours of on-the-job training
  • 144 of related instruction

Application Requirements

  • High School diploma or equivalent
  • Employer sponsorship & Wisconsin BAS signed contract
  • Able to perform assigned job duties and tasks

Estimated Cost
Total Tuition & Fees: $675

IT - Software Developer

Work Description
Software Developers develop, create, and modify general computer applications software or specialized utility programs.  Analyze user needs and develop software solutions.  Design software or customize software for client use with the air of optimizing operational efficiency.  May analyze and design databases within an application are, working individually or coordinating database development as part of a team.

Working Conditions
They typically work full-time and may work in the evenings and weekends.

Training

  • 2 year training program
  • 4,035 hours of on-the-job training
  • 360 of related instruction

Application Requirements

  • High School diploma or equivalent
  • Employer sponsorship & Wisconsin BAS signed contract
  • Able to perform assigned job duties and tasks

Estimated Cost
Total Tuition & Fees: $1,619

Maintenance Mechanic

Work Description
Maintenance mechanics, millwrights, and machine repairers fabricate, install, dismantle, or move machinery and heavy equipment according to layout plans, blueprints, or other drawings. They keep machines, mechanical equipment, or the structure of an establishment in repair. They assemble, install and set equipment such as shafting, motors, generators, air compressors and conveyors using hand and power tools. They align machines and equipment using manual hoists, jacks, and hand tools. Duties may involve pipefitting, boiler making, insulating, welding, machining, carpentry, repairing electrical or mechanical equipment, installing, aligning and balancing new equipment, and repairing buildings, floors and stairs.

Working Conditions
Maintenance mechanics, millwrights, and machine repairers employed in manufacturing often work in a factory setting either inside or outside in all weather conditions. They must work at heights, in awkward positions, confined spaces, and areas where there may be risks. They use protective equipment to avoid common hazards; such as: safety belts, protective glasses and hard hats.

Training
Classroom instruction is offered in weekly blocks staggered throughout the year.

  • Four year training program
  • 8,000 hours of on-the-job training
  • 1,032 hours paid related instruction
  • Apprentice must complete Red Cross First Aid, CPR, and Transition-to-Trainer Courses

Application Requirements

  • Applicants must be at least 18 years of age
  • Entry requirements vary by employer
  • High school diploma or equivalent
  • Physically able to perform trade
  • Applicants apply directly to participating employers

Estimated Cost
Total Tuition & Fees: $2,768

Mechatronics Technician

Work Description
This occupation requires combined knowledge of electrical, electronic and mechanical systems used in industrial plants. Workers frequently support automation and robotic technologies. Work processes include installing, repairing, and maintaining equipment/devices. Troubleshooting systems involved in manufacturing and process control are critical requirements for workers in these occupations.

Workers typically operate and debug, industrial computer and communication systems including PLC’s, PCs, and HMI technologies. Workers machine metal and other materials; fabricate parts and weld/join components. Documenting work performed, maintaining accurate records, and working in a collaborative environment are critical interpersonal skills. Employees in some, but not all plants, support facilities, utilities and grounds. More information can be found in the Occupational Outlook Handbook at www.bls.gov.

Training

  • Five year apprenticeship under the hybrid model of both time-based and competency-based
  • 10,000 hours on-the-job training
  • 864 hours of related instruction completed in three years
  • Complete Transition to Trainer course in the final year

Estimated Cost
Total Tuition & Fees: $3,908

Metrology Technician

Work Description
A metrology technician identifies measurement needs and plans and performs measurement tasks using tools, equipment, instrumentation and software programs.

Working Conditions
Metrology technicians typically work full-time and may work in the evenings and weekends.

Training

  • Three-year training program
  • 6,000 hours on-the-job training
  • 512 hours paid related instruction

Application Requirements

  • Applicants must be at least 18 years of age
  • Entry requirements vary by employer
  • High school diploma or equivalent
  • Physically able to perform trade
  • Applicants apply directly to participating employers

Estimated Cost
Total Tuition & Fees: $2,708

Mold Maker

Work Description
Mold Makers make and repair molds used to make plastic injected parts. Mold Makers often use manual and CNC machine to make molds that will then be used to mass produce plastic parts.

Working Conditions
Mold makers usually work in tool rooms. These areas are quieter than the production floor because there are fewer machines in use at one time. They wear protective equipment; such as, safety glasses to shield against bits of flying metal and earplugs to protect against noise. They spend much of the day on their feet and may do moderately heavy lifting.

