Harper College will be closed Monday, September 1, in observance of Labor Day.
There are many benefits to participation in the Harper Registered Apprenticeship Program. You gain access to classroom and lab experiences with qualified Harper faculty plus on-the-job training with a dedicated mentor in the company where you work in a paid position. This on the job training program enables you to earn a salary while you learn a career.
Available Apprenticeships
Please note: all of our employers are local, and our classes are online or in-person at Harper College. You must provide your own transportation to and from work and Harper College to participate in the program.
Employment
Employers have approached Harper to create their training programs. Their expectation is that students will develop the necessary foundation skill set and bring their expertise to work at the company. Harper and these companies worked to align the college curriculum to their employment needs. Students are hired and earn a salary as an apprentice with the company and attend Harper College with the potential for continued employment well beyond program completion.
No Debt
Employers cover the training costs of your Apprenticeship program. This includes tuition,
fees & books, as well as paying a salary; even while taking classes at Harper College.
You graduate with no debt, providing the opportunity to start your career without
the burden of heavy student loans.
Course Schedule
The apprenticeship program is created in blocks of time specific for each program
to enhance optimal learning. Part of the time each semester is dedicated to coursework
at Harper and the remaining time is for on-the-job training with a company mentor.
Scheduling is done in such a way as to avoid any potential conflicts between time
in the classroom and time on-the-job.
Career AdvancementThe on-the-job training programs are designed for high-demand positions and guarantee a job while in the program. Employers strive to retain loyal employees willing to build a career with them.
All available apprenticeship programs are listed on the Apprenticeship main page, as well as in the dropdown menu above. Look around and find the one that's right for you!
Step 1: Fill out the Interest Form
If you are interested in working as an apprentice, click here to fill out the Interest Form which will go directly to Admissions for the next step in the process.
Step 2: Apply to Harper College
Click here and follow the instructions to apply to Harper College. If you are already a Harper student you must have a cumulative GPA of 2.0 or higher.*
Step 3: Take Harper Placement
All apprentices must place into college-level English, Reading, and Math. Schedule an appointment on your Student Portal to test. The Testing Center is located in Building A, Room A148.
Step 4: Apply and Interview
Resume assistance is available at the Job Placement Resource Center (JPRC). College-ready apprentice candidates will be invited to upload their resume for review by and interview with employers.**
* The Harper College application will ask what “Area of Interest” you are pursuing. For Industrial Maintenance, CNC Operator, or Electromechanical Technician choose MANUFACTURING & CONSTRUCTION; for General Insurance, Supply Chain Management, Banking & Finance, or Retail & Sales Management, choose BUSINESS & INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY; for Graphic Arts Print Production, choose ART, DESIGN & PERFORMING ARTS.
**Additional hiring steps may be required by employers.
At Least 18 Years Old
High School Diploma or GED
Eligible to work in the US (Citizen or Permanent Resident)
Meet Academic Requirements for Admission
Some Jobs Require A Driver’s License
Additionally, one of the key goals of the American Apprenticeship Initiative is to open up access to apprenticeship opportunities for underrepresented populations. Therefore, projects should demonstrate strategies to employ and train underserved populations in apprenticeship such as women, young men and women of color, persons with disabilities, low-skilled populations, veterans, including transitioning service members, and others
Students who have had some exposure to the industry in an internship are more likely
to be successful in apprenticeship. Companies who have hired interns can then hire
a student who fits best with their company as an apprentice. Harper encourages companies
who are not ready to hire an apprentice to engage with their local high schools to
start an internship program. Let’s work together!
Apprentices earn college credit that can be transferred to several Universities when they are ready for that next step in their career ladder. Most of Harper College’s apprenticeship programs are AAS degrees with at least 60 credit hours meaning students can transfer in at junior status.
Governor’s State University has designed a completion degree available online.
Harper College’s University Center is partnered with the following universities that operate on Harper’s campus for your convenience.