Portland Community College | Portland, Oregon Portland Community College

How to apply to be an apprentice

Thank you for your interest in becoming a registered apprentice with one of the following JATCs:

Each of these Training Committees partners with PCC to administer their programs and assist apprentices with their online application. Before you begin your application be sure you can answer yes to all of the questions on the preparation checklist.

Preparation checklist

Before you begin your application be sure you can answer yes to all of the questions on the preparation checklist.

  • Has my employer selected me as their apprentice?
  • Do I know which program I am applying for and how long it will take to complete?
  • Have I identified the Training Committee meeting date where my application will be considered?
  • Do I have enough time to complete my application before the deadline?
  • Have I read the information below and familiarized myself with the application process and requirements?

Application

Prospective apprentices apply online using a software program called TradeSchool. The time it will take for you to formally become a registered apprentice will depend on how quickly you can complete your application and when your Committee is next scheduled to meet. Because the application requires you to upload several documents and information from a variety of sources, it is very typical for the application process to take several sessions. However, you will finish more quickly and find the application easier to navigate if you familiarize yourself with the process and gather some materials ahead of time.

Once you have confirmed that your employer is a registered training agent and that they have selected you as their prospective apprentice, you will need to create a TradeSchool user account. TradeSchool is the software your JATC uses to administer your apprenticeship program. Just click the online application link and then click to create an account.

One of the first things you must confirm on the apprentice application is that you have applied for admission to Portland Community College (PCC), completed the online PCC orientation, and taken all PCC placement tests (Reading, Writing, and Math). You can greatly expedite your application process if you take care of these things early on in the process.

Some additional things you will need to complete your application include:

  1. A state-issued, photo ID to show proof of age
  2. A copy of your high school transcripts (unofficial is accepted), a high school equivalency completion certificate, or a college transcript showing you have completed an associate degree or higher, accredited by an accreditor that is recognized by the U.S. Department of Education. Transcripts must clearly show the date of graduation and reflect the successful completion of one year of high school level mathematics. high school equivalency completion certificates must include your scores. All out-of-country transcripts must be legally translated and show the burden of proof that they are equal to the US Department of Education requirements.
  3. The results of your PCC placement test (a placement level, not a score). Most JATCs require placement into MTH 60 or above. Refer to the Standard or Policy Document for specific requirements.
  4. A designated contact person at your place of employment to provide you with documentation of supervision and additional employer forms.

Once you have submitted a complete application, the Apprenticeship Administrator will confirm your submission. Sometimes, the Apprentice Administrator will send you messages on your actual application. Please check back frequently to check the status of your application.

Once the Apprentice Administrator has confirmed that your application is complete, they will advise you on class registration details and schedule you to appear before the Committee to attend an apprentice orientation and be formally registered. You must appear at the meeting in-person with an authorized representative from your employer.

Applications must be submitted 10 business days before the Committee meeting at which you are asking to be indentured. Only complete applications will be brought before the Committee. If your application is not submitted and complete 10 business days before the Committee meeting your registration can be postponed until the following meeting if you re-submit your application. Please note that each Committee meeting schedule is different and some Committees may only meet quarterly. Schedule of meetings and deadlines.

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