Registered Apprenticeships
VESTA brings together employers and employees in WIN:WIN relationships.
VESTA is collaborating with industry associations, government agencies, colleges and universities, and related non-profit organizations to implement Registered Apprenticeships for vineyards and wineries, a unique and flexible employer-driven model that will enhance recruitment, advancement and retention of employees.
The U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) established this unique, flexible training program that combines job-specific On-the-Job Learning with Related Technical Instruction over 80 years ago. At the end of FY 2017:
There were 1,373 jobs approved for RAs, but only two for the grape and wine industry (GWI) – Wine Maker and Cellar Worker.
There were 533,607 active RAs nationwide, but less than 20 for the GWI – all in Iowa and Michigan.
Key Components of Registered Apprenticeships
The Registered Apprenticeship program has five components essential to success for the employer and the apprentice.
- Business Involvement - Employers are the foundation of every Registered Apprenticeship program.
- Structured On-the-Job Learning (OJL) - Apprentices receive job-specific training from an experienced Mentor for typically not less than one year.
- Related Technical Instruction (RTI) - Apprenticeships combine OJL with RTI at 2-year colleges. RTI could be provided at a college, online, or at the job site.
- Reward for Skills Gain - Apprentices receive wage increases as they gain higher-level skills.
- National Occupational Credential - Registered apprenticeship programs result in a nationally recognized certificate - a 100% guarantee to employers that apprentices are fully qualified for the job.
Employer is the One Who
- Determines the type of occupations, length of RA programs, and education and competencies needed
- Determines qualifications for apprentices, wages, and hiring/firing conditions
- Identifies sources of education and specific requirements for Related Technical Instruction
- Hires the Apprentice
- Awards credit for relevant prior education and experience
- Provides On-the-Job Learning by pairing an Apprentice with a Mentor
- Oversees progress of the On-the-Job Learning and Related Technical Instruction
Apprentice is a Full-time Employee Who
- Participates in On-the-Job Learning – 2,000 hours of work annually
- Participates in a recommended minimum of 144 hours of Related Technical Instruction
- Receives wage increases commensurate with achieving competencies
- Receives a nationally-recognized Certificate from the U.S. Department of Labor upon completing a Registered Apprenticeship.
For more information on Registered Apprenticeships for the Grape and Wine Industry, please contact:
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Brenda Smith |
Missouri State University is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action/Minority/Female/Veterans/Disability/Sexual Orientation/Gender Identity Employer and Institution