Apprenticeship Program
Hands-on Training for Tomorrow’s Builders
Hands-on training and classroom instruction
Apprenticeship Pathways Across Nine Skilled Trades
ABC Ohio Valley offers comprehensive apprenticeship opportunities designed to develop skilled professionals across a wide range of high-demand construction trades. Our programs combine classroom instruction with hands-on jobsite experience, equipping apprentices with the technical knowledge, practical skills, and safety training needed to build successful, long-term careers in the industry.
Through structured training and mentorship, apprentices gain the foundation to grow within their chosen field while helping contractors build a stronger, more capable workforce. Opportunities are available in nine essential trades, providing clear career pathways for individuals ready to step into the future of construction.
Develop the skills to build and install structural frameworks, finish systems, and interior components while learning blueprint reading, layout, and precision craftsmanship.
Gain foundational construction skills that support every phase of a project, including site preparation, material handling, and safe jobsite operations.
Train to install, maintain, and troubleshoot electrical systems in residential, commercial, and industrial settings with a strong emphasis on safety and code compliance.
Learn to install and service heating, ventilation, and air conditioning systems that keep buildings comfortable, energy-efficient, and operating reliably.
Build expertise in installing and maintaining high-pressure piping systems used in commercial and industrial facilities.
Develop the technical knowledge to install and repair water supply, drainage, and piping systems while ensuring compliance with industry standards.
Acquire hands-on experience in installing and maintaining commercial roofing systems designed to protect buildings from the elements.
Learn to fabricate, assemble, and install metal ductwork and systems used in HVAC and other building applications.
Train to install and maintain fire protection systems that safeguard lives and property through reliable sprinkler system performance.
*All programs are 4 years with the exception of craft labor and roofing (2 years)
How it Works
The apprenticeship program is designed to support the production of skilled employees in trade careers. Each trade program thoroughly equips students to become highly skilled, valuable employees of their company. Over four years, apprentices will continue working to complete on-the-job training while also attending classes part time.
Classes are held one Saturday each month from August to April. Students will advance through numerous modules each year, engaging in classroom-style learning and concluding each module with experiential learning; this model effectively prepares students to gain a thorough understanding of the content to develop their skills and improve their performance.
Upon successful completion of their apprenticeship program, students will become a journeyperson officially recognized with the State of Ohio.
The Benefits
Our apprenticeship program supports mutual growth between employer and employee. Here’s how:
Employers
- Upskill existing employees
- Reduce turnover/improve employee retention
- Save money with enhanced employee productivity
- Build a workforce trained by highly-skilled instructors with extensive field experience
Apprentices
- Skill development and extensive training in your chosen trade
- Earn money while you go to school at no cost to you
- Career advancement
- Nationally recognized credentials
- Mix of classroom and experiential learning
Getting Started
If your company is interested in registering an employee for the apprenticeship program, reach out to our apprenticeship team today to get started.
All apprentices must be registered by their employer by mid-July. Registration will not be considered complete until all relevant paperwork has been provided. We strongly recommend beginning the registration process early to ensure students have adequate time to complete entry requirements and receive their materials prior to the start of classes in August. After successfully completing their first year, students will return each fall for the next level.
Friday, August 7, 2026
Requirements
To enroll in the program, individuals must:
- Be of legal working age
- Possess a valid driver’s license/ID
- Complete entry testing
- Complete CORE
To graduate and become an Ohio-recognized journeyperson, all apprentices must:
- Remain employed by a participating company for the duration of their apprenticeship
- Successfully complete all levels of their trade program
- Provide documentation of 8,000 on-the-job training hours (or 4,000 for craft labor/roofing)
- Complete 576 instructional hours (fulfilled by classroom sessions and time spent on homework)
Frequently Asked Questions
Apprentices are provided with all training materials, including a laptop and any books or other materials assigned to their program. Each laptop is specific to one student only (not shared) and may be kept by the student upon the completion of their apprenticeship.
Upon registration, students will be required to complete entry testing, demonstrating proficiency of at least an 8th grade level in reading and a 10th grade level in mathematics. This evaluation is at no cost and may be taken multiple times.
Entry tests are conducted at our Springboro, OH office and can be scheduled with our apprenticeship coordinator.
Classes are held at Diamond Oaks in Cincinnati, OH, and Sinclair Community College in Dayton, OH. Check with our apprenticeship coordinator to see where your program is operated.
Yes, CORE training is required for all apprentices.
Students who have already completed CORE with another accredited training facility will not be required to take it again. In this case, students should provide documentation of CORE completion and their NCCER number to our apprenticeship coordinator.
Students are also eligible to test out of CORE.
The apprenticeship program is at no cost to students. For employers, the cost is $2,200 per student per year.
Ready to learn more?
Reach out to Workforce Assistant VP, Mitchell DeBusk, via email, phone or the form below.
Mitchell DeBusk
Mitchell@ovabc.org
937-521-1573
