The goal of DSHS’ Maintenance and Operations Division is to build a workforce of carpenters, painters, plumbers and electricians who will be new DSHS employees. Through an apprenticeship format, MOD provides training for young people, veterans and a vast array of diverse populations from Washington state and beyond. The apprenticeship program is designed to give people a chance to earn while they learn and progress as fast as their skills allow them. We want to provide training and advancement that gives people a career that will last a lifetime.
Our Vision
We are a leading training apprenticeship program offering innovative and high-quality learning experiences for apprentices and the agency. Guided by our agency’s values of open communication, pursuit of excellence, diversity and inclusion, we elevate apprenticeships to the highest levels of achievement. Our partnerships with stakeholders and programs are key to our achievement and to ensuring that every apprentice has the opportunity to reach their full potential in a safe and supportive place to work and learn.
Values
Customer service: We make a difference in our customers’ lives.
Quality: We provide valuable services.
Teamwork: We work together across boundaries to meet the needs of the people we serve.
Personal accountability: We are all responsible for delivering on our commitments.
What is an apprenticeship?
In an apprenticeship, you learn while you're employed – your on-the-job training is supplemented by classroom learning. Apprenticeships vary in length from one to five years, depending on the complexity of the occupation you select.
Apprentices are paid by their employer. They may receive pay increases at regular intervals over the period of apprenticeship if they increase their skills and complete their training. Those who successfully complete their apprenticeship reach journeyman status and are fully qualified to pursue their chosen occupation.
To find apprenticeship opportunities that match your interest and skills, visit the careers.wa.gov, a one-stop source to connect career seekers and employers with apprenticeship resources at Washington state agencies.
Apprenticeship Resources
- Looking for an Apprentice Job?
- Or contact the recruiter listed at the bottom of the job posting
- Apprenticeship Rules and Regulations
- Apprenticeship Flyers
- L&I Fact Sheet
- Meeting apprentice reporting requirements contact us. On-the-job-training support: Contact: Judy Schultheis
Forms and Guidelines:
- Monthly Apprentice Utilization Report
- Apprenticeship Utilization Guide
Training
Program Report
Apprentice Advisory Committee
Additional Resources
- Apprenticeship Programs in Washington
- Labor & Industries
- Washington State Apprenticeship and Training Council (WSATC)
Apprenticeship Common Questions
Who sponsors apprenticeship programs and how are they regulated?
Apprenticeship programs are sponsored by joint employer and labor groups, individual employers, and/or employer associations. The sponsor of an apprenticeship program plans, administers, and pays for the program. Frequently, organized labor unions also participate jointly with these employer(s) to sponsor apprenticeship programs. Registered apprenticeship, traditionally associated with the trades in construction, precision, craft and repair, is now available in hundreds of occupations.
When program sponsors voluntarily request state approval of their training programs, they also voluntarily choose to come under various state and federal regulations affecting the conduct of their training programs. The approved apprenticeship/training standards set forth the terms and conditions of training. Representatives of L&I's Apprenticeship Section assist program sponsors with local administration of their training programs. L&I's Apprenticeship Section works with approximately 300 program sponsors throughout the state in developing and keeping current their individual apprenticeship/training standards. The Apprenticeship Section is responsible for the reproduction of all apprenticeship/training standards.
Who is eligible?
Registered apprenticeship in most apprenticeable occupations is open to anyone age 18 or older. About 14 percent of newly registered apprentices are age 21 or younger. More than 360,000 apprentices are currently receiving training nationwide, including 80,000 apprentices in the armed services.
Individuals must satisfy the sponsor that they have the ability, aptitude, and education.
Credentials or documentation may be required by the sponsor along with the completed application form, a transcript of school subjects and grades, proof of age, honorable military discharge (if applicable) and high school diploma or general equivalency certificate "GED"( if applicable). References from all previous employers may be required.
- The Apprenticeship Advantage…earn while you learn! (F100-022-000)
General information pamphlet about apprenticeship. - Glossary of Apprenticeship Terms
Terms that you should know the meaning of. - Apprenticeship Programs in Washington
View all registered apprenticeship programs, or search for programs by county or occupation. For a printable copy of our apprenticeship catalog: Washington State Apprenticeship Programs Catalog (638 KB PDF). This 119-page document has general information about Apprenticeship programs in Washington State, including addresses, phone numbers, and other information about active Apprenticeship programs. - Apprenticeship Occupations in Washington
List of current and past occupations that have had apprenticeship programs in the state of Washington. - Apprenticeship forms and publications
Get electronic forms and publications about apprenticeship. Once you have looked through these documents, you should have enough information to make an informed decision about whether you want to become an apprentice.