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Apprenticeship Training
At Sussex Tech Adult Education Division, we call Apprenticeship the “Other Four-Year Degree.” It is the best way to learn a skilled trade and earn the most sought-after, industry recognized credential, the Journeyperson Certificate. A Registered Apprenticeship program combines daily hands-on training through your sponsoring employer known as OJT ( on-the-job training) combined with trade-related classroom instruction known as RTI (related training instruction). It is a formal system of learning and practicing your chosen career/skilled trade by earning the required RTI and OJT hours.
Sussex Tech Adult Education Division is the sole provider of DOL-approved Apprenticeship RTI for Sussex County. As a student, our division will provide and document your required RTI hours needed to earn your Journeyperson certificate. All Delaware residents and workers can enroll in Apprenticeship training here with or without a sponsoring employer. While attending classes our counselors will connect you with skilled trades employers and foster the Registered Apprentice process with DOL. Once registered, you, your employer, and DOL manage the required OJT hours to earn the Journeyperson certificate. Once the required OJT and RTI hours are earned, you will become a Journeyperson. Most traditional trades require 576 RTI hours and 8000 OJT hours to earn the Journeyperson Certificate.
For more information, check out our current program brochure, call 302-856-9035 or register today.
Notice to Employers
Don’t miss an opportunity to enroll your employees in apprenticeship training!
You can become a “Sponsoring Employer” and your employees can become “State Registered Apprentices.” Act now to register your employees with the Delaware Department of Labor Industrial Affairs Department at (302) 761-8328 or the Maryland Department of Labor Licensing and Regulation at (410) 767-2232 and ask to talk to an apprenticeship specialist.
Any Delaware resident who becomes a “state registered apprentice” or non-resident who becomes a “state registered apprentice” and works for a Delaware company can utilize their status to attend apprenticeship classes at Sussex Tech tuition free.
Course Descriptions
Automotive Technician (2 years/288 hrs)
The Automotive Technician Apprenticeship program is designed to prepare students for work in the automotive industry. Students receive both classroom and hands-on instruction in Sussex Tech’s automotive shop. Students can attain industry specific certifications (ASE Certs) as they progress through the program. Job placement services are available. DOL approved Registered Apprenticeship program.
Carpentry (4 years/576 hrs)
The Carpentry Apprenticeship program will offer students the foundational skills and technical instruction to successfully build a career in carpentry. Instruction will include residential construction, planning and estimating, framing and foundation, blueprint reading, and other related skills to supplement on-the-job training. DOL approved Registered Apprenticeship program.
CDL-A Certification Training (12 weeks/160 hrs)
The Sussex Tech Adult Education CDL-A Certification Training prepares students to earn a Commercial Driver’s License (CDL), Class A License, enabling them to drive all classes of commercial vehicles. The program is offered on a part-time evening basis, allowing participants to work and train at the same time. The program includes classroom instruction, focused on preparing participants for the written exam, yard training, consisting of truck inspection and on-site driving in a controlled environment, and supervised over-the-road driving.
Electrical (4 years/576 hrs)
The Electrical Apprenticeship program prepares students to install residential and commercial electrical systems, wiring and other electrical components such as circuit breakers, generators, switches and light fixtures, to follow blueprints, to understand the National Electrical Codes and is the approved formal pathway to electrical licensing. Job placement services, and licensing navigation assistance are available. DOL approved Registered Apprenticeship program.
Electrical Service Technician (3 years/432 hrs)
The Electrical Service Technician (EST) Apprenticeship program prepares students to work with low-voltage applications in both residential and commercial settings. EST’s install and maintain the various security, fire, telecommunications, and audio/video systems. Accelerated coursework and job placement services are available. DOL approved Registered Apprenticeship program.
Heavy Equipment Operator (3 years/432 hrs)
The Heavy Equipment Operator (HEO) program prepares students to work on construction building jobs, infrastructure projects (roads, bridges, and ports, otherwise called non-building construction), and in mining and timber operations. Furthermore, students will learn the necessary skills for projects that require moving and transporting heavy materials, or that demand any kind of earthmoving. Job placement services are available. DOL approved Registered Apprenticeship program.
HVAC-R (4 years/576 hrs)
The HVAC-R Apprenticeship program is designed to develop career ready technicians. Coursework includes HVAC and refrigeration theory, practices, and the latest industry technology. The program prepares students to install, maintain, and repair many different types of HVAC and refrigeration systems in residential and commercial environments. Job placement services and licensing navigation assistance are available. DOL approved Registered Apprenticeship program.
Millwright (4 years/576 hrs)
This comprehensive, four-level, Millwright Registered Apprenticeship Program is designed to provide students with the necessary knowledge and practical skills to become proficient in the installation, alignment, maintenance, and repair of machinery and mechanical systems. The program combines classroom instruction with on-the-job training to prepare students for a successful career in millwrighting. Job placement services are available. DOL approved Registered Apprenticeship program.
Plumbing (4 years/576 hrs)
The Plumbing Apprenticeship program offers technical instruction to successfully build a career in the plumbing industry. Course content will encompass plumbing theory, practices, and applications to industry. The program prepares students to install, maintain, and repair the many different types of plumbing systems in residential and commercial environments. Job placement services and licensing navigation assistance are available. DOL approved Registered Apprenticeship program.
Welding (4 years/576 hrs)
The Welding Apprenticeship program provides instruction for the various welding technologies, processes, and metals. The program prepares students for careers in the building, and fabricating of metal structures by performing welding, cutting, and designing processes. Job placement services are available. DOL approved Registered Apprenticeship program.
*Individuals who complete the apprenticeship program, which consists of two-four years of related training and 4,000-8,000 hours of on-the-job training, are eligible to apply for a Journeyperson credential through the Delaware Department of Labor.
Sussex Tech Adult Education is an Equal Opportunity Employer/Program. Auxiliary Aids and services are available upon request for individuals with Disabilities.