Trade terms, explained for beginners

Plain-English definitions from official sources · Last reviewed October 12, 2026

A

ACT (ACT)

A college admissions test most often taken by high school students. It "includes tests in English, math, reading, and science," and you can share your score "with your choice of colleges." Some programs on this site list ACT (ACT college admissions test) scores as one way to show you meet their math and reading requirements. Don't confuse it with ACT WorkKeys (job-skills tests from ACT), which some apprenticeship programs use instead. [50]

ACT WorkKeys (ACT WorkKeys)

A set of job-skills tests from the company that makes the ACT college test. ACT says the WorkKeys assessments "measure the foundational skills critical for peak job performance and career training," and that "Most assessments are web-based and take only one hour." Scores on three of them, Applied Math, Graphic Literacy and Workplace Documents, earn the National Career Readiness Certificate (NCRC), which ACT calls "a portable, evidence-based credential."

It is not the college admissions test. Some apprenticeship programs on this site use WorkKeys scores as their aptitude test; see our aptitude test guide. [51]

Administrative rule

Also called: administrative code, administrative regulation, regulation

A rule written by a government agency, under authority a statute gives it. Federal agency rules are collected in the Code of Federal Regulations (CFR), which holds "the general and permanent rules published in the Federal Register by the executive departments and agencies of the Federal Government."

States publish their agencies' rules in an administrative code. Texas, for example, says "The Texas Administrative Code (TAC) is a compilation of all state agency rules in Texas." On this site's license pages, many fees and hour rules are cited to these codes. [54][55]

Affidavit

The federal courts define an affidavit as "A written or printed statement made under oath." On this site you'll see affidavits mostly in license applications. Because it is made under oath, make sure everything in it is true. [25]

American Job Center

Also called: American Job Centers

A local office where job seekers get free help finding work and training. DOL (U.S. Department of Labor) says there are "approximately 2,300 American Job Centers nationwide," and the Employment Service offices housed with them provide "job search assistance, help getting a job referral, and placement assistance for job seekers." It is also where you apply for WIOA (Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act) training funds. Find one with CareerOneStop's American Job Center finder. [47]

Application window

Also called: application period

The period when an apprenticeship program accepts applications. Many programs take applications only at certain times of year. For example, ABC (Associated Builders and Contractors) Greater Tennessee says "Applications open in April for the next school year." Each state page on this site lists known application windows where programs publish them. [4]

Apprentice

A worker who is hired to learn a trade. Federal rules define an apprentice as a worker "at least 16 years of age, except where a higher minimum age standard is otherwise fixed by law, who is employed to learn an apprenticeable occupation." Many programs ask for 18; ABC Greater Tennessee, for example, lists "18 years or older." See how to get an apprenticeship.

You are paid while you learn. For electricians, the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) says apprentices "receive less pay than fully trained electricians, but their pay increases as they learn to do more." When you finish, you become a journeyman. [1][4][5]

Apprentice ratio

Also called: ratio, supervision ratio

A rule on how many apprentices or trainees each licensed worker may supervise. Federal rules require registered programs to set "A numeric ratio of apprentices to journeyworkers consistent with proper supervision, training, safety, and continuity of employment."

States set their own ratios too. Washington, for example, allows "1 trainee to 1 general journey level electrician when doing journey level type work." [6][10]

Apprenticeship

A paid job with classroom training attached. The BLS describes it as "a combination of on-the-job training and related occupation-specific instruction in which the worker learns the practical and theoretical aspects of an occupation."

The BLS says programs "usually provide at least 144 hours of occupation-specific technical instruction and 2,000 hours of on-the-job training per year over a 3- to 5-year period." It adds that programs "are sponsored by individual employers, joint employer–labor groups, and employee associations." A union and employer group that runs one is often called a JATC (Joint Apprenticeship and Training Committee). [2]

Apprenticeship agreement

The written contract you sign when you start a registered apprenticeship. Federal rules define it as "a written agreement ... between an apprentice and either the apprentice's program sponsor, or an apprenticeship committee acting as agent for the program sponsor(s), which contains the terms and conditions of the employment and training of the apprentice."

