Apprenticeships are a valuable part of Oakton’s Work-Based Learning Program. Through Work-Based Learning (WBL), students immerse themselves in real-world learning, engaging directly with industry employers to hone essential employability and technical skills crucial for today’s dynamic workforce.
Apprenticeships combine paid on-the-job training with classroom instruction to prepare workers for highly-skilled careers. In an apprenticeship, a company hires a candidate, choses the apprentice’s educational curriculum pathway, and pays for the apprentice’s education and associated fees and books (in addition to an hourly wage for work hours). The apprentice works part-time for the company, while attending Oakton part-time to complete the chosen curriculum pathway. Upon completion of the degree or credential, there may be a commitment to work full-time for the company.
By participating in apprenticeships, students position themselves for lucrative career opportunities, while employers enhance and diversify their talent pool.
Information for Companies
Sustainable pipeline of talent
Increased employee retention
High employee morale and loyalty
Brand and name recognition
Registered Apprenticeship is an industry-driven, high-quality career pathway where employers can develop and prepare their future workforce, and individuals can obtain paid work experience, receive progressive wage increases, classroom instruction, and a portable, nationally-recognized credential. Registered Apprenticeships are approved and validated by the U.S. Department of Labor or a State Apprenticeship Agency.
Oakton currently partners with Industry Consortium for Advanced Technical Training (ICATT)’s Apprenticeship program to offer registered apprenticeships. ICATT serves as the Department of Labor sponsor. The ICATT Apprenticeship Program team assists with the recruitment of apprentices, helps develop the customized company training plan, facilitates “Train the Trainer” programs and administers the ICATT Apprenticeship Program exams. The Company selects and hires the apprentices who become their employees. They pay them an hourly wage during the hands-on training, tuition for their associate degree, and a stipend on their college days, with wage progression as the apprentice gains new skills. ICATT Apprentices have a high school degree & take the college placement test to qualify for the programs. They complete the college courses on 2 days / week and their on-the-job training at the ICATT Network Companies on the other 3 days. ICATT Apprentices earn an associate degree in addition to national and international certificates. The typical investment is $35,000 to $40,000 per apprentice per year, including wages, stipends, tuition and fees. Currently, Oakton and ICATT have registered apprenticeships in Advanced Manufacturing Technology, Mechatronics, and Pharmaceutical Manufacturing.
Unregistered Apprenticeships are similar to registered apprenticeships in that they are company-driven, and offer students paid work experience and a no-cost education while obtaining a credential. However, they are not registered with the Department of Labor and there is more flexibility on curriculum, pathways, and length of time. Oakton staff can work with companies to customize a program that fits their needs. A typical investment would include an hourly wage for the student for approximately 3 days a week (with wage progression as the apprentice gains new skills) and the student’s tuition, fees, and books (the average student will take 6-9 credit hours per semester); see more information on Oakton tuition and fees. Oakton currently offers an unregistered apprenticeship in Fire Science and is recruiting companies to offer apprenticeships in Automotive, Business, and Import/Export and is open to other industries.
If you are a local employer interested in creating an Apprenticeship program with Oakton, please complete the below interest form.
Information for Students
Earn income while in school
No student debt
Guaranteed employment upon completion
Earn certificates, credentials, and/or degrees in your field
Oakton currently has apprentices in Advanced Manufacturing Technology, Mechatronics, Pharmaceutical Manufacturing, and Fire Science.
While there are currently no partner companies hiring for Fall 2024, please complete the below Student Interest Form to be notified of new opportunities.
While there are currently no partner companies hiring for Fall 2024, please complete the below Student Interest Form to be notified of new/future opportunities.
Current Oakton students may consider our other work-based learning program, the Internship Program, which offers short-term, part-time paid Internship opportunities with local employers. Please visit our internships page for details.
