Turn your apprenticeship into a degree at WSU Tech

The Training & Workforce Innovation team at WSU Tech partners with registered apprenticeship programs to help you turn hands-on training into real college credentials. Through industry-aligned coursework and flexible degree pathways, apprentices can move from the jobsite to an Associate of Applied Science degree faster and more affordably.

Apprenticeships at WSU Tech combine classroom learning with paid, hands-on experience in your chosen field. You will build real skills alongside industry professionals while making meaningful progress toward your career goals. It is a practical way to graduate with both education and experience already on your resume.

Whether you’re currently in an apprenticeship or nearing completion of your program, you can earn up to 45 college credit hours at no cost toward your degree by completing the remaining 15 credit hours at WSU Tech.

Already finished your apprenticeship? Come back, apply your credits right away, and take the next step in your career.

“Apprenticeship programs create opportunities for our member contractors that include enhanced skills and improved productivity. Public-private partnerships between industry and technical colleges deliver workforce development in a way that works for everyone.”

– Mike Gibson, Associated General Contractors (AGC) of Kansas

“Apprenticeship programs create opportunities for our member contractors that include enhanced skills and improved productivity. Public-private partnerships between industry and technical colleges deliver workforce development in a way that works for everyone.”

– Mike Gibson, Associated General Contractors (AGC) of Kansas

Ready to go further? Earn your bachelor’s degree 

Thinking about what’s next after your Associate degree? WSU Tech partners with four-year universities so apprentices can keep the momentum going and work toward a Bachelor’s degree after completing their program. Check out our university partners below to explore transfer options, degree programs, and your next big move.

Now, any Associates of Applied Science degree from WSU Tech will easily transfer into the Organizational Leadership and Learning (OLL) Bachelor of Applied Science degree at Wichita State University so you can go even further. You may only be a few classes away from earning your Bachelor’s degree. You can also get credit for work experience and past military experience, saving you time and money while advancing toward your educational and career goals

Institutions that accept WSU Tech’s apprenticeship credits

How to get started

Follow the steps below and enroll today.

Step 1

Apply

Complete and submit the application form

Step 2

Financial Aid

Complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA)

Step 3

Enroll

Easily register for available courses 

Apprenticeships - Get Trained - Training Workforce & Innovation at WSU Tech
Apprenticeships - Get Trained - Training Workforce & Innovation at WSU Tech

Why choose an apprenticeship at WSU Tech?

Flexible earn-and-learn schedules with dedicated work and classroom time

Get paid while you gain real-world experience

Build industry connections before graduation

Develop job-ready skills based on employer needs

Flexible earn-and-learn schedules

Get paid while you gain real-world experience

Build industry connections before graduation

Develop job-ready skills based on employer needs

WSU Tech as a Related Technical Instruction (RTI) Provider 

As a leading RTI provider, Training & Workforce Innovation at WSU Tech delivers classroom instruction that complements on-the-job learning and meets federal apprenticeship standards. Courses are industry-aligned, taught by experienced faculty, and built to support apprentice success in high-demand fields.

Our flexible scheduling and stackable credentials help apprentices progress toward college degrees while advancing in their careers.

RTI at WSU Tech includes:

Industry-aligned curriculum

Experienced instructors

Flexible course scheduling

Stackable credentials and degree pathways

Earn while you learn—and build credentials that last. Apprentices at WSU Tech gain hands-on experience, technical instruction, and college credit that can lead to Associate and Bachelor’s degrees through partner universities.

Students benefit from:

  • Paid, real-world training
  • Industry-recognized credentials
  • College credit for apprenticeship completion
  • Affordable, accelerated degree pathways
  • Career advancement in high-demand fields

 

WSU Tech helps employers grow their workforce through customized apprenticeship solutions designed to attract, train, and retain talent. Our team reduces administrative burden while ensuring programs meet regulatory standards and industry expectations.

Employers benefit from:

  • Customized workforce pipelines
  • Reduced recruitment and turnover costs
  • Support with program registration and compliance
  • Related Technical Instruction is aligned to business needs
  • Stronger employee retention and advancement

Apprenticeship myths vs. reality 

Click on one of the toggles to learn more about the reality of apprenticeships.

Reality: Registered Apprenticeships exist across industries including healthcare, IT, advanced manufacturing, business operations, and more.

Reality: Many programs connect to college credit and degree pathways, allowing apprentices to earn an Associate degree and continue toward a Bachelor’s.

Reality: Apprenticeships serve people at many stages of life, including adult learners, career changers, veterans, and incumbent workers.

Reality: With support from intermediaries like WSU Tech and available state and federal resources, employers can start programs more efficiently and cost-effectively.

Reality: Registered programs follow national standards, structured training plans, skilled mentorship, and progressive skill development—producing job-ready talent.

Reality: Apprentices are paid employees with defined training plans, wage progression, and industry-recognized credentials.

Reality: Registered Apprenticeships go beyond basic training with formal instruction, documented competencies, mentoring, and credentialing.

Reality: Apprenticeships create long-term career pathways, leadership opportunities, and continuing education—not dead ends.

Registered apprenticeship FAQs 

Click on one of the questions below to find comprehensive answers.

A Registered Apprenticeship is a structured career pathway that combines paid, on-the-job training with classroom instruction. Participants earn wages while learning technical skills and working toward industry-recognized credentials and college credit.

Apprenticeships are open to individuals who meet employer and program requirements. This includes new workers entering a field and current employees looking to upskill or advance in their careers.

“Registered” means the program meets national quality standards for training, safety, wage progression, and credentialing. These programs follow approved training plans and provide consistent, recognized outcomes.

Programs typically range from one to four years, depending on the occupation and training requirements. Apprentices progress through structured on-the-job learning while completing related classroom instruction.

Yes. Apprentices are employees and earn wages while training, with increases as they gain skills and reach program milestones.

Yes. Many apprenticeship programs connect to college coursework, allowing participants to earn credit toward certificates or degrees while completing their training.

Are you an employer wanting to start or expand your apprenticeship program?

For employers, apprenticeships offer a strategic way to strengthen your workforce by training emerging talent to meet your organization’s specific needs while building a dependable pipeline for future growth. WSU Tech’s Training & Workforce Innovation team can help you get there.

Training & Workforce Innovation - Career Training hero image group of four images representing workforce training
Training & Workforce Innovation - Career Training hero image group of four images representing workforce training

Contact Michelle

Michelle Ruder
Michelle RuderDean, Apprenticeship & Applied Learning
apprenticeships@wsutech.edu
316.677.1800