This multi-part series on Plumbing Apprenticeships and Plumbing Apprenticeship Programs was written to help you find training opportunities locally with the first installment of Apprenticeship Programs covering Union type programs; the second installment covers Government type Apprenticeship Programs.
The two programs that we will be discussing are On-The-Job-Training or O.J.T. and Veteran Vocational Training. While the first installment covered a type of training program that was outlined with structure, the programs we are discussing today are more focused on “learning by doing” or “learn as you go”.
The first program, O.J.T., is more common and varies by supporting government agency. This program typically has well defined rules for not only placement of potential employees but the companies that participate in the program. This program is applicable to the public and private sector. The purpose of many O.J.T. programs is not just to provide an avenue for on-the-job training, but also to identify a local need for skilled tradesmen. The programs are not designed for “government” jobs, but at businesses within the boundaries of the participating government agency.
When a possible participant requests to be part of an O.J.T. program they typically go through a series of questions and skills testing (written format) to identify what types of work they would be a potential qualified candidate for. It is important to know, that most of these programs require that you are making a career change and will not allow you to be placed in a program that is the same line of work that you were previously doing. The program utilizes the skills testing to identify appropriate matches with candidates and employers.
At this point the candidate is placed with the new company and hired on as a new employee. Where the company’s benefit is the program typically covers the employee’s wages up to a specific percentage to take some of the burden of training off of the company. The obvious benefit to the candidate is full time employment. It should also be noted that the minimum pay follows the Federal Minimum Wage Standards.
There is not typically and outline of learning requirements, as this program is a “Learning by doing” structure, there is typically a progress report needed to show that the employee is advancing in his or her skill set and is continuing to be a benefit to the employer.
Employment is not a guarantee, and is only as good as you make it. The length of time that the O.J.T. program covers their portion of the employee’s wages may vary by program and is outlined up front. It is essential that you advance your skill set to a degree that at the end of the program you have identified yourself to the company as an asset they want to keep on permanently.
There is a unique O.J.T. program designed specifically for Veterans. The Employment of Veterans in the Federal Government executive order was designed to promote the training and hiring of Veterans into jobs within the Executive Branch. This program is similar to the first O.J.T. program in the concept that it is expected that upon completion of the program, the employee will be retained on a fulltime basis.
The Department of Veteran Affairs VetSuccess program was developed to provide Veterans with an opportunity to learn a new skill set with practical hands-on experience through the O.J.T. program. Each Veteran that enters the program will be assigned a Rehabilitation Counselor or Employment Coordinator.
The benefits to the Veteran are substantial:
- Immediate income and benefits as an employee.
- Valuable skills are learned in a practical setting that meet the Federal Agency’s specifications.
- Salary is supplemented by VA subsistence allowance, so Veterans receive journeyman wages from the start (up to $478.73 in monthly subsistence allowance without dependents as allowed for Federal OJT — based on October 1, 2009 rates).
- Permanent employment following successful completion of the OJT program.
- One-on-one support from a VRC or EC to assist with training or work related needs.
Whether you are a Veteran needing assistance in transitioning into a new career path or a candidate that has lost his or her job and need help moving their career into a new positive direction, the O.J.T. program provides the opportunity with a mutual commitment by employee and employer. The risk is somewhat limited to the employer and the security of a legitimate company is ideal because of the screening process prior to placement of the employee.
There is a stark difference between the Union and Non-Union apprenticeship in plumbing (O.J.T.) program. Prior to entering any of these programs, Howtobecomeaplumber.net highly recommends researching the program in depth and identifying which will provide you with the best return with the effort you are willing to commit to.
These Plumbing Apprenticeship programs will, however, provide you with the best opportunity to develop your skill set to become a successful plumber, speaking from experience, it works!
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