The agreement is then registered: recorded by the Office of Apprenticeship or a state apprenticeship agency "as evidence of the apprentice's participation in a particular registered apprenticeship program." In many states this happens in DOL's RAPIDS (Registered Apprenticeship Partners Information Database System) database. [1][7]

Apprenticeship sponsor

Also called: program sponsor, sponsor

The organization that runs an apprenticeship program and the one you apply to. Federal rules define a sponsor as "any person, association, committee, or organization operating an apprenticeship program and in whose name the program is (or is to be) registered or approved."

DOL tells job seekers to "apply directly with the employer or the program sponsor." The BLS says "Several groups, including unions and contractor associations, sponsor apprenticeship programs." [1][3][5]

Aptitude test

A test of basic skills, mostly math and reading, that many apprenticeship programs give before they interview you. The IBEW (International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers) and NECA (National Electrical Contractors Association) electrical programs describe a test battery of two tests, "Algebra and Functions" and "Reading Comprehension," that takes "approximately two and a half hours to complete."

In IBEW and NECA programs, an interview and a review of your qualifications then set your place on the ranking list. See our aptitude test guide. [13]

Associate degree

Also called: associate's degree

A college degree that usually takes two years. The BLS describes it as a "degree awarded usually for at least 2 years of full-time academic study beyond high school." North Carolina's community college system calls it "A two-year college degree that may lead directly to a career or be used to transfer to a four-year college." The IBEW and NECA electrical programs accept one "in lieu of a high school diploma or GED." [2][13][33]

ABC (Associated Builders and Contractors)

A national association of open-shop contractors. ABC describes itself as "a national construction industry trade association established in 1950 with 67 chapters and 24,000 members," "Founded on the merit shop philosophy." Its chapters run apprenticeship and craft training. At ABC Greater Tennessee, for example, students who enroll without a job are "considered 'Trainees', as opposed to Apprentices." [4][29]

B

BLS (Bureau of Labor Statistics)

The federal agency that publishes job and pay data. BLS is "an agency of the United States Department of Labor" and "the principal fact-finding agency in the broad field of labor economics and statistics." Its Occupational Outlook Handbook and OEWS (Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics survey) wage survey are the sources for the pay figures on this site. [58]

C

CTE (Career and technical education)

Job-focused classes in high schools and colleges, such as construction trades programs. The federal Perkins V law provides "nearly $1.4 billion annually for career and technical education (CTE) programs for our nation's youth and adults." DOL notes that registered apprenticeships can begin "in high school, community college, or through dual enrollment, including CTE programs." See trade programs in high school. [12][36]

Certification

Proof that you have shown a skill, usually by passing a test. The BLS defines it as an "award for demonstrating competency in a skill or a set of skills, typically through work experience, training, and the passage of an examination, or some combination thereof."

A license is permission from a government agency to work; a certification shows a skill and may come from a school, a trade group or a testing organization. A certification doesn't replace a license where the state requires one. [2]

Classroom hours

Also called: related instruction

The hours you spend in trade classes, as opposed to hours of paid work. In an apprenticeship they are called related technical instruction (RTI); federal rules recommend "A minimum of 144 hours for each year of apprenticeship."

On this site's license pages, classroom hours are listed separately from experience (work) hours, because each state sets its own rules for both. [6]

CFR (Code of Federal Regulations)

The official collection of federal agency rules. The National Archives says the CFR "is a codification (arrangement of) the general and permanent rules published in the Federal Register by the executive departments and agencies of the Federal Government," and that it "is divided into 50 titles." A citation like 29 CFR 29.5 means title 29, part 29, section 5, which holds the standards for registered apprenticeships. [6][54]

Community college

Also called: technical college

A two-year college that offers associate degrees. Many teach trade programs and the classroom part of apprenticeships: DOL says apprenticeship instruction is "often delivered through community and technical colleges that can lead to college credit." [12][33]

CE (Continuing education)

Classes you must take to keep a license. Texas, for example, says electricians "are required to complete 4 hours of continuing education prior to each license renewal." The BLS says these courses "are usually related to safety practices, changes to the electrical code, and training from manufacturers in specific products."

