FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

An apprentice gets paid to learn a trade, working under the supervision of an experienced tradesperson to gain expertise in a particular vocation. Apprentices learn hands-on skills through on-the-job and classroom training. These programs pay wages that increase progressively as an apprentice gains skills and becomes more productive. 

• Apprenticeships are on-the-job training programs aimed at skilled careers, particularly in the trades.
• Apprenticeships pay a progressive salary, allowing apprentices to earn a living while working toward their chosen professions.
• Requirements to participate in an apprenticeship may include a minimum age and a high school diploma or GED®.

In apprenticeship, the trainee undergoes a training in which all the skills required for a particular occupation or trade are being taught. In this, the trainee gets hands-on experience while working with a skilled and experienced worker. 

 On the other hand, an internship is for undergraduate students where they learn specific skills and work experience required in a particular field or job, which may or may not be paid. People get puzzled when they are asked to distinguish the two, but the fact is that there exists a fine line of difference between apprenticeship and internship. 

See Key Differences Here 

Employers select their own apprentices from their current workforce. Employees should talk to their employer if interested in moving through the program.

One of the requirements of a Registered Apprenticeship Program is a “wage progression.” The apprentice begins at an entry level salary and over the course of the training receives incremental increases as they successfully master their trade. Each company sets its own internal wage progression. 

Going through the apprenticeship program will help to open doors to advance your career, and increase your wages for the job you are current doing.

What if you could learn new skills on the job, earn college credits and become fully qualified for a new career—all while making a salary? Apprenticeship programs offer these benefits to individuals aiming to work in a skilled trade. 

Here directly from those who are currently participating.  Learn why they chose the program and what they hope to get out of being part of the first class of apprentices.  

Read Here 

It can for Groundskeeper apprentices. Our SUNY partners are experts at creating pathways to degrees; many of the classes can be applied to golf and turf management degree programs.

Read more about the SUNY Delhi portion of the program here as reported by The Daily Star Newspaper

The NYSTA Apprenticeship Program is a 24-month program, broken down into 2 components ... on the job training and online classes through SUNY Delhi.  

Click here for a breakdown of the OJT over 2 years.

Click here for a breakdown of the classes you would take over 2 years.

There is no cost to apprentices for this program. 

The NYSTA Apprenticeship Program is a 24 month program, broken down into 2 components ... on the job training and online classes through Penn Foster & GCSAA.

Click here for a breakdown of the OJT over 2 years.

Click here for a breakdown of the classes you would take from Penn Foster.

Click here for a breakdown of the classes you would take from GCSAA.

Educational costs are additional for this program.  Please check with your employer about who will cover this cost .. estimated at $1,400.

On average, the educational piece will take 3-5 hours a week for Groundskeeper apprentices, but only during the months of Sept-Dec (Fall semester) and mid-January-May (Spring semester).  Some employers give their apprentices some time to work on this during work hours, but for others you will need to do this on your own time. 

Education is provided online – 2 hr online lecture once a week with 2 weekly 10 question multiple choice quizzes / 2 one credit classes with portfolio and other assignments due at end of semester. To succeed, apprentices should try scheduling this online classroom work for each week so they don’t fall behind and have an overwhelming amount of work to catch up on at the end of the semester.

There is also one week of in-person classes/lab at SUNY Delhi in mid-January (includes housing/meals - for Groundskeeper apprentices only).

For Small Gas Engine & Equipment Mechanic apprentices, the online courses are at your own pace for Penn Foster and must be completed within 12 months.  For the GCSAA certificate portion, these are again at your own pace but must be completed by the time your two-year OJT is also completed.

NYSTA wants you to succeed!  

• Bi-weekly pre-scheduled check-in meetings with our Apprenticeship Director to walk through assignments, answer questions and help support you so you will succeed.
• Bi-monthly group check-in meetings to get to know the other apprentices in your class
• Access to email and cell phone information for other apprentices in your class to give you the opportunity to run issues or questions by each other.
• You will be supplied with a NYSDOL  weekly time tracking book for your on-the-job training hours.  This is an important document and will be checked for completion every 6 months by a NYSDOL representative.

