Apprenticeships

Apprenticeship information for college staff

Overview

Apprenticeships are a great option for people who like to work with their hands and are ready to go to work. Apprentices are hired by an employer and complete their training with On-the-Job Training (OJT) and Related Supplemental Instruction (RSI). Employer programs can vary in length by occupation but typically take one to three years. 

As of May 2025, there are over 200 employer sponsored occupations that currently partner with a college in the CTC system to provide Related Supplemental Instruction (RSI). RSI can be held on a college campus or off-site at the employer training site. Please work with your employer to identify which college they partner with and how to register for RSI classes.

To find an apprenticeship in WA state,  please visit the (ARTS) Apprenticeship Registration & Tracking information provided by the Washington State Department of Labor & Industries Apprenticeship and Training Council.

Associate of Applied Science degree pathway for Apprenticeship 

In Washington State, an Associate of Applied Science (AAS) in Multi-Occupational Trades (MOT), or Apprenticeship AAS, can be earned after successfully completing a registered apprenticeship program at a community and technical colleges. This degree combines on-the-job training with related supplemental instruction (RSI), recognizing the experience gained through apprenticeship. It's a pathway for individuals seeking career advancement and increased earning potential in the trades.

Requirements: To earn the Apprenticeship AAS students typically need to complete a three-year apprenticeship program with a minimum of 432 classroom hours and 6,000 on-the-job hours.

Additional coursework: Beyond completion of the apprenticeship program, students will need to satisfy general education requirements of the AAS degree identified by the partnering college.  

Transfer options: Students who complete the Apprenticeship AAS can pursue a Bachelor of Applied Science within the Community and Technical College System.

Who can enroll: This program is generally open to apprentices enrolled in Washington state registered apprenticeship programs or federally recognized apprenticeship programs who partner with a local community or technical college (CTC) for the delivery of RSI.  Some colleges do allow journey card holders from programs of at least three-years in length whose apprenticeship program was not associated with the college to pursue the Apprenticeship AAS with valid documentation of their journey card.

Verification: Verification of completion of a Washington state registered apprenticeship program or federally recognized apprenticeship programs of at least three-years in length is required before submitting the petition for graduation.