Overview

Bus Drivers' Apprenticeship Program

Computer Technicians' Apprenticeship Program

Custodian Apprenticeship Program

Clinic Aide, Instructional Aide, Exceptional Learner Classroom Aide, Child Development (Preschool)

Maintenance Employees' Apprenticeship Program

Mechanics' Apprenticeship Program

School Nutrition Apprenticeship Program

Secretarial / Accountant Apprenticeship Program

Mission Statement: 

The Augusta County Schools Department of Transportation Apprenticeship program has been developed with the sole intent of assisting the departmental employees in the endeavor of attaining knowledge and acquiring skills required or related to each employee’s job in the Transportation Department. Employees will benefit by having the ability to perform duties of their job in a more knowledgeable and efficient manner, and being compensated in accordance with the additional training and certification they have received and demonstrated. The employer will benefit by having a more highly trained and qualified personnel, and will be more efficient in maintaining the school system’s transportation fleet. 

Participation in the Apprenticeship Program is VOLUNTARY. Employees who choose not to participate in the program will continue to work and progress on the Transportation staff pay scale. Employees who wish to participate will be required to complete a prescribed course of study and a work process that is determined by the Virginia Department of Labor and the employer. Registration in the apprentice program is required in order to receive the certification once the requirements have been completed. Where appropriate, credit will be given for coursework already completed, and for work experience(processes) already completed. Documentation will be required for credited coursework or work experience. 

The required coursework will be determined according to the related job description. A core curriculum will be determined according to the related job description. A core curriculum consisting of seven courses will be required of each employee. Trade related (ASE) courses would make up the remaining eight required courses. Coursework will be completed through the Valley Vocational Technical Center, except in instances where course are not offered, or another institution offers where a course more specifically related to the employers needs. 

The employer and/or a representative of VVTC will determine credit for prior coursework. A course description, outline, or syllabus, along with evidence of completion of the course with a passing grade of “C” or better will be required as a minimum before credit is given for prior coursework. The total hours of required coursework varies between the classes offered by VVTC and the classes offered for certification under the guideline of the Automotive Service Excellence classes required for certification stated in the required coursework. The two sets of classes do not have the same number of instructional contact hours. Typically, 175-585 hours of instructional time is required, and typically thirteen classes can be taken. 

The minimum requirement for work experience is set at 2000hours per year by the State Department of Labor and Industry. The scope of the work process for apprenticeship for the Augusta County Schools Transportation Department will be four years, or a total of 8000 hours. Credit may be given for up to 6000 hours (one year must be completed in the program) of properly documented work experience. Documentation of required work process completed is the responsibility of the employee. 

Documentation can be requested from the current or former employers.

1. Provided through VVTC, Fishersville, VA.

2. Credit may be granted for courses successfully completed if course descriptions, outlines or syllabus is provided to determine the compatibility of courses.

3. The required coursework must be successfully completed with a grade of “C”, or better, or must be marked “satisfactory”, or “pass”.

4. Apprenticeship participants may take more than one class per session.

5. The attendance Policy of the course provider must be adhered to at all times.

6. ASE (Automotive Service Excellence) classes must be successfully completed and post course test passed in order to receive credit or reimbursement for courses taken.

1. Required work process determined by the VA. Department of Labor and Industry.

2. 8000 hours (2000 hours/year for 4 years) required for completion of apprenticeship.

3. It is the responsibility of the apprentice to maintain documentation of the work processes he/she has completed.

4. Credit may be given, based on supervisor’s recommendation, for prior work experience in directly related field.

5. A minimum of 2000 hours must be worked while enrolled in the apprenticeship program.

Successful completion of this apprenticeship program will entitle each participant to receive certification in each of the required areas the participant will take instruction and successful completion of the tests of the National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence.

Employees will be reimbursed up to $500.00 for courses successfully completed towards completion of program.

The cost of courses taken through VVTC will be established by Valley Vocational Technical Center.

Automotive Service Excellence

The completion of the coursework within the Apprenticeship Program can be completed over a two to six year timeframe. 

Employees may earn additions of 5 percent to fifteen percent increases to salaries with successful completion of coursework and job related experience.

Employee’s pay raise is based on the recommendation of the supervisor and the employee’s ability to demonstrate the skills learned from completing the offered courses.

Completion of 2 Core Courses and 3 ASE Courses
5 classes (5% Increase)

Completion of 4 Core Courses & 6 ASE Course 
10 classes (5% Additional Increase)

Completion of 7 Core Courses & 8 ASES Courses
15 classes (5% Additional Increase)

Over the time period and with successful completion of the fifteen courses, the employee could receive a total of fifteen percent increase of five percent increments in salary compensation.

Participants may choose to take courses within the established curriculum in any order the employee chooses.

Employees must have successfully completed all thirteen courses within the established curriculum to eligible for the maximum percentage pay increase.

Core Courses/Requirements

• Communication 

• Beginning Computers Intro to Windows XP 

• Behaviors of Successful People 

• Industrial Safety 

• First Aide/CPR 

• Basic Welding 

• Technical Mathematics

Trade Courses

• Automotive Service Excellence Courses

• ASE 1 Body Systems and Special Equipment 

• ASE 2 Diesel Engines 

• ASE 3 Drive Train 

• ASE 4 Brakes 

• ASE 5 Suspension and Starting 

• ASE 6 Electrical/Electronics Systems 

• ASE 7 Air Conditioning Systems and Controls 

• ASE T1 Gasoline Engines

Level 1

• 5 % Pay increase w/successful completion of Level 1 

• 5 offered course must be completed (2 Core & 3 ASE Courses) 

• 2 years OJT (1 year may be waived

Level 2

• An additional 5 % Pay Increase w/successful completion of Level 2 

• 10 offered courses must be completed (4 Core Course & 6 ASE Courses) 

• 4 years OJT (3 years may be waived)

Level 3

• An additional 5 % Pay Increase w/ successful completion of Level 3 

• All 15 offered courses must be completed  (7 Core Course & 8 ASE Course) 

• 6 years OJT 4 years may be waived

Employees must be able to successfully demonstrate mastery of skills learned in class.

Employees who take coursework must have on the job training to accompany each of the ASE courses offered.