Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What is a journeyworker?

A: A journeyworker is a skilled employee in the related role responsible for guiding apprentice competency development through projects, ensuring their training is aligned to industry standards.

Q: Are employer partners required to have a Journeyworker?

A: Yes. A journeyworker is required and can be responsible for up to 3 apprentices in the Registered Apprenticeship Program.

Q: What is the apprentice selection process? Will we be included in the selection process or will you choose for me?

A: BIT provides recommended candidates; Employer Partners conduct interviews and make final selection decisions.

Q: How do apprentices get paid?

A: BIT manages apprentice payroll. As W-2 employees of BIT, apprentices are paid on a bi-weekly basis.

Q: Does the grant cover all costs associated with the apprenticeship?

A: BIT’s grant significantly subsidizes the expenses of BIT’s Academy and Registered Apprenticeship Program, requiring only a minimal financial commitment from your organization. Up to 73% of apprentice wages are covered by the grant. It is requested that the employer partner covers the remaining 27%, however it is not a requirement. If the employer partner is unable to cover the remainder, BIT will provide the funding. Employer Partner related expenses such as technology, onboarding requirements, and additional expenses are not covered.

Q: What does the time requirement look like?

A: Apprenticeships are typically a maximum 2 year commitment. Prior apprentice experience may reduce the timeframe. Employer Partners commit 10-15 hours per week for supervision and mentorship, depending on team and project needs.

Q: How many hours do apprentices work per week?

A: Apprentices work part-time 20 hours per week. Flexible schedules can be customized with the Employer Partner needs.

Q: What type of support can we expect from BIT?

A: Dedicated program management, coaching for apprentices, journeyworker support, and employer check-ins throughout the program.

• BIT provides continued program management, tracking progress toward competencies, and offering coaching and resources to both apprentices and journeyworkers.
• BIT staff remain available via Slack, office hours, and scheduled meetings.
• Career coaching available for apprentices through BIT’s licensed career coach.
• Apprentice access to supplemental BIT trainings (Salesforce or Accessibility specific). Trainings are recorded and transcribed for continued access to training opportunities.

• Salesforce Admin apprentices have monthly training sessions.
• Digital Accessibility apprentices have access to training opportunities as they arise.

Q: What if the apprentice we select isn’t a fit?

A: BIT provides structured coaching and mediation when challenges arise. Employer Partners and apprentices both participate in open communication during this process. All apprentices begin with a 90-day probationary period where BIT closely monitors progress and fit. If issues persist despite intervention, BIT may re-select and recommend another apprentice for consideration.

Q: What if we can’t support all of the competencies required for the apprentices?

A: BIT supplements training with hypothetical competency scenarios to ensure apprentices complete all required competencies. Competencies that will not be completed through Employer Partner related work may be achieved through these scenarios.

Q: Can I hire an apprentice full-time during or after the apprenticeship?

A: Yes. BIT encourages Employer Partners to extend full-time offers at apprenticeship completion when business needs align. Full-time employment offers prior to completion of the apprenticeship are accepted with the intention to complete the apprenticeship competencies and required 2000 hours during this time.

Q: What happens at the end of the 2-year apprenticeship?

A: Apprentices graduate with completed competencies and 2000 hours. The purpose of the Registered Apprenticeship program is to support apprentice movement into Competitive Integrated Employment (CIE). Many are hired by Employer Partners at successful completion.