Apprenticeship Program

The University of Virginia Apprenticeship Program offers highly motivated applicants an opportunity to learn a skilled trade through a strong combination of on-the-job training, technical education and classroom instruction in a four-year program. While learning on the job, the apprentice is a full-time University of Virginia employee with salary and benefits.

Apprentices train on the job with licensed journeymen, mentors, supervisors and others who help ensure the highest quality facilities management for the University and the Health System.

Applicants must be able to meet the physical requirements for their prospective trades. They must be a high school graduate or hold a General Education Development (GED) Certificate and be at least 18 years of age by the time new apprentices begin work on August 1.

Advertisement and recruitment for the Apprenticeship Program is conducted annually from April 13 through May 1. Interviews are conducted in June, and new apprentices begin work in August, with classroom instruction beginning in September.

The University’s Apprenticeship Program was the first of its kind to be established by a state agency and has been a model for other programs. Here are some of the achievements we are proud of:

• Since the program was established in 1982, over 100 apprentices have graduated.
• Of those graduates 75 percent still work at Facilities Management with an additional 2 percent at the University at large.
• Thirty-three percent of those have received promotions.

The Apprenticeship Program helps to ensure a highly skilled workforce for the University of Virginia. Apprenticeship Program Brochure (PDF).

Facilities Management encourages diversity in staffing. Women in the Trades Brochure (PDF).

Your application to the Apprenticeship Program must be submitted on-line at Jobs@UVA. For questions and assistance, please contact Facilities Management's Human Resources & Training at (434) 982-5895.

View more pictures:  Apprenticeship Program Photo Gallery.