Although the following apprenticeship programs are affiliated with Renton Technical College, each program has its own procedures coordinator, joint labor-management committee, and joint labor-management committee. Generally, applicants must be at least 17 or 18 years old (depending on the program), have a valid Washington State driver's license, and go through a selection process, which might include a written test, physical test, drug test, and interview.
Apprenticeships Provide Opportunities for Students to Earn While They Learn
In partnership, Renton Technical College serves over 1500 apprentices each year, or nearly 20% of the total number of apprentices in Washington State. There are currently 16 apprenticeship programs affiliated with RTC offering classroom and on-the-job training in the building and construction trades, manufacturing, and public utilities. Apprentices work full time in their field and attend related schooling part-time, a few weeks/year or evenings/week. In several programs, apprentices have the option of earning an Associate of Applied Science (AAS) degree in addition to their journey-level certificate.
Each program has an apprenticeship coordinator and a joint apprenticeship and training committee (JATC), made up of equal members of labor and management. Because the JATC is from industry, it makes sure that the training meets industry standards. It also determines how many people to let into the program, based on how many job openings are expected.
The JATC also determines the length of training, the process used to select candidates, and wage progression. Although apprentices are students, they are also workers, and they get paid for their time on the job. Apprentice wages begin at a percentage of the journey-level rate and increase based on an apprentice's satisfactory progress in class and on the job. Tradespeople typically start at $15/hour plus benefits, and by the end of the apprenticeship (two to five years, depending on the program) earn $25-30/hour or more.
You may be a good candidate for an apprenticeship program if you:
- Like to work with your hands as well as your mind
- Can show up every day, ready and eager to work and go to school
- Have an aptitude for math and spatial relations
- Are at least 17 or 18 years old, depending on the program
- Have at least a high school diploma or GED
- Have a valid Washington State driver's license
- Can pass a drug test
- Meet other minimum qualifications for your chosen trade
Pluses about Apprenticeship:
- Good for people who like to learn by doing
- Real pride in your work
- Excellent wages and benefits
- Varied work
- Eligible to work anywhere in the U.S.
Minuses about Apprenticeship:
- Often physically demanding
- May have to work outside in bad weather
- Work may not be year-round (seasonal work)
- Worksites may vary quite regularly
- Apprentices must provide their own transportation and tools
For more information about apprenticeships, please reach out to the designated apprenticeship contacts on the left-hand menu.
Apprentices who have already taken college classes elsewhere should make an appointment with a counselor to see if these classes will transfer. For more information or to make an appointment, call the RTC Student Services Department at 425-235-5840.