Apprenticeship and Trades

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.

  • Do I know which program I am applying for and how long it will take to complete?
  • Do I meet all employment requirements for the apprenticeship program that I am applying for?
  • 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, what apprenticeship program you are applying to, if you have met all employment requirements and when that 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.

For applicants that are currently sponsored by an approved registered training agent that are applying to one of the employer sponsored apprenticeship programs you need to have confirmed that your employer is a registered training agent and that they have selected you as their prospective apprentice and applications must be submitted 10 business days before the Committee meeting at which you are asking to be registered.  Application not completed by the end of the application window will be closed and you will need to reapply during a future application window.

For applicants that are currently not employed by a sponsoring registered training agent that are applying for the LBME apprenticeship program that is both employer sponsored and that also accepts open applications to qualify for pool #2 your completed application will be held for two application window periods in an attempt to give employers that are seeking to select an apprentice from the open application pool time to review all candidates.  If within that window you are not selected by a registered Training Agent to be sponsored as an apprentice your application will close and you will need to reapply during a future application window.  There is no guarantee that you will be contacted, interviewed or selected by a registered Training Agent by applying to the open application pool.  There may be application windows where no applicants will be selected due to no registered training agents were taking apprentices from the open pool during that time period.  Registered Training Agents are required to select incumbered employees from pool #1 that qualify prior to selecting any applicants from the open pool #2.  Please see apprenticeship LBME standards for selection procedures for more information.

All applicants 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 at the bottom of the page 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 a high school level mathematics class. 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 (Both placement score results and placement level must be submitted). Most JATCs require placement into MTH 60 or above. Refer to the Standard and/or Policy Document for specific requirements.
  4. If selected as a sponsored apprentice by a registered training agent you will need a designated contact person at your place of employment to provide you with documentation of supervision and additional employer forms.
  5. If applying to the open application pool #2 for LBME you will need to complete the application forms in the Training Agent step of the application and include a copy of your cover letter and resume.

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 next steps that may include depending on what program you are applying to:

  • Class registration details.
  • Employment information for those applying to the open LBME pool #2.
  • 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.
  • Other important information regarding your application.

Applications must be submitted 10 business days before the next scheduled Committee meeting. Only complete applications showing proof of a sponsoring registered training agent will be brought before the Committee. If your application is not submitted and complete 10 business days before the Committee meeting you must re-submit your application during the next application window. Please note that each Committee meeting schedule is different and some Committees may only meet quarterly. Schedule of meetings and deadlines.

Apply now