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 and electricians require state licensure at the conclusion of their training. HVAC/R technicians may test for their LE/B license.

Chemeketa’s Apprenticeship Department offers an Associate of Applied Science degree 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 degrees, please call 503.399.5255 or go to go.chemeketa.edu/apprenticeship. All students in the HVAC/R program 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, Sheet Metal Specialization 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 OSHA regulations.
2. Complete three general education courses with a grade of C or better.

Sheet Metal Specialization

These courses are open to the public.

Sheet Metal Apprenticeship application requirements:

• Minimum of 17 years of age (18 to start working as an apprentice).
• High School Diploma or GED.
• One year of high school algebra with grade “C” or better; or completion of MTH 060 (or higher) at Chemeketa; or placing into MTH 070 (or higher) on a college placement test.

Sheet Metal Apprenticeship Specialization degree requirements:

• Journey-level status in the sheet metal industry.
• Complete a minimum of 30 credits at Chemeketa.
• Complete the required 69 credit hours (12 hours of general education credits plus 57 hours of sheet metal trade-related coursework).

Students may earn an certificate of completion by successfully completing the Construction Trades, General Apprenticeship general education requirements of three courses, plus 12 additional courses in the Sheet Metal area of specialization.