Frequently Asked Questions

Application Process

  • The hiring process for apprentices usually occurs during early spring. To view the postings, visit jobs.uncc.edu. In the search jobs field, enter “apprenticeship program” as a keyword, and submit an application. (Note: These positions are not currently available. Please check back for updates.)

  • If selected, interviews will be scheduled and conducted by UNC Charlotte Facilities Management. The first interview will be via telephone. Selected applicants will then transition into in-person interviews.

  • Following interviews, finalists will have full background checks facilitated by UNC Charlotte.

  • Afterward, interviewed applicants will be contacted with either a formal offer or request to re-apply the following year.

Applicants must be at least 18 years of age and have a high school diploma or a General Educational Development (GED) certificate. Candidates must be able to meet the physical requirements for the trade and have a strong interest in building a career at UNC Charlotte. Education beyond high school is not required, though consideration will be given of all factors due to the competitive nature of this program. Previous work experience in the electrical trade is not mandatory.

The program is open to any candidate who meets the application requirements. This includes both existing UNC Charlotte employees as well as non-employees.

While no formal trades experience is required, if an applicant has completed any technical trades classes or has previous work experience, that information should be included, in detail, on the online application. These experiences will not necessarily expedite the four-year program, but will be taken into consideration.

This program offers apprenticeships in the electrical trade with the goal of expanding to other trades in the future.

For this inaugural year, two apprenticeship positions were hired into the program in the electrical trade. We anticipate an additional apprentice will be hired in 2020.

This apprenticeship is a four-year program that includes a combination of on-the-job training, technical education, and classroom instruction.

As required by the North Carolina Department of Labor and ApprenticeshipNC, apprentices must complete a minimum of 144 hours of classroom instruction per year and 2,000 hours of on-the-job training per year for four years. However, on a case-by-case basis, it is possible for the program to be shortened if an apprentice has successfully completed some of the required classroom instruction and has previous work experience that is documented. It is important to note the first year of employment is considered probationary for all new employees, so previous experience will not be considered until the probationary period is successfully completed.

Salary & Benefits

Apprentices begin with an approximate salary of $31,200 plus a full benefits package. Each year that you successfully complete classes, progress in learning more about your trade, and complete other requirements, you may be eligible to receive a salary increase acknowledging that you are advancing as expected. By the time that you graduate from the program at the end of four years, you should be earning a salary that is comparable to other contributing-level staff. If applicable, apprentices will also need to pay for an on-campus parking permit.

Yes.  As a full-time University employee, an apprentice will be eligible for benefits.

Apprenticeship Expectations

Apprentices are required to work 40 hours per week in addition to classroom instruction. The typical work schedule is from 7 a.m. - 3:30 p.m. Monday-Friday, though hours may vary. The schedule includes a 30 minute lunch break.

A minimum of 144 hours of classroom instruction are required each year throughout the four-year program in addition to a full-time work schedule. Apprentices will complete this educational requirement at a local community college with an appropriate electrical program. Class schedules vary, but apprentices are usually scheduled for two classes per semester. Apprentices are expected to successfully complete all courses by achieving satisfactory grades of “C” or better, excellent attendance, and a positive attitude. Progress will be monitored closely. Apprentices are subject to the rules and policies of the institution offering the classroom instruction.

Though it may vary among different community colleges, apprentices can expect to spend at least two nights per week in class.

Apprentices are required to complete 8,000 hours of on-the-job training over the duration of the four-year program. This includes hands-on experience under the supervision of licensed journeymen, mentors, supervisors, and other professional tradesmen.

Apprentices will be evaluated regularly by classroom progress reports, on-the-job training assessments, and evaluations completed by the apprentice’s mentor. Apprentices will also have the opportunity to provide feedback regularly.

Those completing the academic work and job-related training will be awarded a Journey Worker Certification from the U.S. Department of Labor and North Carolina Department of Labor, as well as a certificate of completion from the community college.

Apprentices registering for courses at community colleges are eligible to apply for a U.S. Department of Labor grant, paying full tuition costs per semester. Selected applicants attending a North Carolina community college must register for class, then complete an ApprenticeshipNC grant request document to have tuition paid. Fees not currently covered include parking fees (both at UNC Charlotte and at the community college), student fees, security fees, technology fees, textbook taxes and any other miscellaneous fees from the University or community college. Grants may be available to help cover some of these fees. Applicants will receive assistance with achieving available grants.

Fees not currently covered include parking fees (both at UNC Charlotte and at the community college), student fees, security fees, technology fees, textbook taxes and any other miscellaneous fees from the University or community college. Grants may be available to help cover some of these fees. Applicants will receive assistance with achieving available grants.

Future Opportunities

Yes. Opportunities for training are regularly available for employees to improve their skills and continuously grow in their area of expertise.

If the apprentice successfully completes the coursework, receives a Journey Worker Certification, and excels on the job, he or she can continue employment at UNC Charlotte.