Related Technical Instruction
AVTEC’s Related Studies Program (RSP) provides training materials to persons enrolled in apprenticeship programs to aid them as they progress through the various levels of a typical apprenticeship program. The mission of the Related Studies Program is to provide third party testing by correspondence or online to students throughout the State of Alaska who could not otherwise receive the apprenticeship or upgrade training necessary to become more skilled as a worker, technician or manager.
What is an apprenticeship?
A formal apprenticeship is a structured system of training designed to prepare individuals for employment in skilled trades and crafts. Hands-on craft training and related studies are conducted on the job by a skilled journey-level supervisor. Related studies are augmented with textbook readings and written exams proctored by the supervisor. Texts, tests, test grading and record-keeping are provided through correspondence or online by AVTEC’s RSP Coordinator. Progress is reported periodically to the apprentice, employer and the apprenticeship director for the state of Alaska.
Apprentices in Alaska are required to have a minimum of 144 hours of related studies in their trades each year in addition to their actual work experience. Apprentices who successfully complete the required hours of training in an apprenticeship program can become certified as skilled craft or trade workers.
AVTEC works closely with representatives of Alaskan industries as well as with apprentices and their employers. The RSP Coordinator at AVTEC oversees the admissions of the apprenticeship students–processes applications and payments, and issues verification letters. The RSP Coordinator also provides study materials for the apprentice and determines the number of study hours, graded work assignments and tests, supplies employers with progress reports on their apprentices and issues Certificates of Completion for apprenticeship levels satisfactorily completed.
The U.S. Department of Labor Office of Apprenticeship provides technical assistance to Alaskan industries in the development of apprenticeship training standards and related technical instruction curricula, registration of apprenticeship programs and apprentices, program evaluation and quality assurance, issuance of certificates of completion of apprenticeship and development of Selection Procedures consistent with Title 29, CFR, Part 30.
Enrollment is open throughout the year. To enroll in a course, an apprentice/employer must submit an application (available upon request), and pay the cost of tuition, book(s)/tests, and the application fee up-front. Students will have one calendar year to complete their coursework material. At a 10-month point, students will be sent a letter reminding them of the approaching completion date.
If a student cannot get all required assignments completed by the scheduled completion date, they may request one 6-month extension. The request for the extension, however, must be made before the scheduled completion date. The cost of the extension is $150. Students who fail to complete the required assignments or request the extension will be terminated from the program.
A student who has been terminated from the program may re-enroll at any time and receive another calendar year to complete the program. The student will have to pay the full tuition for the appropriate year and the application fee. Book and test fees can be waived if the student or employer still has coursework materials.
What does an apprenticeship have to offer me?
- The opportunity to earn as you learn
- Wages that increase along with your skills
- Increased marketability and job security
- Personal satisfaction and pride of workmanship
- Assurance that your training and certifications will meet industry standards
Graduates of apprenticeship programs earn higher wages, have more stable work records and are promoted sooner and more often than other workers. The Related Studies Program offers the following courses:
- Building Maintenance Repairer
- Carpentry
- Construction Technology
- Core Curriculum-Introductory Craft Skills
- Culinary
- Drywall
- Electrical
- Electronic Systems Technician
- Heavy Equipment Operations
- HVAC/R
- Industrial Coating & Lining Application Specialist
- Insulating
- Millwright
- Painting
- Pipefitting
- Plumbing
- Sheet Metal
- Solar Photovoltaic Installation
- Sprinkler Fitting
- Sprinkler Fitting
- Weatherization
- Wind Turbine Maintenance Technician
What does an apprenticeship have to offer my employer?
- High-quality applicants and employees with a strong motivation to succeed
- Employees capable of advancing to progressively responsible positions within the company
- Decreased employee turnover
- Greater customer satisfaction and increased profits through a well-trained workforce
- Affiliation with the National Apprenticeship System
Where can I get more information about becoming an apprentice?
Contact information
U.S. Department of Labor, Office of Apprenticeship Training, Employment and Training Administration
John Hakala, Director
605 W. Fourth Ave. Room G-30
Anchorage, AK 99501
(907) 271-5035
[email protected]
https://awib.alaska.gov/apprentice/index.html
AVTEC Related Studies Program
RSP Coordinator
P.O. Box 889
Seward, Alaska 99664
(907) 224-6126
[email protected]
The mission of the Related Studies Program is to deliver needed training by correspondence or online to students throughout the State of Alaska who could not otherwise receive the apprenticeship or upgrade training necessary to become more skilled as a worker, technician or manager.