Please contact Becky Cybart at (517) 381-0437 or at Becky@MNLA.org for registration forms or with any questions.

WHAT IS REGISTERED APPRENTICESHIP?

Registered Apprenticeship is an industry-driven, high-quality career pathway where employers can develop and prepare their future workforce, and individuals can obtain paid work experience, receive progressive wage increases, classroom instruction, and a portable, nationally-recognized credential. Registered Apprenticeships are industry-vetted and approved and validated by the U.S. Department of Labor.

Michigan Nursery and Landscape Association is proud to sponsor Michigan’s Nursery Technician Apprenticeship Program and Landscape Management Technician Apprenticeship Program,  registered by the U.S. Department of Labor.

Each program is a one-year apprenticeship that includes 2,000 hours of On-the-Job Training and 144 hours of Related Instruction (both classroom and online training),  and requires a nursery/firm to become registered to accept an apprentice and an individual to register to be accepted as an apprentice. There are both Company forms and Individual (participant) forms that will need to be filled out to participate.

We have the required study materials and will serve as your guide and walk you through the process—from start to finish—with the U.S. Deptment of Labor.

 

WHY REGISTERED APPRENTICESHIP?

Apprenticeships provide the education and training that is the foundation of our Green Industry Profession.  They provide the basics that a company can build upon when developing their team.  Investing in an educated team stimulates productivity, enhances craftsmanship and leads to retention of key employees.  According to the U.S. Department of Labor, 93% of apprentices retain employment after apprenticeship completion.

Benefits of Apprenticeship

Business Leaders:

By enrolling your firm now to be eligible to accept and train Apprentices, you will be able to:

  • Vet workers and instill the company’s culture
  • Recruit and develop a diverse and highly skilled workforce
  • Improve productivity, profitability, and the company’s bottom line
  • Reduce turnover, improve loyalty, and retain top talent
  • Demonstrate investment in the community

Career Seekers:

Join one of our Apprenticeship Programs and enjoy a professional career with superior training and a secure future with job security.

  • Earn as you learn with a guaranteed wage increase as you develop new skills
  • Receive a nationally-recognized, portable credential
  • Ease the transition from school to career by working and learning at the same time
  • Gain workplace-relevant skills through on-the-job learning

How Does it Work?

For the Firm:

As an MNLA member firm, you register your company as a host and then register your current or potential team members as your apprentices. This program requires a ratio of one Journeyworker for each Apprentice. Through December 31, 2024, if you become a Registered Company you will be able to grandfather in your Journeyworkers by meeting set qualifications. After this initial period to establish a Journeyworker in your firm they will need to take and successfully pass the Apprentice Exam.

Once you are registered you can then either register individuals that currently work for you to be your Apprentice or you can look into hiring someone as an Apprentice.

After the documents have been submitted and filed and the required Program Manual purchased, the apprenticeship will begin.  The Program Manual will act as a tool and study guide throughout the program for the Apprentice.

There is an On-the-Job Learning Outline and Related Technical Instruction Outline included in the Enrollment Guide, which lists the breakdown of hours to be spent on each topic/ to ensure that the Apprentice learns every phase of the trade. Task Tracking forms, which are included in the Enrollment Guide, can be used to keep track of time spent on each category.

The MNLA office will arrange a time to check in with the Journeyworker each month to log and track the progress the Apprentice has made. 

Once the required hours have been fulfilled and the Apprentice passes the final exam, the Apprentice will receive their Certificate of Completion of Apprenticeship from the U.S. Department of Labor and the status of Journeyworker.

We are forming partnerships that will lead to a pipeline of new apprentices. We anticipate in the coming years that this will be a useful tool for getting people into the Green Industry.

For the Apprentice:

If the individual currently works for your firm, you register them by filling out the required documents. 

The apprentice will use the required Program Manual as a tool and guide throughout the program.

There is an On-the-Job Learning Outline and Related Technical Instruction Outline included in the Enrollment Guide which lists the breakdown of the minimal hours that should be spent on each topic to ensure that the Apprentice learns every phase of the trade.

Task Tracking forms, which are included in the Enrollment Guide, can be used to keep track of time spent on each category. The Journeyworker will also be keeping a log of the time which will be reported to the MNLA office monthly to log the progress that has been made.

Once the required amount of hours have been fulfilled in each category and the Apprentice passes the final exam, the Apprentice will receive their Certificate of Completion of Apprenticeship from the U.S. Department of Labor and the status of Journeyworker.

 Financial Cost:

This program is available to all members of MNLA and there is no enrollment fee. We work directly with the U.S. Department of Labor on your behalf to file the initial forms and do the required reporting for you as a member benefit at no charge!

The company enrollment fee for Non-Members is $500 per Apprentice.

There is a charge for the Program Manual of $99 + tax & shipping to both MNLA Members and Non-Members.

Apprenticeship Program Requirements:

Applicants must submit proof of age, High School diploma or equivalent, Social Security card or U.S. work authorization document, and valid Driver’s License or state identification.

Please contact Becky Cybart at (517) 381-0437 or at Becky@MNLA.org for registration forms or with any questions.