Apprenticeship Programs
How to Apply for Apprenticeship Programs
Foothill College partners with local trade unions to offer registered apprenticeship programs in plumbing, HVAC, sheet metal, and electrical trades. These programs combine paid, hands-on training with classroom instruction, preparing you for state certification and long-term career success.
Explore Foothill College’s trade programs in plumbing, HVAC, sheet metal, and electrical systems.
Learn about our affiliated unions and apprenticeship training centers at calapprenticeship.org.
Each trade offers competitive pay, hands-on learning, and strong job prospects across California.
Once you choose a trade (such as electrician, plumber, or HVAC technician), identify the local training center where the program is offered and review their requirements:
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Application dates and deadlines
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Required materials and qualifications
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Expectations of the trade
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Career pathways and advancement options
Bring all required documentation and be prepared to schedule your aptitude test, which typically takes place 2–3 months after your application is reviewed.
You’ll receive test notifications by mail.
Take the aptitude or placement test on your assigned date.
This step assesses your readiness for the academic and technical training required
in your chosen trade.
Many trades include an oral interview after you pass the applicant test.
Interviews are usually scheduled one to two months after testing and help the training
center evaluate your interest, attitude, and commitment to the trade.
Important Note Before You ApplyYou must apply through the Local Union Training Office—not directly to Foothill College. After you’re accepted into an apprenticeship program, you’ll register for classes and officially become a Foothill College apprenticeship student. |
Pre-Requisites for Apprenticeship ProgramsApprenticeship admission requirements vary by trade and union sponsor, but generally
applicants must be at least 18, able to perform the physical work of the trade, and
show proof of a high school diploma or GED. Apprentices also need strong enough English
skills to learn safely in both classroom and jobsite environments. Selection and training
decisions are made fairly and without discrimination, ensuring equal opportunity for
all. In these programs, “journeyman” refers solely to skill level—not gender—so women
who complete their apprenticeships proudly achieve journeyman status in their field. |
Contact UsApprenticeship Officeapprenticeships@foothill.edu |
