Your thoughts on an apprenticeship program?

[Jordan]

Not sure if this has been brought up before, or what the differences in the states compared to Canada. But here we have the ability to go into an apprenticeship program, and work for 10 months out of the year and do technical training for 2 months, then write your TQ (technical qualification test) for that particular year, usually its 2 months of theory and 10 months of on the job training, each year has specific topics (first year basic information, hydraulics, electrical, shop tools, communication…etc, second year engines and fuel systems, 3rd year specific types of equipment (combines, sprayers, my trade is agricultural equipment, every trade is a bit different) and 4th year is power trains and advanced hydraulics….)
What is your opinion of these programs as compared to a full time (4 year) program with theory and shop training in a school setting? and does the US have a similar program?

Thanks

Topic

[Donnie]

I am definitely not Eric, but I think an Apprenticeship is a Fantastic alternative to a Four Year school for a piece of paper. Book knowledge versus Street Smarts. (I’m a fan of Mike Rowe, and his ideology when it comes to work, if you’ve heard of him.)

[EricTheCarGuy]

I think it’s a great idea but I don’t feel it can take the place of formal education. It’s true that experience is the best teacher in this business, but ultimately, time is money. If you have to learn a system on the spot in order to repair it, it’s a waste of time. If you have some traditional schooling you’re better prepared for these situations. Knowing how to turn a wrench is one thing, and there’s no better place to do that than in an apprentice program, but there is no substitute for a good automotive education as a foundation to that. Focusing on any one aspect of learning limits your abilities. I think both ‘book smarts’ and experience make for a more well rounded education.

[Jon Hart]

I Took the all theory approach and did a full time course for 3 years Yes there were practical elements to it but much of it was class room based, In theory this is good and you will learn about systems quite in depth but no amount of class room experience can replicate working in a garage and if you got all theory you will really struggle with applying the knowledge to practical applications.

With hind site I would of taken a more practical oriented approach to learning.

[Jordan]

I only ask this because In Alberta, the thing to do is the apprenticeship program, there is a “full time program” but it is only giving you your first 2 year qualification, we recently employed 2 “pre-employment” graduates and its exactly as people have described it, they have the book smarts but no experience (80% of the full time pre-employment program is all theory), they seem to take longer to do jobs have have a way larger amount of re-work.

Myself, I started as an apprentice, I actually started out on compact equipment and went for my small engine trade qualification, but changed to agriculture due to the compact and heavy equipment implementing new emissions regulations, which the small engine course did not cover… So far the apprenticeship program has been a great experience, learning on the job has been the best at teaching me what I need to know, some things I have learned on the job, haven’t even been covered during the 2 months of technical training.

[Author]

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