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An apprentice is a person being taught a craft or trade. You can make a very good living in all of the trades. More importantly, you get paid while you are in training. Depending on the career path you choose your apprenticeship training will take from 3 to 5 years of on-the-job training and classroom instruction, some earning college credits. While in training, your starting union wage may range from $9 to $14 per hour. Once you have completed your training you can earn $30 per hour or more depending on the trade. The pay scale will depend on your specific trade, the area where you work and the collective bargaining agreement in your area which will include health and pension benefits.

Apprenticeship is a work force training, designed to prepare an individual, generally a high school graduate, for occupations in the skilled trades and crafts.

An apprentice develops marketable job skills in a structured training program. Being of legal working age, he or she should possess the aptitude, physical condition and desire to succeed in the specific craft/trade.

• An apprentice employed receives an hourly wage and other benefits while learning a craft/trade.
• The majority of training occurs on-the-job, and is supplemented by classroom instruction.
• The apprentice works side-by-side with an experienced craftsperson or "journeyperson."
• Employers (management) and Workers (labor) join together to design the length and structure of apprentice training in the particular trade.
• Bakersfield College offers a "CERTIFICATE OF COMPLETION" with each program, earning college credits to continue your college degree.

Carpentry

Electricians

Operating Engineers

Plumbers and Steamfitters

Sheet Metal