Apprenticeships
Degree Type
Associate in Applied Science
Certificates Available
View Courses in the Catalog
Paying for Your Program
Contact
- Division of Career & Technical Education
- (815) 921-3203
- RVC-Admissions@rockvalleycollege.edu
- Main Campus - Woodward Technology Center
About the Program
An apprenticeship is a training program that combines paid, on-the-job experience
with classroom instruction. Apprenticeship students must be 18 years or older and
have a high school diploma or equivalent before being accepted into most programs.
As an apprentice, students will be supervised on-the-job by skilled journeypersons.
They will also attend classes every week during the fall and spring semesters. At
RVC, students can participate in the following apprenticeship certificate programs:
- Tool & Die/Precision Machinists
- Electrician Apprenticeship (leading to either a certificate or Associate in Applied Science Degree)
Admission Requirements
In each program, RVC works in cooperation with a joint apprenticeship training committee that determines admission to that program.
What can I do with this degree?
Potential Careers & Wages
Students who complete an apprenticeship have excellent opportunities for advancement upon completion. Apprenticeships require that the college and student work with an employer; therefore, students are placed in employment before completion.
Program Pathways
Students should meet with an Academic Advisor to develop a clear pathway leading to a seamless transfer experience or transition to the workforce. For additional possibilities that may require an advanced degree or certification, make an appointment with an Academic Advisor.
For information on accreditation, please visit www.apprenticeship.gov
The tool and die maker/precision machinist apprentice makes the devices used by machinists for mass-produced parts. Tool and die makers are among the most skilled of all machinery workers. Apprentices learn to make the gauges and measuring devices in manufacturing precision metal parts. They are also taught to construct metal forms used to shape metal stamping and forging operations.
If you are working for a company that currently participates in the apprenticeship program, talk to your supervisor or an HR staff person. They will be able to outline the process used by your company in selecting individuals for their program.
If working for a company that does not have an apprenticeship program, express your interest in pursuing an apprenticeship to your supervisor. The company has to agree to sponsor you in the four-year program. For more information, you and/or your supervisor can contact the Apprentice Administrator.
- One is to contact any of our member and sponsoring companies to see if they are currently hiring apprentices. The member companies are listed at the membership tab on the RRVTMA website and a list of sponsoring companies can be obtained from the Apprentice Administrator.
- A second possibility is to take the NTMA Aptitude Test that the RRVTMA offers a couple times each year. With permission, your test scores and contact information will be provided to our member and sponsoring companies.
The Electrician Apprentice (ELC) Program consists of a series of technical core courses covering the required classroom-related instruction for people who wish to become journeyman electrical workers. The program requires a minimum of 800 hours of related instruction and 8,000 hours of on-the-job training.
Students interested in applying for the Program need to go through a selection process established by the JATC Local Union 364.
For more information, visit http://www.ibew364.org/Training.
Tool and Die/Precision Machinist
Rock River Valley Tooling and Machining Association
P.O. Box 5029
Rockford, IL 61125
(815) 985-8582
Meredith Thetford
US Department of Labor Apprenticeship & Training Representative
10 West Cass Street
Joliet, IL 60432
(312) 353-6046
RVC Dean of Career Technical Education
3301 N. Mulford Road
Rockford, IL 61109
(815) 921-3174
Rockford Area Electricians Joint Apprenticeship Committee
619 South Rock Drive
Rockford, IL 61102
(815) 969-8484
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