Attica's 10th Hole

Colonie Country Club

The Creek Club

Elbers Landscape

Glens Falls Country Club

Huntington Country Club

Monroe Golf Club

Nassau Country Club

North Hempstead Country Club

Noyac Golf Club

Oak Hill Country Club

Oneonta Country Club

Pelham Country Club

Pine Hollow Club

Piping Rock Club

Shelter Island Country Club

St. Georges Golf & Country Club

Springville Country Club

Yahnundasis Golf Club

The West Side Tennis Club

Windham Country Club II LLC

If your employer is not on this list already, they can easily be added by completing a quick form that NYSTA will submit to NYSDOL for approval with your apprenticeship paperwork.

Apprenticeship is a time-honored approach to training skilled workers through a combination of on-the job training and classroom instruction. Each apprenticeable occupation has its own standard training outline which details the on-the-job training and classroom instruction required. Apprentices are full-time employees who produce high-quality work while they learn skills that enhance their employment prospects. An apprentice operates under the close supervision of a skilled worker on the job and takes related classroom instruction at night or on weekends. A graduated pay scale assures that salary reflects the degree of skill achieved.  

Employers select their own apprentices from their current workforce.  This program does not recruit employees, but you could use this as an incentive when hiring.

One of the requirements of a Registered Apprenticeship Program is a “wage progression.” The apprentice begins at an entry level salary and over the course of the training receives incremental increases as they successfully master their trade. Each company sets its own internal wage progression. 

It can for apprentices in the Groundskeeper program. Our SUNY partners are experts at creating pathways to degrees; many of the classes can be applied to golf and turf management degree programs. 

Groundskeeper Apprenticeship:  The most exciting news is that financial support is being provided by SUNY and NYSDOL, which offers a substantial award up to $7,000 for each apprentice accepted into this program. This financial stipend covers nearly 100% of the educational component required for apprenticeship. (SUNY Delhi will apply for this on behalf of each apprentice and the funds will go directly into their SUNY Delhi account to cover their education).  There is no cost to apprentices.

Small Gas Engine & Equipment Mechanic Apprenticeship: There are two parts to the educational component of this apprenticeship.  The Penn Foster Automotive Repair Technician online course is $939, and students are given 1 year to complete it.  With GCSAA, the apprentice will sign up as a free student member and can then be enrolled in the Equipment Maintenance Certificate Program.  Level 1 is required and the cost for course study guides and exams is roughly $450.  NYSTA encourages employers to pick up the cost of the educational component so there is no cost to apprentices.

For All:  There is a one-time non-refundable investment fee of $2,500 to enroll in the program and $900 per apprentice annual administrative fee, however, employers may be eligible for government tax credits up to $5,000 per apprentice over the two-year program.   

The on-the-job training is done by your own facility. We will provide you with a detailed training outline for trainers/managers to follow.  The related instruction, for the Groundskeeper Apprentices will be provided online by SUNY Delhi. There will also be one week in January for in-person instruction on the SUNY Delhi campus. 

Read more here from The Daily Star Newspaper about the Groundskeeper Apprenticeship program.

For Apprentices in the Small Gas Engine & Equipment Mechanic Program, the educational component is provided online by GCSAA and Penn Foster.  Course fees apply for both.

Please visit the NYSDOL Apprenticeship Tax Credit website here: 

https://dol.ny.gov/apprenticeship/options-apprenticeship-program-sponsors

Here directly from those who are (or have) participating.  Learn why they chose the program and what they hope to get out of being part of the first class of apprentices.  

Read Here 

 YES ... This is a NYSTA member benefit.  However, joining is very easy and affordable.  Please use the link below to join at the general member annual rate of $150. 

 
Join NYSTA 

Click the link below and complete the short contact form.  From there, we will contact you to schedule a program informational call.  If you're interested in moving forward from there, a few short forms required by NYSDOL will be sent for you to complete and return.

Let's Get Started!