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What is apprenticeship? By definition: Apprenticeship is characterized by a contractual employment relationship in which the firm or sponsor promises to make available a broad and structural practical and theoretical training of an established length and/or scope in a recognized occupational skill category. Apprenticeship is a work-study training scheme in which part of the training occurs on the job and part occurs off the job in a classroom or workshop setting. (Glover,1986) What is cooperative apprenticeship? By definition: Cooperative apprenticeships are programs that enable students to work and earn both full or part-time wages while attending college. The cooperative apprenticeship idea is a new twist on cooperative education and work-based learning programs. At the same time, it bears a strong resemblance to traditional apprenticeship. In both, there is a system of formal structured training; the student earns a realistic wage; the employer makes a commitment to the student; and the training is for a definite period of time. As you see from the above definitions these two programs are very similar. The differences in the program are in the costs to the shipyard and what the student obtains at the end of the program. The apprentice program is extremely expensive (all training on the clock) and the student obtains a certificate and journeyman's card. The cooperative apprenticeship program is cost effective (training off the clock) and the student obtains a journeyman card and is on track for an associate degree in industrial technology. How does Norfolk Naval Shipyard's Cooperative Apprentice Program work and what changes have been made to the initial program? Over the past year our program has gone through several changes. This is typical of any new initiative. We started our students in January 1996 on a part-time work schedule. The student attended academic training one day a week, trade theory training one day a week and went to work on the waterfront in a pay status the remaining three days a week. This inaugural program has been evolving over the past several months and we have been working on solutions to problems we found during this initial stage. In January 1997, the students began working forty hour weeks and the training is being held after hours. This work schedule will solve several problems we encountered with the first group. By working full time the student will now be awarded full benefits and will receive more money (full time salary vs. part time salary). The student, however, must commit to going to school after hours. Academic classes will be limited to approximately 6-9 hours per week. These classes will generally start at 1615 (4:15 pm) and end at 1930 (7:30 pm). Trade theory classes will generally be held after hours. We are presently working on this schedule and will use this format to pass it on to you. Mentoring is another vital link to cooperative education and cooperative apprenticeships. Mentoring is recognized as an effective method of training workers by providing them with a behavior model. Our mentoring program partners a skilled journeymen with an apprentice. This mentor possesses the skills and knowledge to be mastered by a student. The mentor instructs the student (on the job), critiques their performance (quarterly evaluations), and challenges the student to perform well. Of course, the training department still provides the theory and practical abilities. The last component to the cooperative apprenticeship is the competency based examination. Our students are required to take and pass a competency test at the end of each apprentice year. The results of this test will determine whether or not the apprentice will be able to function at the next level of their trade. We are always available to answer any questions on cooperative apprenticeship or apprenticeships in general.Feel free to call on us anytime. Norfolk Naval Ship Yard Cooperative
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