go.chemeketa.edu/apprenticeship

Apprenticeship training is a method of vocational education recognized by the Apprenticeship and Training Division (ATD) of the Oregon Bureau of Labor and Industries (BOLI). It combines full-time on-the-job training (OJT) with committee-approved employers and trade-related instruction. Apprentices work fulltime and take courses online or face-to-face one or two evenings a week for two or four years, depending on the program.

The instruction at Chemeketa is for those already working in selected trades as apprentices, or for journey-level workers who wish to upgrade their skills or knowledge. First and second-year HVAC/R and sheet metal courses are open to the public. The programs require two or four years of OJT and related instruction to earn a journey card. Plumbers require state licensure at the conclusion of their training. HVAC/R technicians may test for their LE/B license.

Chemeketa’s Apprenticeship Department offers a Certificate of Completion in Construction Trades, General Apprenticeship with specializations in Heating, Ventilation, Air-Conditioning, and Refrigeration (HVAC/R); Plumbing; and Sheet Metal.

If you are interested in applying for an Oregon State Apprenticeship program, visit oregonapprenticeship.org or oregon.gov/boli/apprenticeship for program and entrance requirements. For more information on Chemeketa’s apprenticeship certificates, please call 503.399.5255 or go to go.chemeketa.edu/apprenticeship. All students in the HVAC/R  apprenticeship programs must complete 8,000 hours of State of Oregon approved OJT; the Sheet Metal program requires 7,200 hours of OJT; and the Plumbing program requires 7,700 hours of OJT. 

Program Outcomes

Students completing the Construction Trades General Apprenticeship certificate should be able to satisfy the following outcomes:

1. Repair, install, and maintain a variety of building construction projects using trade-specific tools and techniques in compliance with building codes and Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) regulations.
2. Complete 60 hours of HVAC/R trade-related coursework.
3. Complete three general education courses for the certificate with a grade of C or better.

HVAC/R Specialization

First- and second-year courses are open to the public. The certificate requires completion of a registered apprenticeship.

HVAC/R Apprenticeship application requirements:

• 18 years of age or older.
• High School Diploma or GED.
• One year of high school algebra with grade “C” or better; or completion of MTH060 (or higher) at Chemeketa; or placing into MTH070 (or higher) on a college placement test.

HVAC/R Apprenticeship specialization certificate requirements:

• Journey-level status in the HVAC/R industry.
• Complete a minimum of 30 credits at Chemeketa.
• Complete the required 12 HVAC/R courses and three (3) general education courses.

Students may earn a certificate of completion by successfully completing the Construction Trades, General Apprenticeship general education requirement of three courses, plus 12 additional courses in the HVAC/R specialization.