Hours and topics vary by state and license level; each license page lists the renewal rules. [5][19]

CPR (CPR)

An emergency first-aid skill. MedlinePlus, from the National Institutes of Health, says "CPR stands for cardiopulmonary resuscitation. It is an emergency life-saving procedure that is done when someone's breathing or heartbeat has stopped," which can happen after "an electric shock." The BLS lists "safety and first-aid practices" among the subjects electrical apprentices study, and some trade programs on this site include CPR certification. [5][53]

D

DD-214 (DD-214)

The form you get when you leave active military duty, also written DD214 (military discharge papers) or DD 214 (military discharge papers). The National Archives explains that this "Report of Separation contains information normally needed to verify military service for benefits, retirement, employment and membership in veterans' organizations," including "character of service."

On this site you'll see it in apprenticeship application checklists and in veterans' rules on license pages. [42]

Direct supervision

Also called: indirect supervision

A supervision rule for apprentices and trainees. Maine's electricians' rule is a typical definition: "Direct supervision" means the supervising master, journeyman or limited electrician "shall be on the same jobsite with the supervisee(s) at all times." Washington tells trainees: "You and the electrician supervising you must be on the same jobsite."

The looser version is often called indirect or general supervision. Maine's rule says that under indirect supervision the supervisor "is not required to be on the same jobsite as the supervisee." The exact meaning varies by state, so read your state's rule. [10][14]

Dual enrollment

Also called: dual credit, concurrent enrollment

College classes taken while you're still in high school. The U.S. Department of Education's What Works Clearinghouse says dual enrollment programs "allow high school students to take college courses and earn college credits while still attending high school," and are "also referred to as dual credit or early college programs."

States define the terms differently. Missouri, for example, says dual credit courses are "taught by high school instructors" while dual enrollment courses are "taught by postsecondary faculty." [34][35]

G

GED (GED)

The General Educational Development test, a high school equivalency test. The GED Testing Service says the test "is made up of 4 subjects, broken into separate exams," and you "don't have to take all 4 tests at once." Programs may ask for your GED records: the IBEW and NECA programs say "GED records must be submitted." See high school equivalency. [13][39][40]

GI Bill

Also called: Post-9/11 GI Bill

Education benefits for veterans from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. VA says "GI Bill benefits help you pay for school and cover expenses while you're training for a job."

They also work in apprenticeships: VA says that if you're "learning a trade or skill through on-the-job training or an apprenticeship," GI Bill benefits "can help you cover your living expenses." See paying for trade training. [43][44]

GPA (Grade point average)

The average of your school grades, shown as a number. Schools use it to check that you're keeping up; federal student aid, for example, depends on "what grade-point average (or equivalent standard) you need to maintain." Some programs on this site set a minimum GPA for applicants. [52]

H

Helper

Also called: trade helper

An entry-level job assisting skilled workers. The BLS says construction helpers "assist tradesworkers," doing tasks "such as using, supplying, or holding materials or tools and cleaning work areas and equipment."

A helper job is not an apprenticeship, but it can lead to one: the BLS notes that "some electricians enter apprenticeship programs after working as a helper." See helper jobs. [5][9]

High school equivalency

Also called: high school equivalency test, high school equivalency diploma

A credential you earn by passing a test instead of finishing high school. CareerOneStop, DOL's career site, says "A high school equivalency or HSE is a recognized alternative to a high school diploma," and names "The General Educational Development (GED®) test" and "The High School Equivalency Test (HiSET)." States choose which tests they offer. Apprenticeship programs commonly accept one: the IBEW and NECA programs ask applicants to "be at least a high school graduate, or have a GED." [13][39]

HiSET (HiSET)

The High School Equivalency Test, another way to earn a high school equivalency credential. Its official site calls it "your gateway to earning a high school equivalency (HSE) credential." States choose which equivalency tests they offer; see high school equivalency. [39][41]

HB (House Bill)

A proposed law that was introduced in a state House of Representatives. Kentucky's legislative glossary lists "HB" as "House Bill." Like a Senate Bill, it isn't law until it is enacted. [56]

J

JATC (Joint Apprenticeship and Training Committee)

The committee that runs a union apprenticeship program in an area, made up of union and employer members. Federal rules say a joint committee "is composed of an equal number of representatives of the employer(s) and of the employees represented by a bona fide collective bargaining agent(s)."

