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Top Apprenticeships in California

California, famously known throughout the world for its great weather, Disneyland, Hollywood, and of course Silicon Valley. However, there are a variety of apprenticeships in California that many residents have used to attain great career success in non-traditional ways. Individuals who took their skills, talents, and dreams and turned them into a business or even an empire. Some who weren’t even born there, but moved or expanded there, to allow their seeds of genius and ingenuity to grow rapidly and flourish.

Emphasized by Silicon Valley in particular. Where many individuals who haven’t even finished college now have well-paid jobs, franchises, or even company headquarters. Lending a hand to a statement perhaps repeated too many times, “conventional education isn’t the only way to be successful”. But above all, shows when skills are paired with either talent, passion, creativity, or determination, great things can happen. The only common factor being skills.

One of the easiest and most efficient ways to gain a skill or skills is through apprenticeship. On the job, hands-on training, where you can learn, gain experience and still earn a salary along the way. Allowing you to obtain the skills you need to fulfill your dreams and bring you one step closer to your success. But, if you’re not sure which apprenticeships you should choose, we’ve compiled a list of a few of the top apprenticeships in California to help get you started.

 

#1. Cybersecurity Support Technician Apprenticeship (LAN)

Cybersecurity support technicians are like the knights of the technology world and our technology and data like castles. They protect company technology and data from malicious attacks, by either preventative or reactive measures using security software. With this software, they prevent, detect, and take action against flaws and threats found during inspection or upon a report by staff or the software themselves. All typically done within company protocols and procedures, while properly recording steps from inspection to resolution.

The Launch Apprenticeship Network is somewhat a bridge between colleges and businesses that both have interests in apprenticeship programs. They allow both to work together to deliver apprenticeships in California, education, and strengthening the skills of future industry professionals.

Their program is a 12-month course and you can expect around 1000-2000 on-the-job training hours and possibly 144 classroom hours. A great place to start your cybersecurity career.

Requirements:

  • 16 years or older
  • Must be eligible to enroll in participating community college
  • Ability to safely perform the work of the trade.

Note: The required physical exam for entry will be cost-free.

OJT company contact info

#2. Computer Programmer Apprenticeship (SJCC)

Computer Programmer is often used interchangeably with the title Software Developer and vice-versa. Though according to the country or company the lines can become blurred and they are considered the same. But typically, “Computer Programmer” refers to the self-explanatory Software Developer. They are responsible for the development (creation), deployment (release), and updates (maintenance and expansion) of computer and mobile applications alike. Usually with a beginner or expert level understanding of every aspect of the process, from creation and security up to hosting.

This program is offered by San Jose Community College and requires 12 months to be completed. The length indicating a boot camp model, where the focus is only given to topics and skills necessary to obtain and perform the job specified. Which you can expect to spend anywhere from 1000-2000 on-the-job training hours and 144 classroom hours.

Surely one of the more appealing apprenticeships in California we chose. As it can be your first step into Silicon Valley or bringing your upstart to life.

Requirements:

  • 18 years or older

OJT company contact info

  • Address: 2100 Moorpark Avenue, San Jose, CA 95812
  • Website: https://catalog.sjcc.edu/
  • Telephone: 408-288-3192 (Specific for this opportunity)
  • Fax: NA

#3 & 4. BL549 Apprenticeship programs

Boilermakers Local 549 is the local Californian branch of the International Brotherhood of Iron Ship Builders Blacksmiths Forgers and Helpers. Yup, quite the mouthful. They offer apprenticeships in California to their union members and non-union members. With a goal of providing the best training and creating skilled workers at the top of their craftmanship game.

Boilermaker Apprenticeship

Boilermakers assemble boilers, and practically any industrial vessel used for holding fluids based on a design blueprint, to outlined specifications. They also install, maintain, and repair these vessels to prevent spills and other hazards. They may also perform tests for leaks and inspect vessels for any problematic defects.

The typical Boilermaker apprenticeship lasts for approximately 4 years and requires 8000 on-the-job training hours. While classroom hours can be anywhere around 576 hours minimum.

Welding Apprenticeship

Welding can be defined as, connecting two metal objects or surfaces by partially converting a piece of each to liquid with a heat source, allowing them to easily mix and become one as they cool. Of course, there are many different types of welding and welding standards. For instance, Boilermakers Local 549 teaches Industrial welding and Specialty welding. However, they all usually do abide by this general definition.

Welding opens many doors for creative and ambitious minds. That is, as a welder you can go into fabrication, sheet metal work, and even boiler making. It gives plenty of room for entrepreneurship and career growth. You can even choose to specialize in welding and learn the many types, going on to underwater welding, welding inspection, and other high-paying jobs of that industry. Excellent choice if you’re looking for apprenticeships in California.

The average welding apprenticeship lasts approximately 3-4 years, where 6000-8000 on-the-job training hours and 432-576 classroom hours will be needed to graduate.

Requirements:

  • 18 years or older
  • Highschool diploma or G.E.D

OJT company contact info

#5. Stationary Operating and Maintenance Engineer Apprenticeship (IUOEL501)

Stationary operating engineers oversee the entire workings of a plant through a software interface. These interfaces allow them to operate, install, decommission, and even execute some forms of maintenance procedures on the plant and its equipment. Also, since the industrial world has fully embraced technology, there are transmitters and sensors to assist them in monitoring and troubleshooting issues that arise at the plant. Additionally, they can even do some forms of vessel inspection like pressure testing vessels all from the control room.

The International Union of Operating Engineers Local 501’s program is 4 years long. You can expect 8000 hours of on-the-job training and 576 classroom hours or even more. This is no surprise as this is a very serious and technical job. Where many operating engineers train using simulation programs that are very similar or identical to the daily tasks they will face.

As an operating engineer, there are a vast number of industries you can go into. Anywhere processes need to be monitored, controlled, and maintained really. This gives the apprentice a higher chance of getting employed and this program a well-deserved spot in our top 5 apprenticeships in California.

Requirements:

  • 18 years or older
  • Highschool diploma or G.E.D
  • Citizen of the United States or a permit to work

OJT company contact info

  • Address: 400 West Washington Blvd, B1 212 Los Angeles, CA 90015
  • Website: https://local501.org/ca/
  • Telephone: 213-385-2889
  • Fax: 213-388-0696

 

Conclusion

In a state where your ability and experience can significantly affect your success, apprenticeship is one of the best cards in your hands. Your dream can start with an apprenticeship.

We hope our list of a few of the top apprenticeships in California, has assisted you in finding an apprenticeship for you. Perhaps even a new career option as you’re deciding what you would like to do. If you haven’t seen any apprenticeships that interest you, please have a look at our directories for more. Check out our blogs section for more career guiding posts. Or you can also continue your apprenticeship search here to find additional California apprentice programs listed on the state’s Department of Labor page.