Apprenticeship Programs at Foothill College

Launch Your Career Through a Foothill College Apprenticeship Program

Boost Your Career Advancement and Earning Potential

More than 80,000 women and men working in one of over 800 occupations in California’s construction trades began their careers as apprentices. To enter the building trades, you must start as an apprentice.

At Foothill College, we partner with local apprenticeship training organizations to offer instruction in several trades, combining classroom learning with hands-on experience that leads to sustainable, well-paying careers.

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Is a Trade Apprenticeship Right for You?

An apprenticeship is an excellent career path if you:

• Enjoy working with your hands.
• Are willing to complete an apprenticeship of up to five years, depending on the trade.
• Have dexterity, mechanical ability, and strong problem-solving skills.

Gainful Employment Disclosure

Apprenticeship programs in California Apprenticeship programs in California are developed and conducted by program sponsors, which may include individual employers, employer associations, or joint labor-management organizations. These partnerships ensure that apprentices receive the highest quality of both hands-on training and classroom education.

Foothill College individually contracts with each program sponsor to deliver related and supplementary instruction (RSI) the classroom component that complements on-the-job training. Together, these programs prepare apprentices for long-term careers in California’s most essential skilled trades.

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Our Role and Partnerships

Apprenticeship education is a coordinated effort between several key partners:

1. Program Sponsor (Trade Union School) – Oversees on-the-job training and apprenticeship standards.
2. Local Education Agency (Foothill College) Provides classroom instruction and college credit.
3. California Department of Apprenticeship Standards (DAS) Registers and monitors programs statewide.
4. California Community Colleges Chancellor’s Office Supports funding, policy, and oversight.

Through these partnerships, Foothill ensures every apprentice receives a well-rounded education backed by state and industry credentials.

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What Foothill College Provides

• College credit for 100-level courses
• Montoya Act classroom hours and RSI coordination
• Curriculum approval and quality oversight
• Completion certificates recognized by the California DAS
• Academic counseling, assessment testing, and basic skills support
• Career and technical education (CTE) pathways that connect to associate degrees or transfer opportunities

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Learn While You Are Paid

As an apprentice, you’ll earn while you learn working full-time under qualified journeymen while studying in the classroom with experienced instructors. You’ll gain complex, marketable skills while earning competitive wages and benefits.

• Starting wages average around $18 per hour, including benefits.
• five years, base wages typically rise to $45 per hour, depending on trade and region.
• Raises are granted regularly under union contracts.

This unique “earn and learn” model allows you to build your career with financial stability from day one.

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Your Agreement with the Program Sponsor

When you are accepted, you’ll sign an apprenticeship agreement with your program sponsor. This formal agreement outlines your commitment to both:

• On-the-job training (OJT) hours under supervision of a journeyman
• Related and supplementary instruction (RSI) through Foothill College

As an apprentice, you are expected to maintain reliability, arrive on time, and demonstrate professionalism both in the classroom and on the job site.

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Certificates of Completion

Upon successfully completing your apprenticeship, you’ll receive:

• Certificate of Completion from Foothill College, and
• California Department of Apprenticeship Standards (DAS) Certificate, signifying your readiness to advance as a journeyman in your trade.

These credentials represent the completion of a rigorous, state-approved program that meets industry standards across California.

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Producing Skilled Craftspeople

The mission of the Foothill College Apprenticeship Program is to help develop highly competent, safety-conscious, and career-ready craftspeople.

Through strong partnerships with local apprenticeship training committees, the program shapes motivated individuals into professionals who demonstrate:

• Mastery of in-demand technical skills
• Problem-solving ability and leadership
• A positive work ethic and teamwork
• Pride, safety awareness, and craftsmanship

Apprenticeship graduates enter the workforce as well-trained, highly valued members of California’s skilled trades community.

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Women in the Skilled Trades

California’s growing demand for skilled workers is opening doors for more women to build successful careers in the construction trades. Trades such as plumbing, HVAC, sheet metal, and electrical work offer high wages, job security, and meaningful work.

On average, women in construction earn 30% more than in many other industries—while contributing to building a stronger, more diverse workforce.

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Related and Supplementary Instruction (RSI)

The California Department of Education (CDE) supports RSI in more than 200 apprenticeship programs across 35 regional occupational centers and adult education agencies, serving over 40,000 registered apprentices statewide. There are more than 800 approved apprentice occupations in California. To explore the full list of trades and training locations, visit calapprenticeship.org. RSI was established under the Montoya Act (1970) and continues to ensure high-quality classroom instruction that complements hands-on jobsite experience.