In electrical programs, for example, you are interviewed by "a committee representing both NECA and the IBEW," and "your local JATC will receive the results" of your aptitude test. [1][13]

Journeyman

Also called: journeyworker, journey-level, journey level, journey worker, journeyperson

A fully trained tradesperson, the level you reach after an apprenticeship. Federal rules use the newer word journeyworker: "a worker who has attained a level of skill, abilities and competencies recognized within an industry as having mastered the skills and competencies required for the occupation."

The BLS says that after an apprenticeship, electricians "are considered to be journey workers and may perform duties on their own, subject to local or state licensing requirements," and that plumbers "pass the required licensing exam to become journey-level workers." See what is a journeyman for each state's rules. [1][5][8]

L

License

Permission from a government agency to do a certain kind of work. The BLS defines licenses as "permissions granted by government agencies or other accrediting bodies that allow someone to work in a particular occupation or perform certain duties."

For electricians, the BLS says "Most states require electricians to pass a test and be licensed. Requirements vary by state." Depending on where you live, the license may come from a state agency or a city or county; the BLS points readers to their "local or state electrical licensing board." [2][5]

License by endorsement

Also called: endorsement, licensure by endorsement

The word has two meanings. Licensure by endorsement means getting a license based on one you hold in another state. Nevada's contractors board, for example, "will waive the state specific trade examination requirement and the experience certification process requirement for applicants that qualify for licensure by endorsement," for applicants "licensed in states determined by Nevada to have substantially equivalent requirements."

An endorsement can also be an add-on to a license you already hold. The Texas plumbing board says "There are three different endorsements that may be added to a Master Plumber, Journeyman Plumber, or Plumbing Inspector License." [16][17]

Licensing board

Also called: licensing agency

The government agency that issues licenses for a trade. Licenses are "permissions granted by government agencies," in the BLS's words, and the BLS tells would-be electricians: "For more information, contact your local or state electrical licensing board."

Each license page on this site names the agency at the top. [2][5]

Local union

Also called: union local

A union's branch for a city or region, usually known by a number. National unions work through their locals. The United Association (UA) tells newcomers: "By connecting with a Local Union, you'll learn how to gain access to apprenticeship opportunities, training programs and more." Requirements can differ from one local to the next, even within the same union. [28]

M

Master

Also called: master license, master-level

The level above journeyman in many trades. The BLS says that "After meeting additional requirements and working as a qualified electrician, journey workers may advance to become master electricians," and that plumbers licensed at the journey level "may advance to become a master plumber, supervisor, or project manager."

Starting your own business "may require additional licensing," the BLS adds. Each state's master-level rules are on its license page; compare the two levels in journeyman vs. master. [5][8]

Median wage

Also called: median pay, median annual wage, median hourly wage

The middle of the pay range for a job. The BLS explains: "The median wage is the wage at which half the workers in an occupation earned more than that amount and half earned less."

It is not the same as an average. [2][5]

N

NCCER (NCCER)

The National Center for Construction Education and Research, a nonprofit that writes construction training courses. It says it was "Founded in 1996" and develops "curricula for over 40 craft areas."

Its courses are used in high school career and technical education (CTE) programs and in apprenticeships; NCCER says its structure lets trainees "transition seamlessly from high school craft training programs to apprenticeship programs." Finished courses give you NCCER credentials. [31]

Notarized

Also called: notary, notary public, notarize

Signed in front of a notary public. Arkansas's Secretary of State explains that "A Notary Public verifies the identity of an individual who appears before them" and "acts as an official and unbiased witness" to a person "acknowledging his/her signature on a legal document."

Because the notary has to verify who you are, bring photo ID. [26]

O

OEWS (Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics)

The BLS survey behind most official pay figures. BLS says the OEWS program "produces employment and wage estimates annually for approximately 830 occupations," available "for the nation as a whole, for individual states, and for metropolitan and nonmetropolitan areas." [62]

Occupational Outlook Handbook

A free career guide from the BLS. BLS describes it as "a career resource offering information on the hundreds of occupations that provide most of the jobs in the United States." Each profile covers the work, training and pay. See the electricians profile for an example. [63]

OSHA (Occupational Safety and Health Administration)

The federal workplace safety agency, part of DOL. OSHA says its mission is "to ensure America's workers have safe and healthful working conditions," which it carries out "by setting and enforcing standards." Beginners mostly meet OSHA through the OSHA 10 (OSHA 10-hour safety course) and OSHA 30 (OSHA 30-hour safety course) safety courses. [60][61]

Office of Apprenticeship

The part of DOL in charge of registered apprenticeship. Federal rules define it as "the office designated by the Employment and Training Administration to administer the National Apprenticeship System." It, or a recognized state apprenticeship agency, registers apprenticeship programs and apprentices. Find your state's office on DOL's State Offices page. [1][59]

On-the-job training

Also called: on-the-job learning

Learning the trade by doing the work. The BLS defines it as "training or preparation that is typically needed for a worker, once employed in an occupation, to attain competency in the occupation." Some pages shorten it to OJT.

