Are you having problems finding qualified technicians? Is your turnover rate for new employees unacceptable? Do you have difficulty finding someone with a decent work ethic?

If the answers to any of these questions is YES, apprenticeship may be the solution you are looking for. UAA is currently sponsoring apprenticeship programs in Automotive Mechanics and Diesel Mechanics.

• What does that mean?

  We prescreen apprenticeship candidates to build a pool of applicants for our industry partners. Local businesses interview these candidates and make decisions about who to hire. Alternatively, businesses can choose to promote one of their own junior mechanics or shop helpers into the apprenticeship program.

  Apprentices go to work full time while receiving related technical instruction from UAA’s Automotive and Diesel Power Technology on a part-time basis.

• Is apprenticeship a union thing?

  Unions utilize apprenticeship because it is the most effective method for training skilled and qualified workers, but any business can benefit from an apprenticeship program. As the sponsor, we handle the associated paperwork and administrative duties, offering the benefits of apprenticeship to our industry partners while minimizing the impact to their business.

• What does it cost me?

  There are no fees or costs for businesses associated with these programs. Federally registered apprentices have access to funding to pay for tuition, books, parking and tools that is not available to traditional students or job seekers.

• What do I need to do if I want to participate?

  The employers’ responsibilities include providing a mentor to supervise the apprentice, allowing time off to attend classes, keeping in contact with the program coordinator, paying the correct wage, and honoring the pay increases as the apprentice progresses.

  The learning curve associated with training a new employee comes with a price in terms of production early in the apprentices’ career, but the trend reverses dramatically in the second and third years of the program. In a nationwide survey, businesses engaged in apprenticeship in all occupations report a return of $1.87 for every $1.00 spent on apprenticeship. Additionally 91% of apprentices remain with their employer after completing their apprenticeship.

Learn more about the Apprenticeship Programs or follow us on Facebook.

 For additional information, please contact: