Employer Benefits

Apprenticeship is an efficient and cost effective system that can help businesses become more productive. For example, apprenticeship:

• Gives sound return on business investment. A recent study showed that, on average for each dollar invested, private employers received a benefit of $1.38—a net return of $ 0.38. (See "Return on Apprenticeship Training Investment," Canadian Apprenticeship Forum, June 2006.)
• Is a low-cost training program. Community colleges, the state and apprentices all “chip in” to cover the cost of the classroom training
• The apprenticeship training coordinator and committee manage the training program
• Easier recruiting as apprentices are drawn to the many benefits of apprenticeship programs
• Pays lower wages when the apprentices begin and increase as they become more productive
• Provides an effective way to screen new employees, both during and after the program
• Establishes a probationary period to make sure the employee fits the employer´s needs
• Captures expertise of your experienced employees who pass knowledge on to new, less skilled apprentices
• Provides a method to formally train your employees, in your facility, on your equipment, to fit your needs
• Increases productivity. “Homegrown” employees are more productive. Motivated and highly trained workers produce better products, have better work habits and are absent less often
• Increases worker safety. Classroom study, coupled with on-the-job training, helps workers better understand their jobs and their accompanying risks, and helps them avoid job-related injuries, saving employers time and money
• Reduces labor turnover. Apprentices see the time and energy spent in the classroom as a long term investment in their careers. Apprenticeships foster loyalty
• More information on benefits can be found about the Benefits of Using Apprentices and the Apprenticeship Program at the Washington State Labor and Industries Apprenticeship website.