Apprenticeship Programs

Start Your Career with a Foothill College Apprenticeship

Build Experience and Increase Your Earning Potential

More than 80,000 women and men working in one of over 800 occupations in California’s construction trades began their careers as apprentices. To enter the building trades, you must start as an apprentice. At Foothill College, we partner with local apprenticeship training organizations to offer instruction in several trades, combining classroom learning with hands-on experience that leads to sustainable, well-paying careers.

In addition, the construction industry’s urgent need for skilled workers creates opportunities for women to enter and advance in the field. Jobs in the trades offer women the chance for meaningful work with high wages. A woman can expect to earn 20 to 30 percent more in a construction career.

Apprenticeships in California Apprenticeship programs in California Apprenticeship programs in California are developed and conducted by program sponsors, which may include individual employers, employer associations, or joint labor-management organizations. These partnerships ensure that apprentices receive the highest quality of both hands-on training and classroom education. Foothill College individually contracts with each program sponsor to deliver related and supplementary instruction (RSI) the classroom component that complements on-the-job training. Together, these programs prepare apprentices for long-term careers in California’s most essential skilled trades.

Is a Trade Apprenticeship Right for You? An apprenticeship is an excellent career choice if you • Like to work with your hands • Are willing to commit to training for up to five years (depending on the trade) • Have mechanical ability and strong problem-solving skills • Enjoy working as part of a team • Want to earn a living wage with strong benefits • Are looking for long-term career advancement

Consider Being an Apprentice

• Enjoy working with your hands.
• Are willing to complete an apprenticeship of up to five years, depending on the trade.
• Have dexterity, mechanical ability, and strong problem-solving skills.

Gainful Employment Disclosure

What Foothill College Provides

• College credit for 100-level courses.
• Montoya Act classroom hours and RSI coordination.
• Curriculum approval and quality oversight.
• Completion certificates recognized by the California DAS.
• Academic counseling, assessment testing, and basic skills support.
• Career and technical education (CTE) pathways that connect to associate degrees or transfer opportunities.