In an apprenticeship it is most of your time: the BLS says electrical apprentices "typically receive 2,000 hours of paid on-the-job training as well as some technical instruction" each year. Where a state licenses journeymen, its license page on this site lists the work hours it requires. [2][5]

Open shop

Also called: merit shop, non-union, nonunion

A contractor that isn't bound by a union contract, also called non-union or merit shop. Associated Builders and Contractors (ABC), a national open-shop contractor association, says it was "Founded on the merit shop philosophy."

Open-shop apprenticeships are run by employers or contractor associations. Federal rules call their committees "non-joint": they have "employer representatives but" do not have a union ("a bona fide collective bargaining agent") as a participant. At ABC Greater Tennessee, for example, "to be considered an apprentice, you must be working in the field in which you are training." Compare union vs. non-union. [1][4][29]

Open-book exam

Also called: open book, open-book

A license exam that lets you use approved reference books, such as the code book, during the test. Delaware's exam bulletin says "All exams are open book and are timed." Florida says candidates "are strongly encouraged to bring approved reference materials to the examination site" and that "No other references are allowed at the examination site."

Each exam has its own list of allowed books, found in the testing company's candidate bulletin. [20][21]

OSHA 10 (OSHA 10)

A 10-hour safety course from OSHA's Outreach Training Program, which "provides workers with basic and more advanced training about common safety and health hazards on the job." Students "receive an OSHA 10-hour or 30-hour course completion card at the end of the training." Some high school trade programs and pre-apprenticeships on this site include it. Take it from an OSHA-authorized trainer or online provider. [61]

OSHA 30 (OSHA 30)

The longer, 30-hour course in OSHA's Outreach Training Program, which offers "basic and more advanced training about common safety and health hazards on the job." Like OSHA 10, it ends with a course completion card. [61]

P

Pell Grant

Also called: Federal Pell Grant, Workforce Pell

Federal college money that, "unlike a loan, does not have to be repaid, except under certain circumstances." Pell Grants "usually are awarded only to undergraduate students who display exceptional financial need and have not earned a bachelor's, graduate, or professional degree." You apply by filing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).

Workforce Pell Grants, new under a 2025 law, cover approved programs that are "150–599 clock hours in length or an equivalent number of credit hours" and "take at least 8 weeks but less than 15 weeks of instructional time to complete." See paying for trade training. [48][49]

Pre-apprenticeship

Also called: pre-apprenticeship program, preapprenticeship

A short program that gets you ready to apply for an apprenticeship. DOL calls it "a program or set of strategies designed to prepare individuals for entry into Registered Apprenticeship Programs (RAP) or other job opportunities," and says it "may last from a few weeks to a few months and may or may not include wages or stipend." See our pre-apprenticeship guide. [11]

Prevailing wage

A minimum pay rate the government sets for construction work it pays for. Under the federal Davis-Bacon Act, contractors on covered federal projects "must pay their laborers and mechanics employed under the contract no less than the locally prevailing wages and fringe benefits for corresponding work on similar projects in the area." DOL sets the rates for each trade and area. [32]

PSI (PSI)

A testing company that gives license exams for many state boards. Texas, for example, offers its electrician exams "through our third-party vendor, PSI," and tells candidates to read PSI's "candidate information bulletin completely and thoroughly before you attempt to take the exam." See testing company. [22]

R

Ranking list

Also called: eligibility list, ranked list, ranked eligibility list

The waiting list that apprenticeship programs keep after testing and interviews. In IBEW and NECA programs, "Based on the interview, and a review of your qualifications, you will receive an overall ranking," and "Your name will be placed on an eligibility list for two (2) years."

