BECOME A
REGISTERED
APPRENTICE
An Applicant’s Introduction to Registered Apprenticeship
Whether you are looking for your first job, a better job, or your dream job, the earn-while-you learn model of Registered Apprenticeship can help you get there.
Apprenticeship is open to anyone the age of 16 or older. Apprenticeship is the High School students, career-switchers, veterans, military dependents, business start-ups, returning citizens, emerging industries, dislocated workers, expanding companies, immigrants, individuals with disabilities, family businesses, relocating corporations, low-income individuals – all who wish to contribute are welcome.
How Do I Apply?
Apply directly to a sponsor. RA is employer driven, meaning you must be hired by an employer sponsor before you can be officially registered as an apprentice. Application requirements will vary by occupation and sponsor.
Explore Potential Sponsors
Search a list of active Registered Apprenticeship Programs in Virginia.
Connect your Current Employer
Have your current employer register with a Registered Apprenticeship Consultant (RAC).
Still Have Questions?
Consult our FAQs to learn more about becoming a registered apprentice!
Below you will find Registered Apprenticeship Consultants in your Region. Select the name of the region to expand the information.
Alexandria Region
Alexandria, Arlington, Fairfax City, Fairfax County, Falls Church
David Galloway
Registered Apprenticeship Consultant
Alexandria Virginia Career Works
5520 Cherokee Ave Suite 100
Alexandria, VA 22312
David.Galloway@virginiaworks.gov
(571) 453-6262
Bay WIB
Accomack, Caroline, Fredericksburg, King and Queen, King George, King William, Lancaster, Middlesex, Northampton, Northumberland, Richmond County, Spotsylvania, Stafford, Westmoreland
Union/Association RA Programs
Miguel Granillo
Registered Apprenticeship Consultant
Fredericksburg Virginia Career Works
10304 Spotsylvania Ave. #100
Fredericksburg, VA 22408
Miguel.Granillo@virginiaworks.gov
(703) 712-3714
Capital Workforce Region
Charles City County, Chesterfield, City of Richmond, Goochland, Hanover, Henrico, New Kent, Powhatan
Diana Leyva
Registered Apprenticeship Consultant
Chesterfield Virginia Career Works
304 Turner Road
N Chesterfield, VA 23225
(804) 305-5903
Central and South-Central Workforce Regions
Amelia, Amherst, Appomattox, Bedford, Brunswick, Buckingham, Campbell, Charlotte, Cumberland, Halifax, Lunenberg, Lynchburg City, Mecklenburg, Nottoway, Prince Edward
Pedro Ortiz
Registered Apprenticeship Consultant
Lynchburg Virginia Career Works
3125 Odd Fellows Road
Lynchburg, VA 24501
(804) 221-6420
Crater Workforce Region
Colonial Heights, Dinwiddie, Emporia, Greensville, Hopewell, Petersburg, Prince George, Surry, Sussex
Alice Weathers
Registered Apprenticeship Consultant
Prince George Virginia Career Works
4300 Crossings Blvd.
Prince George, VA 23875
Alice.Weathers@virginiaworks.gov
(434) 320-8507
Greater Roanoke Workforce Region
Allegheny, Botetourt, Covington City, Craig, Franklin, Roanoke, Roanoke City, Salem City
State Agency RA Programs
Kara Joyce
Registered Apprenticeship Consultant
Greater Roanoke Workforce Region
707 South Jefferson Street
Roanoke, VA 24016
(540) 666-8324
Hampton Roads Workforce Region
Chesapeake, Chesapeake City, City of Norfolk, Gloucester, Hampton City, Poquoson, Portsmouth, Virginia Beach City, Williamsburg City, York, Yorktown
Clayton Duvall
Registered Apprenticeship Consultant
Norfolk Virginia Career Works
861 Glenrock Rd, STE 100
Norfolk, VA 23502
Clayton.Duvall@virginiaworks.gov
(757) 666-9846
Hampton Roads Workforce Region
Franklin City, Greenville County, Isle of Wight, James City, Newport News City, Southampton County, Suffolk, Suffolk City, Sussex
Maynard Stowe
Registered Apprenticeship Consultant
Virginia Career Works
4010-C Victory Boulevard
Portsmouth, VA 23701
Maynard.Stowe@virginiaworks.gov
(757) 666-9847
Northern and Alexandria/Arlington Workforce Region
Bristow, Loudoun County, Manassas City, Manassas Park, Prince William County
Marina Caminos
Registered Apprenticeship Consultant
Fredericksburg Virginia Career Works
10304 Spotsylvania Ave. #100
Fredericksburg, VA 22408
Marina.Caminos@virginiaworks.gov
(757) 666-9848
Piedmont Workforce Board Region
Albemarle, Charlottesville, Culpeper, Fauquier, Fluvanna, Greene, Louisa, Madison, Nelson, Orange, Rappahannock
