Abstract digital graph with colored bars and a line chart over a gradient background.
A woman and a man working together in a workshop, both wearing safety glasses, with the woman operating a machine and the man observing, signifying apprenticeship training.

Structured, earn-and-learn pathway where individuals gain hands-on experience in a specific occupation while receiving related instruction and mentorship.

Male apprentice conducting an interview.

Time Required

Registered apprenticeships typically require a minimum of 2,000 hours of on-the-job training (OJT) and 144 hours of related classroom instruction.

Non-registered apprenticeships should still include OJT and classroom instruction over a one-year period (at minimum).

Mentorship

Mentorship is one of the most critical elements of an apprenticeship. Mentors should be selected based on their ability to support apprentices while they are learning on the job. They must provide guidance on industry and company culture, as well as workplace policies and procedures.

Registered Vs. Unregistered

A registered apprenticeship is a formal, state- or federally-approved training program that meets defined quality and reporting standards.

An unregistered apprenticeship is an employer-designed training model that follows apprenticeship principles but is not state or federally approved.

Cost Involved

Costs depend on several factors, including apprentice wage (i.e., per hour, payment while learning AND working or only while working), curriculum and other instructional costs, mentor time, and benefits.

Employers choose different models to accommodate their ability to expense the program.

Hancock County Apprenticeships

  • GROB

    A 4-year registered, gold-standard earn-and-learn program. Industrial machinery mechanic apprentices train in the workplace and work toward earning an associate degree from Rhodes State College.

  • Whirlpool

    Provides state-registered apprenticeships for electricians, millwrights, and tool and die makers. Whirlpool pays for the apprentice to attend a local community college and obtain an associate’s degree.

  • Cooper Tire/Goodyear

    Current employees are eligible to apply for the electrician and millwright apprenticeships.

  • Freudenberg-NOK

    Offers two apprenticeship programs to eligible individuals: industrial machinery mechanic and tool and die maker.

  • Earn-and-Learn Strategies

    The Ohio Manufacturers’ Association, Ohio TechNet, and the Ohio Department of Higher Education provide this comprehensive guide to share the advantages of an earn-and-learn strategy, lay out the path forward, and connect with the resources they need to get started.

    View Guide

  • ApprenticeOhio

    Program that connects companies to people wanting to learn a trade or skill. Includes numerous resources for career seekers, educators, and employers. Provides dashboard of registered apprenticeships across Ohio.

    Learn More

  • Apprentice Dashboard

    Directly view and query Ohio’s dashboard to learn about the sponsoring employers in the region and/or specific counties.

    View Dashboard

  • Expanding Apprenticeships

    Jobs for the Future (JFF) outline the opportunities and strengths for expanding apprenticeships across America and for all industries.

    Learn More

  • ApprenticeshipUSA

    One-stop source to connect career seekers, employers, and education partners with apprenticeship resources. Discover Registered Apprenticeships across industries, how programs are started by employers, and how to become an apprentice.

    Look at Website