Apprenticeships

Degree Type

Associate in Applied Science

Certificates Available

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About the Program

An apprenticeship is a training program that combines paid, on-the-job experience with classroom instruction. Apprenticeship students must be 18 years or older and have a high school diploma or equivalent before being accepted into most programs.

As an apprentice, students will be supervised on-the-job by skilled journeypersons. They will also attend classes every week during the fall and spring semesters. At RVC, students can participate in the following apprenticeship certificate programs:

  • Tool & Die/Precision Machinists
  • Electrician Apprenticeship (leading to either a certificate or Associate in Applied Science Degree)

Admission Requirements

In each program, RVC works in cooperation with a joint apprenticeship training committee that determines admission to that program. 

What can I do with this degree?

Potential Careers & Wages

Students who complete an apprenticeship have excellent opportunites for advancement upon completion. Apprenticeships require that the college and student work with an employer; therefore, students are placed in employment before completion. 

Program Pathways

Students should meet with an Academic Advisor to develop a clear pathway leading to a seamless transfer experience or transition to the workforce. For additional possibilities that may require an advanced degree or certification, make an appointment with an Academic Advisor.

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For information on accreditation, please visit www.apprenticeship.gov 

The tool and die maker/precision machinist apprentice makes the devices used by machinists for mass-produced parts. Tool and die makers are among the most skilled of all machinery workers. Apprentices learn to make the gauges and measuring devices in manufacturing precision metal parts. They are also taught to construct metal forms used to shape metal stamping and forging operations.

If you are working for a company that currently participates in the apprenticeship program, talk to your supervisor or an HR staff person. They will be able to outline the process used by your company in selecting individuals for their program.

If working for a company that does not have an apprenticeship program, express your interest in pursuing an apprenticeship to your supervisor. The company has to agree to sponsor you in the four-year program. For more information, you and/or your supervisor can contact the Apprentice Administrator.

If you are looking to pursue a career in manufacturing through the apprenticeship program, there are a couple ways to get started.
  • One is to contact any of our member and sponsoring companies to see if they are currently hiring apprentices. The member companies are listed at the membership tab on the RRVTMA website and a list of sponsoring companies can be obtained from the Apprentice Administrator.
  • A second possibility is to take the NTMA Aptitude Test that the RRVTMA offers a couple times each year. With permission, your test scores and contact information will be provided to our member and sponsoring companies.

The Electrician Apprentice (ELC) Program consists of a series of technical core courses covering the required classroom-related instruction for people who wish to become journeyman electrical workers. The program requires a minimum of 800 hours of related instruction and 8,000 hours of on-the-job training.

Students interested in applying for the Program need to go through a selection process established by the JATC Local Union 364.

For more information, visit http://www.ibew364.org/Training.

Tool and Die/Precision Machinist
Rock River Valley Tooling and Machining Association
P.O. Box 5029
Rockford, IL 61125
(815) 985-8582

Meredith Thetford
US Department of Labor Apprenticeship & Training Representative
10 West Cass Street
Joliet, IL 60432
(312) 353-6046  

RVC Dean of Career Technical Education
3301 N. Mulford Road
Rockford, IL 61109
(815) 921-3174

Rockford Area Electricians Joint Apprenticeship Committee
619 South Rock Drive
Rockford, IL 61102
(815) 969-8484

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