Apprentice Training Program (ATP)

This program is designed in cooperation with local branches of trade unions and certifying organizations. It provides an opportunity to earn an Associate of Applied Science degree while working as an apprentice. While engaged in technical studies and obtaining on-the-job experience in the skilled trades, students in this program will complete 25 college credits (8 courses) at Dutchess Community College. The apprentices normally attend the College as part-time students. Apprentices are granted 39 credits for the related technical instruction and on-the-job training completed during the apprentice period. Students should check with the union regarding membership before enrolling in this program. 

To be eligible for this program, you must be an apprentice or journeyworker in a building trades apprentice program approved by the United States Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration, Office of Apprenticeship (USDOL/ETA/OA) or the New York State Department of Labor (NYSDOL). To enroll in the program, you will need proof of your status as an apprentice or journeyworker in a USDOL/ETA/OA or NYSDOL registered apprenticeship and sponsored by employers, employer associations or labor management organizations. Once you have completed the Building Trades program academic requirements, thirty (39) college credit hours will be awarded for your journeyworker certificate. 

Completion of the following suggested program will result in the student receiving an Associate in Applied Science (A.A.S) degree at the same time the student receives the New York State Certificate of Completion of the Apprentice Program. 

Courses should be selected in consultation with an advisor.

Program Learning Outcome 

The Apprenticeship program is a formalized training program. Apprentices must attend the required hours of related technical classroom instruction and the minimum required hours of on-the-job practical training to graduate.

Apprenticeship training in a classroom setting is one week (40 hours) every quarter year or 160 hours per year of 640 hours for the four-year period. The learning is then reinforced with on the job training of approximately 7520 hours over the four-year period. 39 Credits Hours are awarded. 

The apprenticeship program is designed to thoroughly develop the talents and skills of up-and-coming union members. The program is a combination of classroom and shop learning as well as jobsite employment. Apprentices typically attend classes for one week every three months, a system designed to accommodate the needs of contractors and apprentices alike. Apprentices are required to work a minimum number of hours on a jobsite per year. As a result, apprentices are continuously building upon their knowledge and skill base while solidifying these lessons in a practical jobsite setting. 

The student will: 

1. Comprehend and communicate written, verbal, and visual information as it relates to the construction process. 

2. Develop mathematical knowledge and skills, with particular emphasis on problem solving, data analysis and critical reasoning. 

3. Demonstrate the ability to work effectively as a team member with various construction trades and personnel. 

4. Demonstrate an understanding of how interpersonal communication affects personal and professional relationships. 

5. Demonstrate an understanding of the relationship between supervisory and labor positions in the construction industry. 

6. Describe effectively the construction process. 

7. Describe the various roles and responsibilities inherent in a successful construction project. 

8. Solve practical problems that arise out of professional conflicts within the construction process. 

9. Apply practical construction skills in a particular trade area. (Note: this LO is related to the successful completion of the student’s apprenticeship and will be measured by receipt of a Journeyman Certificate. We award credit for the Certificate).