Alice Weathers
Registered Apprenticeship Consultant
Prince George Virginia Career Works
4300 Crossings Blvd.
Prince George, VA 23875
Alice.Weathers@virginiaworks.gov
(434) 320-8507
Shenandoah Workforce Region
Augusta, Bath, Buena Vista, Clarke, Frederick, Harrisonburg, Highland, Lexington, Page, Rockbridge, Rockingham, Shenandoah, Staunton, Warren, Waynesboro, Winchester
Marco Pineda
Registered Apprenticeship Consultant
Shenandoah Valley
609 Cedar Creek Grade, Suite D1
Winchester, VA 22601
Marco.Pineda@virginiaworks.gov
(703) 712-2649
Western Piedmont, New River/Mt. Rogers, and Southwest Virginia Workforce Regions
Bland, Bristol City, Buchanan, Carroll, City of Danville, City of Galax, City of Norton, City of Radford, City of Martinsville, Dickenson, Floyd, Giles, Grayson, Henry, Lee, Montgomery, Patrick, Pittsylvania, Pulaski, Russel, Scott, Smyth, Tazewell, Washington, Wise, Wythe
Karen Rhodes
Registered Apprenticeship Consultant
Virginia Career Works- NRV Mount Rogers
Mailing: P.O. Box 1229 Radford, VA 24141
Physical: 51 A West Main Street Radford, VA 24141
Karen.Rhodes@virginiaworks.gov
(540) 285-0592
More Team Members:
Service Trade Registered Apprenticeship Consultants and Support
Andrew Johnson
Service Trades Registered Apprenticeship Consultant – Eastern, Central
Cierra Morgan
Program Support Technician
Tereza Edwards
Service Trades Registered Apprenticeship Consultant – Western, Northern Virginia
Regional Managers
Diana Lyons
Registered Apprenticeship Regional Manager – Western
Virginia Career Works Center- NRV Mount Rogers
Mailing: P.O. Box 1229, Radford, VA 24143
Physical: 51A West Main Street, Radford, VA 24141
(540) 666-8319
Faith Clayton
Registered Apprenticeship Regional Manager – Eastern
Virginia Career Works Center- Fishersville Valley
1076 Jefferson Highway
Staunton, VA 24401
Faith.Clayton@virginiaworks.gov
(540) 487-1681
Grant Staff
Demetrice Toliver
Interim Director of Programs and Grants
Anna Hughes
Grant Project Manager
Below are Frequently Asked Questions about the Registered Apprenticeship Program for apprentices.
Registered Apprenticeship 101
What is Registered Apprenticeship?
Registered Apprenticeship (RA) is a proven, cost-effective system for training employees in a variety of occupations that require a wide range of skills and knowledge; it is an ideal way for employers to build and maintain a skilled workforce.
Registered Apprenticeship combines supervised on-the-job training with Related Technical Instruction (RTI) specific to the apprentice’s chosen occupation.
What Occupations are Apprenticeable?
For a full and accurate listing of apprenticeable occupations, please visit the United States Department of Labor (DOL) Office of Apprenticeship.
What is a Journeyworker’s Credential?
Upon the successful completion of a Registered Apprenticeship, the registered apprentice is considered a Journeyworker.
A registered apprentice who completes both on-the-job training and the related technical instruction is given a Journeyworker’s Completion certificate and a Journeyworker’s Card.
