Contact Us: 518-894-5125
Frequently Asked Questions
Q. How do I enroll/when can I enroll?
A. If you are a program sponsor or an apprentice, please contact Rick Bruno, the Michigan Training Consultant. Penn Foster has "open enrollment", allowing you to enroll at any time. In just a few short minutes, we can have your apprentice(s) enrolled, in compliance with the licensing law and ready to begin their studies.
Q. What does an apprentice need to do to get started?
A. Apprentices must be "sponsored" by an employer (contractor or company) who will provide them with OJL (on-the-job-learning), to go along with the RTI (Related Technical Instruction...aka "book work") that Penn Foster provides.
Q. What does an employer need to do to get started?
A. If using apprentices for Davis-Bacon (prevailing wage) jobs, the sponsoring employer must register their Apprenticeship program with the DOL's Office of Apprenticeship (DOLOA). There is no fee to register. The employer must choose an approved RTI (Related Technical Instruction...aka "book work") provider, which Penn Foster is.
Q. How does an apprentice obtain their apprentice card/license?
A. Once enrolled, Penn Foster will sign the apprentice card application and email back to the employer and apprentice. The employer and apprentice complete the application and mail to the state (LARA - Licensing and Regulatory Affairs) for processing.Q. What are the minimum requirements?
Q. How can I track my apprentice(s) progress?
A. Penn Foster provides each employer with a login to our Partner Portal, which allows access to your apprentice(s) records in real time (what courses they are enrolled in, which courses they've tested on and their grades). The DOLOA will provides access to the RAPIDS system, which permits employers to record their apprentice(s) OJL hours.
Q. How do I track my apprentice(s) RTI ("book work") hours?
A. Penn Foster ships and charges one year at a time, removing the need to "track" RTI hours. As each Year contains at least 144 hours, when the apprentice finishes their current set of books within the one year "anniversary" of their enrollment date, you'll know they have met their minimum required hours. Thus, completion of the full 4 year program will also meet the required minimum of at least 576 hours of RTI.
Q. Can the apprentice complete their RTI ("book work") hours before my year is up?
A. Yes, all Penn Foster programs are self-paced and apprentices can complete their training as quickly as they'd like. However, please note that their OJL hours cannot be completed in less than 4 years.
Q. Does the apprentice have access to an Instructor?
A. Yes. Instructional support is available via a toll-free number or by email.
Q. Can I get credit for prior schooling or experience?
A. Most times, yes. All credit evaluation is on a "case-by-case" basis. Please call Rick Bruno at 518-894-5125 for more information on submitting transcripts for review.
Q. What if I have prior OJL hours?
A. If the hours are verifiable (letter from employer or W-2's), the apprentice may qualify to start the program after Year 1. However, please note that one of the main purposes of the program is to prepare the apprentice for the Journeyman's Exam for licensure. The sponsoring employer, the apprentice and Penn Foster work together to start the apprentice at the proper spot, while ensuring the apprentice is provided any and all training they might need to prepare for the Journeyman's Exam.
Q. What if I have enough OJL hours (8,000+) to sit for my Journeyman's Exam?
A. If performing Electrical work in Michigan, you must either be licensed or enrolled in an approved apprenticeship program. Check with the DOLOA and state licensing authority if the apprentice will be granted permission to sit for the exam.
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And help registering your Electrical Apprenticeship Program in Michigan
Rick Bruno
518-894-5125