As openings come up, "names will be taken off the respective eligibility list in order of the ranking score." If you aren't picked in time, you apply again. [13]

RAPIDS (RAPIDS)

DOL's online system for registered apprenticeships. DOL says "RAPIDS is the Registered Apprenticeship Partners Information Database System," and in the states that use it, it serves as the sponsor's "primary platform for managing your apprentices, occupations, job openings, and other relevant program information." Your sponsor, not you, usually enters your registration. [7]

Reciprocity

Also called: reciprocal license, reciprocal agreement

An agreement between two states to recognize each other's licenses. Texas, for example, says it "has reciprocal licensing agreements with the states listed below" for some electrician licenses, and asks applicants to have "Held the reciprocal license for at least one year" and "Taken and passed the reciprocal state's examination."

Agreements may cover only some license levels: Texas says that for other license types "there are no reciprocal licensing agreements." See license reciprocity and the reciprocity map. [15]

Registered apprenticeship

Also called: registered apprenticeship program

An apprenticeship program that a government office has approved and recorded: either the Office of Apprenticeship at the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) or a state apprenticeship agency. DOL says that in a registered apprenticeship you "obtain paid work experience with a mentor, receive progressive wage increases, classroom instruction, and a portable, nationally-recognized credential."

Federal rules require the program to recognize "successful completion of apprenticeship evidenced by an appropriate certificate issued by the Registration Agency." Some trade programs are not registered; the BLS notes that some contractors run their own training programs "which are not recognized apprenticeship programs." [1][3][5][6]

Registration

Getting your name on file with a government office. You'll see two kinds. Many states make beginners register before working: Washington requires electrical trainees to "have a training certificate." And in a registered apprenticeship, your apprenticeship agreement is registered: "the acceptance and recording of an apprenticeship agreement by the Office of Apprenticeship or a recognized State Apprenticeship Agency."

Each state page on this site tells you whether you must register before you start work. [1][10]

RTI (Related technical instruction)

The classroom part of an apprenticeship, also called related instruction or classroom hours. Federal rules describe it as instruction "designed to provide the apprentice with the knowledge of the theoretical and technical subjects related to the apprentice's occupation," which may be given "in a classroom, through occupational or industrial courses, or by correspondence courses ... electronic media, or other forms of self-study."

For registered programs, "A minimum of 144 hours for each year of apprenticeship is recommended." For electricians, the BLS says it covers "electrical theory, blueprint reading, mathematics, electrical code requirements, and safety and first-aid practices." [1][5][6]

S

SB (Senate Bill)

A proposed law that was introduced in a state Senate. Legislatures number bills by chamber; Kentucky's legislative glossary, for example, lists "SB" as "Senate Bill." A bill isn't law until it is enacted, so this site notes whether a bill passed. [56]

State apprenticeship agency

Also called: state apprenticeship agencies, state apprenticeship office

A state government office that oversees apprenticeships. Federal rules define it as "an agency of a State government that has responsibility and accountability for apprenticeship within the State." Once recognized by DOL's Office of Apprenticeship, it can "register and oversee apprenticeship programs and agreements for Federal purposes." DOL's State Offices page lists each state's agency or federal office. [1][59]

Statute

Also called: statutes

A law passed by a legislature. The federal courts' glossary defines a statute simply as "A law passed by a legislature." State licensing statutes set the basics, such as which work needs a license; the licensing board then writes administrative rules with the details. When this site quotes a state law, it cites the statute by number. [25]

T

Testing company

Also called: exam vendor, testing vendor, examination vendor, Pearson VUE, Prometric

Many licensing boards hire a private company to schedule and give their exams. You apply to the board, then book and pay for the exam with the company. Examples: Texas gives electrician exams "through our third-party vendor, PSI"; Florida tells candidates to contact "the department's examination vendor, Pearson VUE"; Delaware uses "external testing vendor, ProV"; and Missouri's list of approved electrical exams includes ones from "Prometric" and "Prov, Inc."

Texas tells candidates to read the company's "candidate information bulletin completely and thoroughly before you attempt to take the exam." [21][22][23][24]

Trade school

Also called: vocational school, technical school, vocational-technical school

A school that teaches job skills for a trade, also called a vocational or technical school. The BLS defines a vocational school as one "that teaches vocational trades, such as construction trades," and says such schools "may or may not award degrees."