A Journeyworker’s credential is a national credential, portable to all 50 states and in some cases, internationally.
How Does Registered Apprenticeship Benefit the Community or the Commonwealth?
Apprentices become taxpayers on day one.
Strong apprenticeship programs help to keep youth in their rural communities.
Strong programs send a strong message to those looking at Virginia for economic development expansion or relocation that we have an able workforce and a robust employment training model in Registered Apprenticeship.
For the Apprentice:
Who can be a Registered Apprentice?
A Registered Apprentice can be anyone 16 years or older, authorized to work and who is hired or already employed in an apprenticeable occupation with a Registered Apprenticeship Sponsor.
Restrictions may apply to individuals under the age of 18 in certain occupations; consultants are available to determine compliance in these employment situations.
There is no maximum age in which to start an apprenticeship.
How much can I earn as a Registered Apprentice?
Registered Apprentices must be paid at least State or Federal Minimum Wage, whichever is higher, and paid according to a progressive wage scale determined by the employer.
Once an apprentice completes their program and earns Journeyworker status, wages vary by employer, industry, and market factors.
How can I find a Registered Apprenticeship?
As a potential apprentice, you need to conduct a job search and locate potential employers.
On our website you can find a Listing of Employers looking to hire apprentices in various fields.
For additional resources, you may visit the Virginia Workforce Connection. Private job websites such as Monster, Zip Recruiter and Indeed are also available.
The Division of Registered Apprenticeship regulates and oversees Registered Apprenticeship but does not serve as a job placement agency.
Can my current employer become a Registered Apprenticeship Sponsor?
Yes, if the occupation and your employer meet Registered Apprenticeship criteria.
Please contact a Registered Apprenticeship Consultant in your area. You can find your local Registered Apprenticeship Consultant’s contact information here.
As the Apprentice, is there a registration cost?
There is no cost to be a participant in Registered Apprenticeship.
An employer/sponsor may require tools, uniforms, and materials related to the apprenticeship.
Additionally, the registered apprentice may have to pay for the cost of related technical instruction (RTI); this will be discussed with your employer.
What is Related Technical Instruction (RTI) and who pays for it?
RTI is a theory that corresponds to the apprenticeship occupation. RTI is chosen by the employer and approved by DOLI.
Online instruction may be available as well as traditional classroom styled delivery.
The employer/sponsor has the choice to pay the full cost of RTI, share the cost with the apprentice, or have the apprentice cover the full cost of RTI.
Workforce Development Centers may be able to assist individuals with the cost of RTI.
Am I eligible to be reimbursed for training or classes I pay for?
Consult with your employer as they may have an incentive program in place.
The Division of Registered Apprenticeship does not have a reimbursement program.
I have no idea what I want to do as a career, can you help me?
Please visit O*NET OnLine for in-depth career exploration.
Also try MyNextMove for an interest profile quiz to help you decide what kinds of careers you might want to explore.
Can my prior work experience and education be credited towards Registered Apprenticeship program requirements?
Employer/Sponsors, in conjunction with RA Consultants, will determine how many On-the-Job Training hours you may be awarded towards your program based on prior experience.
What if I discover that my Registered Apprenticeship is not really something that I am interested in, can I switch occupations?
Contact your Registered Apprenticeship Consultant and make them aware of this.
They will discuss options with you.
I am a Veteran. What benefits are available to me as a Registered Apprentice?
If you are eligible, your GI Bill benefits can provide a monthly housing allowance and stipend for books and supplies in addition to your registered apprenticeship wages.
Your RA Consultant can connect you with your Virginia Department of Veterans Services Representative for information, or you may visit their website.
Credits2Careers translates your military service into college credits to give you a head-start on your degree — saving you time and money. For more information, visit their website.
Can training and education received during Military service or prior work experience be credited towards Registered Apprenticeship program requirements?
This will be determined on a case-by-case basis with your employer.
Our Registered Apprenticeship Consultants may be able to assist with guidance regarding your transcripts for review.
If you are a Veteran, we suggest contacting the Department of Veterans Services for information on maximizing your benefits.
Who can I contact for more information?
Find the Registered Apprenticeship Consultant in your area here.