Training

  • Five year training program
  • 10,400 hours on-the-job training
  • 576 hours paid related instruction

Application Requirements

  • Applicants must be at least 18 years of age
  • Entry requirements vary by employer
  • High school diploma or equivalent
  • Physically able to perform trade
  • Applicants apply directly to participating employers

Estimated Cost
Total Tuition & Fees: $3,868

Plumber

Work Description
Plumbers install, repair and maintain the water supply, waste water treatment, drainage and gas systems in homes, commercial, and industrial buildings. Plumbers assemble, install and repair pipes, fittings, and fixtures of heating, water and drainage systems according to specifications and plumbing codes. Plumbers also install sanitary facilities such as lavatories, toilets, tubs, bathroom fixtures, showers, kitchen fixtures, drinking fountains, and laundry equipment.

Work Conditions
Plumbing work can be indoors or outdoors in existing and newly constructed buildings, in various weather conditions and around noise, dirt and mud. The work requires physical strength and stamina with prolonged standing, lifting heavy pipes and equipment, and working in cramped, awkward or uncomfortable positions. Training in safety practices reduces the risk of dangers of falls from ladders, cuts from sharp tools, and burns from hot pipes or soldering equipment.

Training
Topics include plumbing code, repair and service, materials, installation of fixtures and appliances, system design, trade math, safety, science, blueprint reading, and isometric drawing.

  • Five years of not less than 8,000 hours
  • Minimum of 7,428 hours on-the-job training
  • 572 hours of paid related instruction. Classes are scheduled one full day, eight hours, every two weeks during the school year. Apprentices are paid to attend these classes at the same rate of pay as hours worked on the job. Attendance is mandatory.
  • Apprentices are required to attend 260 hours of unpaid night school instruction as designated by the Committee, on their own time.
  • Apprentices are paid a percentage of the journeymen's base wage rate as established annually by the State of Wisconsin Department of Workforce Development. The apprentice's wage is a percentage of the skilled rate and is divided into a pay progression. The wage at each level of the progression is a designated percentage of the skilled wage rate. Wage advances are usually given annually. Advances are based on the completion of a designated number of academic and work hours.
  • Upon completion of work and school requirements, the apprentice plumber is eligible to apply to write the State of Wisconsin journeyman plumbing exam.

Application Requirements

  • Applicants must be at least 18 years of age
  • Must be a high school graduate or have a GED/HSED
  • Must have a valid driver's license or reliable transportation
  • Must be physically able to perform trade work
  • Must have employer sponsorship & Wisconsin BAS signed contract
  • Must take the Next-Generation Accuplacer Placement test or qualifying ACT scores. Accuplacer scores must meet minimum requirements of Reading 244, Arithmetic 237, Quantitative Reasoning, Algebra, and Statistics (QAS) 235. ACT minimum scores of Math 15 and Reading 16 within the last five years

Estimated Cost
Total Tuition & Fees: $2,540

 

Get Started Today!

Applications are for the following Eau Claire Area counties: Barron, Chippewa, Clark, Dunn, Eau Claire, Pepin, Pierce, Polk, Price, Rusk, St. Croix, Taylor and the northern half of Buffalo, Jackson and Trempealeau.

// Plumber employer application

// Plumber apprentice application

Roadway Maintenance Technician

Work Description
The primary role of a Roadway Maintenance Technician is to maintain highways, municipal and rural roads, airport runways, and rights-of-way. Duties include patching broken or eroded pavement, repairing guard rails, highway markers, and snow fences. May also mow or clear brush from along road or plow snow from roadway.

Work Conditions
Roadway Maintenance Technicians typically work full-time and may work in the evenings and weekends.

Training

  • 2-year training program of not less than 4,288 hours
  • 4,000 hours of on-the-job training
  • 288 hours of related instruction

Application Requirements

  • High School diploma or equivalent and must be able to furnish record of schooling and grades obtained.
  • Not less than 18 years of age and must be able to furnish proof of age.
  • Employer sponsorship & Wisconsin BAS signed contract
  • Physically able to perform the work of the occupation with reasonable accommodations and without hazard to themselves or others. Applicants may be required to furnish a statement of physical condition from a physician at the time of the job offer.
  • Applicants may be required to undergo drug or alcohol testing at the time of selection as an apprentice.

Estimated Cost
Total Tuition & Fees: $1,420

Steamfitter

Work Description
Steamfitters assemble, install, alter, and repair pipeline or pipe systems that carry water, steam, compressed air, liquids, and gases required for processing, manufacturing, heating, and cooling. They install piping and tubing made of carbon steel, copper, plastic, glass, or other metals using a variety of processes including brazing, welding, screwing, gluing, bending, and mechanical joints. Work includes installation of heating and cooling equipment and mechanical control systems.

Work Conditions
Steamfitters work in industrial plants, chemical plants, refineries, power plants, waste water treatment plants, hospitals, and most other commercial, industrial, institutional and residential buildings. The indoor or outdoor work requires strenuous physical stamina and working in cramped spaces or in high areas. Steamfitters work in buildings, trenches, roofs, from scaffolding, on ladders and inside tanks. Safety training reduces hazards from exposure to chemicals, gases, fumes, loud noise, and falls from ladders and scaffolds.

Training
Classroom subjects include drafting and blueprint reading, mathematics, applied physics and chemistry, and safety.

  • Five year program
  • 7,500 hours on-the-job training
  • 624 hours paid related instruction
  • 300 hours unpaid related instruction

Application Requirements
The applications listed below are for the following Eau Claire Area Counties: Barron, Chippewa, Clark, Dunn, Eau Claire, Pepin, Pierce, Polk, Price, Rusk, St. Croix, Taylor and the northern half of Buffalo, Jackson and Trempealeau.

  • Applicants must be at least 18 years of age
  • Applicant's age shall be as stated in the state employment laws
  • High school diploma or equivalent
  • Must take the Next-Generation Accuplacer Placement test or qualifying ACT scores. Accuplacer scores must meet minimum requirements of Reading 249, Arithmetic 250, Quantitative Reasoning, Algebra, and Statistics (QAS) 235. ACT minimum scores of Math 17 and Reading 17 within the last five years.
  • Physically able to perform trade work
  • Must have employer sponsorship & Wisconsin BAS signed contract
  • Valid driver's license or reliable transportation

Estimated Cost
Total Tuition & Fees: $4,130

 

Get Started Today!

Applications are for the following Eau Claire Area counties: Barron, Chippewa, Clark, Dunn, Eau Claire, Pepin, Pierce, Polk, Price, Rusk, St. Croix, Taylor and the northern half of Buffalo, Jackson and Trempealeau.

// Steamfitter employer application

// Steamfitter apprentice application

Tool & Die Maker

Work Description
Tool and die makers analyze specifications, lay out metal stock, set up and operate machine tools, and fit and assemble parts to make and repair dies, cutting tools, jigs, fixtures (devices that hold metal while it is shaped, stamped or drilled), gauges and machinist’s hand tools. Die makers construct metal forms (dies) to shape metal in stamping and forging operations.

Working Conditions
Tool and die makers wear protective equipment; such as, safety glasses to shield against bits of flying metal and earplugs to protect against noise. They spend much of the day on their feet and may do moderately heavy lifting.

Training

  • Five year training program
  • 10,400 hours on-the-job training
  • 576 hours paid related instruction

Application Requirements

  • Applicants must be at least 18 years of age
  • Entry requirements vary by employer
  • High school diploma or equivalent
  • Physically able to perform trade
  • Applicants apply directly to participating employers

Estimated Cost
Total Tuition & Fees: $2,980

Welder-Fabricator

Work Description
The duties of Welder-Fabricators include, but are not limited to:

Working Conditions
Welder-Fabricators work mostly indoors in manufacturing plants. Conditions vary by plant and industry. Welding may be performed while standing, stooping, or bending in a designated area, confined space, or high off the ground. Fabricating and assembling may require standing for long periods. Welding, fabricating, and cutting often pose hazards, such as intense heat and light, and fumes and fine particles. Following safety procedures, such as wearing personal protective equipment and working in well ventilated areas, is critical. Work hours are full-time and may include evenings and weekends.

Training
Classroom subjects include drafting and blueprint reading, mathematics, applied physics and chemistry, and safety.

  • Four year training program
  • 7560 hours on-the-job training
  • 440 hours paid related instruction

Application Requirements
The applications listed below are for the following Eau Claire Area Counties: Barron, Chippewa, Clark, Dunn, Eau Claire, Pepin, Pierce, Polk, Price, Rusk, St. Croix, Taylor and the northern half of Buffalo, Jackson and Trempealeau.

  • Applicants must be at least 18 years of age
  • Entry requirements vary by employer
  • High school diploma or equivalent
  • Physically able to perform trade work
  • Applicants apply directly to participating employers

Estimated Cost
Total Tuition & Fees: $2,053