Students selected by employers for apprenticeship training will begin STRA Program activities the summer between junior and senior year, and continue classroom and jobsite training until all program hours are completed (2-5 years). The typical STRA Program activity schedule includes the following:

Summer Between Junior & Senior Year

• When applicable, student will participate in a 1-2 week classroom safety course.
• Student will participate in a 6-8 week paid STRA Program Summer Work Experience with the sponsoring employer. The student is registered with the Bureau of Apprenticeship and Training as an apprentice for a specific occupation, keeping track of the student's classroom and job site training hours until the program is completed.
• Student's wages start at approximately half what a "professional" earns performing the same job for that specific business.

Senior Year

• During senior year, the student apprentice will participate in occupational instruction during a portion of their traditional classroom day.
• Student apprentices also continue paid on-the-job training at the work site.
• A "Progressive Wage Scale" is utilized, allowing guaranteed wage increases at predetermined intervals, given students progress and performance is satisfactory.

Upon Graduation

• Once the student apprentice graduates, he/she continues paid on-the-job training as a full time employee, receiving wages plus benefits.
• The student apprentice also continues classroom instruction at the local community college, or other post high school instruction deliverer.
• In most cases, the employer will pay a portion or all of tuition and fees.

Upon Apprenticeship Completion

• The student apprentice must successfully complete all program classroom and on-the-job training hours. This can take anywhere from 2-5 years depending on the occupation and the employer.
• When program hours are completed, the student is awarded a "Certificate of Completion" from the United States Department of Labor, Bureau of Apprenticeship and Training, verifying the completion of high quality occupational or career training, and recognized by those in the industry nationwide!
• Student's wages upon program completion will be at the company's professional wage level for the occupation.

To learn about STRA, click on any item below and you will get information regarding:

• The Apprenticeship System of Training
• STRA and Michigan's Career Preparation System
• Program Benefits and Commitments
• Program Requirements for Students and Employers
• The STRA Program Student "Selection Process"
• Student Apprentice Summer & School Year Program Activities
• Program Completion and Nationally Recognized Credentials
• Career Pathways
  
  • Apprenticeable Careers and Occupations
• STRA Program Coordinators and Contacts
• STRA Program Resources, Activities, and Updates
• 50 Most Frequently Asked Questions about Apprenticeships