Non-Union Apprenticeship Information

It is a unique, flexible training system that combines job related technical instruction with structured on-the-job learning experiences. Registered Apprenticeship leads the nation in preparing American workers to compete in a global 21st century economy. The system keeps pace with advancing technologies and innovations in training and human resource development. The Registered Apprenticeship system provides the opportunity for workers seeking high-skilled, high-paying jobs and for employers seeking to build a qualified workforce. In this regard, the Registered Apprenticeship system effectively meets the needs of both employers and workers.

Depending on the program, an apprenticeship can last anywhere from one to four years. Competency-based programs may be completed in half the normal time. Upon successfully completing an apprenticeship, you will qualify for a pay increase with the company where you've been working.

Since apprenticeship programs are a combination of classroom and hands-on education, the schedules are moderately flexible.

Courses are scheduled in a variety of formats
including intensive courses that can take only one week to complete, to semester-long courses to
open lab courses.

Shifts at the job site are at the discretion of the apprentice's employer; however, employers work to accommodate the apprentice's class schedule.

The mentor is someone at the company that is experienced in the occupation of the apprentice. He/she provides guidance and supervision to the apprentice for the On-the-Job training portion of the apprenticeship.

The company offering the apprenticeship program will recruit, interview and hire eligible candidates. 

Apprentices earn competitive wages - the average starting wage is about $18 per hour. Apprentices enjoy incremental pay increases as they become more proficient. 

Compensation and benefits are at the discretion of the apprentice's employer. It is likely that the employer will offer benefits if the apprentice is meeting the employer's definition of a full-time employee (either through hourly work at the company or as a combination of classroom work and job-site work). The employer may require that the apprentice complete a probationary period before the apprentice is eligible for benefits.

Accepted applicants work with the Apprenticeship Admin to complete the necessary enrollment process, if needed. An apprenticeship program orientation will also be required.

TMCC offers career counseling services. You can learn more about TMCC's offerings to understand how they can help you choose the right apprenticeship path. You may also find some career aptitude resources online or by visiting Nevada's Department of Education, Training and Rehabilitation (DETR).
 

Each year more companies in northern Nevada offer apprenticeship programs. Among participating employers are Tesla, Panasonic, Hamilton Company, H&T, and others.

One of the most attractive benefits of an apprenticeship is the cost to students. As an apprenticeship participant, you'll pay nothing for the classroom-based training, nor for the hands-on learning. All costs associated with your training and education are the responsibility of your employer.

Despite the no-cost-to-the-student model for this form of education, some apprentices may be eligible for government-funded grant programs or private foundation scholarships to assist with living expenses or childcare costs during your program. More information is available:

• TMCC Financial Aid & Scholarships 
• Nevada Works funds

Apprentices might be required to purchase items specific for the occupation in certain circumstances.

Yes. Apprentices are employees of the company and subject to HR policies. In addition the company will have made a significant financial and human resource investment in training and education for the apprentice. Apprentices are subject to regular evaluation.

Yes. Just as the company is making an investment, so is the apprentice. If, after consulting with the apprentice's mentor and the Apprenticeship Admin, he/she determines that the apprenticeship position does not match their desire, interest or abilities, they are free to leave the program. Apprentices should be aware that oftentimes employers require that employees remain in their position for a certain amount of time if they have received education or training at the employer's expense. Each apprentice should understand their specific employment contract or agreement policies.

One of the most important incentives to a company sponsoring an apprenticeship is workforce development. Ideally, the participant would remain with the sponsoring company and advance on the job earning regular pay increases. The apprentice and the employer have progressed and invested in each other throughout the program, developing a sense of loyalty and appreciation.

Computer Numerical Controlled (CNC) Precision Machining is an expanding field requiring specific, technological skills in working with metals and plastics. Precision machining creates very precise parts from various materials, components that typically will need to fit into other larger machines or products. This skill involves accuracy, measurements and math, some programming, ability to read schematics, and to understand what part is being created. The CNC Machine Operator Apprenticeship is a two-year competency-based program in which students attend select courses and receive CNC machine operator training from a dedicated mentor at the hiring company.

