Are you a high school student who wants to directly enter the workforce? Have you been in the workforce and want to learn a new trade or skill? Offered through Bates Technical College, the apprenticeship program may offer you paid, on-the-job learning. Apprenticeships are a great option for people who like to work with their hands and are ready to go to work.
There are 8 Washington state-approved apprenticeship training programs affiliated with Bates Technical College, ranging from the aerospace industry to construction fields. Apprentices work in the field earning wages at a percentage of the journey-level rate while also attending classes on a part-time basis, typically in the evenings.
As apprentices progress through the program, they receive regular pay increases. Apprenticeships are one-five years in length, and upon completing the program, they receive a journeyman-level certificate of completion from the Washington State Department of Labor and Industries Apprenticeship & Training Council.
Apprenticeship Studies Associate Degree
In addition to earning the certificate, apprentices have the opportunity to earn a degree in Apprenticeship Studies. The degree path can be a great option for those who are interested in pursuing a supervisory, inspector or other positions.
How do I enroll in an apprenticeship program?
To gain entry into a Bates-affiliated apprenticeship program, you should contact the apprenticeship training coordinator directly. Eligibility varies from program to program, but typically you must have a high school diploma or GED, be at least 16 years, and demonstrate the ability and aptitude to complete the program.
New to Fire Apprenticeships? Interested in FESHE course?
Bates Technical College follows the Fire and Emergency Services Higher Education (FESHE) model curriculum that the U.S. Fire Administration founded, as a component of the associate degree in Fire Supervision.
Our experienced fire service faculty teach degree coursework. The courses are designed to promote higher education, and to enhance the recognition of fire and emergency services as a profession that reduces loss of life and property from fire and other hazards.
FESHE courses prepare professional firefighters to meet the requirements from Fire Fighter I, Fire Fighter II and Fire Officer I. Bates Technical College provides collegiate-level coursework in collaboration with the Washington State Firefighter Joint Apprenticeship Training Committee (also known as JATC).
As per the partnership agreement between the Washington State Firefighter Joint Apprenticeship Training Committee (JATC) and Bates Technical College, JATC sponsors the tuition and fees for their firefighters who are members of the JATC membership department and are enrolled in FESHE courses, provided they maintain a GPA of 2.0 or higher. For firefighters with a lower GPA (0-1.9), Bates Technical College will send individual invoices to the respective fire departments.
The following FESHE courses are included in the program:
| Course ID | Course Title | Credits |
| APPFS 101 | Fire Protection Strategy | 5 |
| APPFS 102 | Fire Protection Systems | 5 |
| APPFS 103 | Fire Protection Hydraulics | 5 |
| APPFS 104 | Building Construction | 5 |
| APPFS 105 | Fire Protection Code/Inspection | 5 |
Self-Support Classes Refund Policy:
100% When Bates Technical College cancels the class.
100% When withdrawal is at least one business day prior to the first day of class. To officially withdraw from the class, email registration@batestech.edu.
0% When registered but do not attend the class. No refunds are available after the class has started.
Bates will cancel a class if there are too few participants enrolled to cover the cost of the class. Bates reserves the right to cancel classes, reschedule classes, or change instructors. You will be notified if a class is full or if a class cancellation occurs.
Bates Technical College reaffirms its policy of equal opportunity. Please read our non-discrimination policy here.