What is Apprenticeship?

“We have learned that the traditional setting, although appropriate for many students, does not meet the needs of all students. It has been our mission to create a variety of effective learning environments in an effort to meet the needs of those students that function more effectively in a non-traditional setting.” —Dr. Eryca Neville, Principal Frederick Douglass High School

Apprenticeship is a system in which workers train on-the-job – earning wages and doing productive work – while simultaneously taking courses. When someone completes an apprenticeship, they’ll have valuable work experience and a recognized industry credential, along with state certification that allows them to continue in the field and over time, advances their career.

Missouri apprenticeships generally last two years. Apprentices, who must be at least 18 years of age, work fulltime at a local water or wastewater system and must be paid at least minimum wage. As the apprentice advances through the program, his/her wages increase according to a predetermined schedule agreed upon between employer and apprentice.

One key distinction between apprenticeship and other forms of workforce training is that an apprenticeship program engages the learner as a paid employee from the start of the program. Although an apprentice’s wages may begin at a lower level than those of co-workers (never less than minimum wage), his/her wages must increase as the individual progresses through the program, based on a schedule outlined in a written agreement between employer and apprentice.

Delta Regional Authority Water Apprentices receive hands-on training of tapping pressurized water mains during their Main-toMeter training.

“NCHS would like to thank you for being here on Friday to share your career with us. You really got several students thinking about their future. This was exciting as they came in to check on credits and A+ progress. Thank you so much for giving your time and knowledge to —Melissa Head and Kaitlin Hopke, Counselors North Callaway High School

The MRWA Apprenticeship Program exhibited at this year’s Missouri FFA Convention in Columbia. Betty Rogers from Gallatin High School was the winner of the $100 Gift Card at the MRWA Booth.

Apprenticeship is a system in which workers train on-the-job – earning wages and doing productive work – while simultaneously taking courses. When someone completes an apprenticeship, they’ll have valuable work experience and a recognized industry credential, along with state certification that allows them to continue in the field and

Missouri apprenticeships generally last two years. Apprentices, who must be at least 18 years of age, work fulltime at a local water or wastewater system and must be paid at least minimum wage. As the apprentice advances through the program, his/her wages increase according to a predetermined schedule agreed upon between

One key distinction between apprenticeship and other forms of workforce training is that an apprenticeship program engages the learner as a paid employee from the start of the program. Although an apprentice’s wages may begin at a lower level than those of co-workers (never less than minimum wage), his/her wages must increase as the individual progresses through the program, based on a schedule outlined in a written agreement between

Brad Hutson, Exeter High School, received his FFA State Degree at the 2022 FFA Conference in Columbia. Brad is the son of Kevin Cook a DS-II Operator for the City of Purdy.

Hosted by the Delta Regional Authority, the inaugural Delta Summit brings together community leaders from across the eight-state DRA region to discuss and learn more about the region’s opportunities for economic development, rural revitalization, and community resiliency