SUNY Apprenticeship Program

Preparing Tomorrow’s Skilled Workforce

Jefferson Community College is proud to partner with the SUNY Apprenticeship Initiative, a statewide effort to meet New York’s evolving workforce needs. Through this program, JCC helps employers build talent from within by offering Apprenticeship Programs in high-demand fields. The best part yet, SUNY funding covers tuition for Registered Apprentices!

What Is a Registered Apprenticeship?

A Registered Apprenticeship is a structured training model that combines:

• On-the-Job Training (OJT): Hands-on experience under the guidance of skilled mentors.
• Related Instruction (RI): Classroom-based learning provided by JCC faculty.

These programs are approved and overseen by the New York State Department of Labor (NYSDOL) to ensure quality and consistency. Apprentices earn nationally recognized credentials while gaining valuable skills and progressing toward a SUNY certificate or degree—with little to no student debt.

Benefits for Employers

Employers who become NYSDOL Registered Sponsors can:

• Upskill current employees or train new hires
• Improve retention through wage progression
• Transfer institutional knowledge to the next generation
• Receive support from SUNY Business Developers
• Collaborate with JCC to tailor training to your industry needs
• Benefit from a high ROI—averaging $1.47 for every dollar invested

Industries We Serve

JCC supports apprenticeships in a wide range of sectors, including:

Check out of NYSDOL Apprenticeship Trades approved trade list and the Occupations/Trades Supported by SUNY for Related Instruction.

Who Can Become an Apprentice?

Becoming an apprentice means taking the first step toward a rewarding, well-paying career.
As an apprentice, you’ll earn while you learn—gaining valuable skills through:

• On-the-Job Training (OJT): Hands-on experience under the guidance of experienced
   professionals
• Related Instruction (RI): Classroom-based learning provided by Jefferson Community College

Eligibility Requirements

To become an apprentice, you must be:

• 18 years or older, or
• 16–17 years old with parental consent
• A high school graduate or GED holder
• Motivated to learn and grow in a skilled trade
  
  

Training Overview

During your training, you’ll complete:

A nationally recognized Journey Worker certification upon completion

Pathways to Apprenticeship

There are two main ways to begin your apprenticeship journey:

1. Direct Recruitment into a NYS Registered Apprenticeship Program (if you meet all eligibility requirements)
2. Direct Entry Programs that help you build the skills needed to qualify for a Registered Apprenticeship

Get Started Today

Whether you're an employer looking to build a skilled workforce or an individual ready to launch a career, Jefferson Community College is here to help you succeed through apprenticeship.

Employers across New York are using Registered Apprenticeships to:

• Develop a pipeline of skilled talent
• Increase productivity and retention
• Prepare for future workforce needs

Let’s connect and explore how apprenticeship can work for you.

Contact Us

Workforce Solutions
ced@sunyjefferson.edu

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