It can shorten your path: the BLS says graduates of electrical technical school programs "usually receive credit toward their apprenticeship." See vocational school and paying for trade training. [2][5]

Trainee

A beginner learning a trade. In some states it is the official title for a registered beginner. Washington's Department of Labor and Industries says "To learn to be an electrician in Washington, you need to start as a trainee," and trainees "must have a training certificate and work under the supervision of a certified electrician."

Some open-shop schools use the word differently. ABC Greater Tennessee says students who enroll without a job "are considered 'Trainees', as opposed to Apprentices," because "to be considered an apprentice, you must be working in the field in which you are training." [4][10]

U

DOL (U.S. Department of Labor)

The federal agency whose mission is "To foster, promote, and develop the welfare of the wage earners, job seekers, and retirees of the United States." For trade beginners, its most important parts are the Office of Apprenticeship and Apprenticeship.gov, OSHA (safety) and the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). [1][57][58]

Union

Also called: labor union, trade union

An organization of workers that bargains with employers as a group. The BLS counts you as a union member if you are "a member of a labor union or of an employee association similar to a union," and also tracks workers "covered by a union or employee association contract."

In construction, unions and contractors often run apprenticeship programs together through a JATC. The BLS says "Several groups, including unions and contractor associations, sponsor apprenticeship programs." Compare the routes in union vs. non-union. [5][27]

UA (United Association)

The union for the pipe trades. Its full name is "The United Association of Journeymen and Apprentices of the Plumbing and Pipefitting Industry of the United States and Canada (UA)," and it says it "represents approximately 412,000 plumbers, pipefitters, sprinkler fitters, HVACR service technicians, welders and pipeliners." Its apprenticeships are run through local unions. [28][30]

Universal license recognition

Also called: universal recognition, universal licensing recognition

A state law that recognizes licenses from other states in general, rather than through agreements with particular states. Arizona's law is an example: it issues a license to a person who moves to Arizona if the person "is currently licensed or certified in at least one other state in the discipline applied for and at the same practice level," "has been licensed or certified by another state for at least one year," and "previously passed an examination required for the license or certification if required by the other state."

Each state's law has its own conditions and exceptions, so check whether it covers your trade. See license reciprocity. [18]

USDOL (USDOL)

Another way to abbreviate the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL). A "USDOL-registered apprenticeship" is one registered by DOL's Office of Apprenticeship or a state apprenticeship agency recognized by it. [1][57]

W

Wage progression

Also called: progressive wage, progressive wage increases, wage schedule

The schedule of raises built into an apprenticeship. Federal rules require registered programs to have "A progressively increasing schedule of wages to be paid to the apprentice consistent with the skill acquired," and the starting wage can't be below the minimum wage where it applies. DOL describes this as "progressive wage increases."

Ask each program for its wage schedule before you accept. [3][6]

Work-based learning

School programs that combine time at a real job with classes, such as internships. North Carolina's community college system defines it as "Programs that integrate work experience with academic coursework." Apprenticeship is the most structured kind: DOL says apprentices "earn wages from their employers during training" and earn "an industry-recognized and portable credential." [33][37]

WIOA (Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act)

A federal law, "signed into law on July 22, 2014," that funds job training. DOL says WIOA "is designed to help job seekers access employment, education, training, and support services to succeed in the labor market."

You apply through an American Job Center, where staff using WIOA adult funds "must give priority to recipients of public assistance, other low-income individuals, and individuals who are basic skills deficient." See paying for trade training. [45][46]

Working papers

Also called: work permit, minor work permit

Permission some states require before a minor (under 18) can work. New Jersey's Department of Labor says "Working Papers for minors are now digital," and that "Minor workers, their caregivers, and employers all fill out their respective parts" online. Washington says employers "hiring youth under 18 must have a minor work permit." Rules vary by state; check yours if you're still in high school. [10][38]

Y

Youth apprenticeship

An apprenticeship designed for young people, often starting in high school. DOL says registered apprenticeship is a pathway "for all career seekers, including young people ages 16–24," and that apprenticeships "that begin in high school, community college, or through dual enrollment, including CTE programs, allow young people to start their Apprenticeship while still a student."

DOL adds that students "may complete their Registered Apprenticeship during high school or continue after graduation." See trade programs in high school. [12]