Apprenticeship is a structured system of training designed to prepare individuals for skilled occupations. It combines on-the-job training under the supervision of experienced journey workers with related classroom instruction.

A variety of terms and acronyms are used to communicate about apprenticeship. Below is a list of some common ones, to help you make more sense of the information you find as you explore apprenticeship.

TERMS

• Apprenticeship: A program in which individuals learn a trade through work experience and education.
• BOLI-ATD: Bureau of Labor and Industries – Apprenticeship and Training Division
• EMGOW:  Electrical Management Group of Washington
• Journeyperson: A worker who has mastered a trade through completion of an apprenticeship program.
• Non-Union: Non-Union: A place of employment at which one is not required to join or financially support a union (Also known as Open Shop and Merit Shop).
• OJT: On-The-Job – refers to the type of training and the work hours of an apprenticeship program.
• Open Enrollment: The time period during which apprenticeship programs are accepting applications.
• Registered Apprenticeship: An apprenticeship program that has been approved by the Oregon Bureau of Labor and Industries and by the Oregon State Apprenticeship and Training Council.
• Related Training: The training that apprentices receive in a classroom or lab setting.
• Standards: The legal document registered with BOLI – ATD that outlines all of the requirements of the individual apprenticeship program.
• Training Agent: An employer approved by a local committee to provide on-the-job experience and training to apprentices and is registered with the state division of apprenticeship.
• Training Center: A building or buildings designed to house the related training of one or more apprenticeship programs.