Wyoming Apprenticeship Programs

Wyoming Apprenticeship Programs

Wyoming Apprenticeship Programs

Wyoming Apprenticeship Resources

What is an apprenticeship

An apprenticeship is a work‑based training model that combines paid on‑the‑job training (OJT) with related instruction (classroom, online or formal training). The idea is you earn while you learn, gradually build your skills, move up in responsibility, and ultimately earn a credential or license in a trade or occupation.
In Wyoming, Registered Apprenticeships are administered through the Wyoming Department of Workforce Services (DWS) in coordination with the U.S. Department of Labor for many registered programs.

Different types of apprenticeship pathway programs

Here’s how the different terms map out, and how they are distinguished in Wyoming:

Registered Apprenticeship Programs (RAPs)

These are formal programs that meet specified standards, are registered (i.e., officially recognized), and lead to a credential or journeyperson status. Key features in Wyoming:

  • They are industry‑led (employer/sponsor drives the program) and include structured on‑the‑job training and related instruction.

  • They lead to a nationally‑recognized or industry‑recognized credential or license. For example, the Wyoming Statewide Electrical JATC program is a Department of Labor registered apprenticeship: 8,000 hours of paid OJT + classroom instruction to prepare for a journeyman electrician license.

  • They may follow different models: time‑based (fixed hours), competency‑based (skill demonstration), or hybrid (mix) in Wyoming.

  • They often have wage progression built in as you gain more skill/time, your wage goes up.

  • They are portable in the sense that your training record is maintained; you earn a credential that can help if you change employers.

  • They offer strong outcomes: for example, in Wyoming it was noted that approximately 94 % of apprentices in registered programs remain employed after completion.

Unregistered Apprenticeships

These are training approaches where an employer hires somebody on an “earn and learn basis,” but the program is not officially registered under the state/federal apprenticeship standards. Distinctions:

  • They may not meet the formal time/hours/related instruction or credentialing requirements of a registered program.

  • The credential might not be nationally recognized or portable.

  • There may be less oversight or standardization.

  • They are still legitimate employment/training paths in many fields, but you should check whether you’d get a recognized credential, how your wage progresses, and how formalized the training is.
    Note: In many cases in Wyoming, when people refer to “apprenticeship,” they often mean Registered Apprenticeship — so if it’s not registered, ask specifically what you’ll receive upon completion.

Pre‑Apprenticeship

Pre‑apprenticeship is like a feeder or preparatory program: it sets you up to enter a full apprenticeship. In Wyoming:

  • These are often targeted at younger workers (often age 16‑24) or high school students, to build foundational skills, work readiness, and introduction to a trade.

  • They include a mixture of classroom instruction and hands‑on experiences though may not involve the full OJT hours or progression of a full apprenticeship.

  • They help build a pipeline into registered apprenticeship programs: when you finish the pre‑apprenticeship, you are more prepared (skills, certifications, work experience) to join a registered apprenticeship.

  • Example: Wyoming’s DWS has a “Pre‑Apprenticeship Pathways” initiative for youth in construction, healthcare, manufacturing.

Youth Apprenticeship

Youth apprenticeship refers to programs designed for high school students (or young adults) combining work and schooling. In Wyoming:

  • It may start in high school (junior or senior year) and allow students to work part‑time, gain work‑based learning, and related classroom instruction.

  • The aim is often dual credit, stackable credentials, transition into full apprenticeship or direct employment. The guidelines emphasize that the student is still enrolled and earning a diploma.

  • There are specific legislative frameworks for youth apprenticeship in Wyoming setting requirements (e.g., hours of employment + coursework) for Level One or Level Two programs.

  • Youth apprenticeship can also be considered a form of “pre‑apprenticeship” or linked into registered apprenticeship: the pathway is designed to transition into full apprenticeship after graduation.

How this works in Wyoming

Here are some specifics about how Wyoming administers apprenticeship programs and what you should know as a prospective apprentice.

  • Examples of registered programs: At Laramie County Community College (LCCC) in Wyoming, there are registered apprenticeships for HVAC/R and Plumbing, with employer sponsors listed and no cost to the apprentice if employed by a sponsor.

  • Example of time/clock requirements: For electrician apprenticeship via the WYOJATC: 8,000 hours of paid OJT + multiple years of classroom instruction (4 years) to fulfil the state’s journeyman electrician licensing exam.

  • The state also emphasizes youth/pre‑apprenticeship paths: DWS has Pre‑Apprenticeship Pathways for ages 16‑24, construction/healthcare/manufacturing: this prepares youth for full apprenticeships.

Why this matters & benefits

Participating in an apprenticeship (especially a registered one) has several advantages:

  • You get paid while you train, rather than accumulating debt in purely classroom‑based programs. In Wyoming, registered apprentices are employed from day one.

  • You earn a credential or license that is recognized, which can give you mobility and better job prospects.

  • It aligns with employer needs — the employer sponsors the program, so you’re training for skills the business actually uses. That means higher chances of employment after completion.

  • There is wage progression built in — as your skills and training increase, your pay typically increases.

  • For youth/pre‑apprenticeship, you get exposure early, build skills, and strengthen your resume while still in high school or young adulthood. That increases chances of getting into a formal apprenticeship.

Questions to ask

If you’re considering an apprenticeship in Wyoming, you’ll want to check a few things:

  • Is the program registered (with DWS or U.S. DOL) or not? If registered, you get the formal credential and portability. If not, ask what credential you’ll earn and how recognized it is.

  • What are the hours required? On‑the‑job training (OJT) and related instruction: how many hours, over how many years? For example, some programs are multi‑year.

  • What is the wage progression schedule? What will your pay be in year one, year two, etc.?

  • Who is the employer sponsor? What company will you work for? Are they established in the trade?

  • What credential / license will you obtain at the end? For example, in the electrical example you complete training and then sit for the journeyman electrician licensing exam.

  • If you’re young (< 18) or still in high school: is it a youth apprenticeship or pre‑apprenticeship? What options are there to transition to a full apprenticeship after graduation?

  • If you’re considering a pre‑apprenticeship: ask how it ties into full apprenticeship opportunities. Is there a pipeline/guarantee?

  • If you plan to move states or change employers: Check portability of credentials and whether your hours/instruction will count elsewhere.

  • For unregistered apprenticeships be extra careful about transparency of wage progression, credential, portability, employer stability.