Machine operators completing this program will have earned a Certificate of Achievement in Computer Numeric Controlled (CNC) Machining, OSHA 10 card, National Institute for Metalworking Skills (NIMS) credentials, and a certification from the Department of Labor, verifying that they are fully qualified for their occupation.

Job Functions

CNC Machine Operators perform essential functions in manufacturing. They set up, operate, or tend lathe and turning machines to turn, bore, thread, form, or face metal or plastic materials, such as wire, rod or bar stock. This is a field of high demand, good pay, and excellent growth opportunities.

Salary Outlook: $40,555 to $62,688

Job Titles in CNC Machine Operator:

• CNC Operator
• Production Worker
• Machinist
• Lathe and Turning Machine Tool Setter, and Operator
• Engine and Other Machine Assembler
• Electronics Engineering Technician

Industrial Maintenance is a growing, in-demand field. All manufacturing companies require staff dedicated to maintaining the equipment on the shop floor in order to reduce downtime. Maintenance Technicians need a wide range of skills, from electrical and hydraulic, to welding, to precision machining, and everything in between. The Industrial Maintenance Mechanic Apprenticeship is a two-year competency-based program in which students attend select courses over the two-year period and receive industrial maintenance training from a dedicated mentor at the hiring company.

Industrial maintenance mechanics completing this program will have earned a Certificate of Achievement in Industrial Maintenance, OSHA 10 card, National Institute for Metalworking Skills (NIMS) credentials, and a certification from the Department of Labor, verifying that they are fully qualified for their occupation.

Job Functions

Industrial maintenance mechanics perform essential functions in manufacturing. They build, test, repair, adjust, train, and troubleshoot technical systems. These systems include turning and grinding machines, milling, drilling, and computerized inventory and process control systems. This is a field of high demand, good pay, and excellent growth opportunities.

Salary Outlook: $48,400 to $81,070

Job Titles in Industrial Maintenance:

• Maintenance Supervisor
• Maintenance Technician
• Industrial Engineering Technician
• Equipment Technician
• Mechanical Engineer
• Heavy Equipment Mechanic

Production Operators are in high demand, especially in northern Nevada. The Production Operator apprenticeship is a one-year competency-based program in which students attend select courses from TMCC and receive production operator training from a dedicated mentor at the hiring company.

Production operators completing this program will have earned a Panasonic Preferred Pathway (P3) Skills Certificate from TMCC, OSHA 10 card, and a certification from the Department of Labor, verifying that they are fully qualified for their occupation.

Job functions

Production operators monitor equipment during operations in manufacturing facilities. Attention to detail while monitoring gauges and lines is required, as well as the ability to troubleshoot and maintain production line machinery and conduct performance testing. Auxiliary tasks may include housekeeping, inspections, safety walkthroughs, organization, and transport. Responsibilities may include direct handling of products including during production, specification checks, and packaging.

Salary Outlook: $38,080 to $55,360

Job Titles in Production Operator:

• Production Technicians
• Manufacturing Operators

A Press Technician will perform a variety of duties in simultaneously operating cupper and redraw presses to produce high quality, tight tolerance products. He/she will perform in process visual and dimensional inspection to maintain quality standards and will set up and operate equipment which creates quality parts while maintaining production by planning and organizing jobs. Quality will be continuously monitored and conformance to specifications will be verified. Safety and work-area cleanliness will be maintained.

A Press Technician completing this competency-based program will have earned a Certificate of Completion from the State of Nevada Apprenticeship Council, OSHA card, and a Certificate of Achievement in Advanced Manufacturing: Machining.

Salary Outlook: $38,000 to $55,760

Job Titles in Press Technician:

• Machine Press Technician
• Machine Press Operator
• Press Operator