Connecting industry to skilled accounting clerks!
A$ET is a unique and valuable opportunity that creates a pipeline that provides apprentices with the industry-selected education and hands-on training needed for skilled bookkeeping and accounting. Partnering with employers, apprentices across California share in the benefits of this earn-while-you-learn model. Take control of your career pathway with no college debt, on-the-job training, a livable wage, an industry and state recognized certificate, and a career that is challenging, rewarding, and prosperous. This apprenticeship serves those re-entering the workforce, new to the industry, or even those already employed but needing to upskill! There is a need for skilled accounting clerks across all industries and A$ET is the solution.
Would you like information for apprentices or sponsor businesses?
Would you like to apply as an apprentice or sponsor business?
Program Offerings
Accounting Services Employment Training (A$ET)
This program pairs 272 Related Supplemental Instruction (RSI) and 3,000 paid On-The-Job Training (OJT) hours under close supervision of the employer to create a comprehensive accounting clerk training program. Each apprentice is a full-time, paid employee of the participating business for the duration of the 18 – 24 month program and will receive mentorship, as well as wage progression as they advance through the program. Selected RSI courses cover basic and computerized accounting, business communications and mathematics, records management, computerized Ten-Key, financial and payroll accounting. After completion, the apprentice will be issued a state and industry recognized certificate of completion from the Division of Apprenticeship Standards.
Why Choose A$ET?
A$ET provides apprentices the opportunity to improve and refine their skills in a real-world setting.
“After a year of unsuccessful hires, our company was introduced to the Shasta College Apprenticeship Program. The student selected has given me great hope in the future of our professional youth. His eagerness to learn combined with his up-to-date computer skills has surpassed any seasoned employee we’ve had. With the continuous growth in his college course, he’s increasingly becoming the perfect fit for our company. Thank you, Shasta College, for the benefit this program gives to the community.”
Kari Chatin, Head Bookkeeper, The Fly Shop
“The Redding Chamber believes that upskilling the local workforce is crucial to moving the local economy forward. The A$ET apprenticeship creates the opportunity for aspiring accounting clerks to learn while they earn. Upon completion of the program, the certification further strengthens the marketability of the student in a highly-desired and applicable skill set across many local business types. This program helps fill a significant void in the local business community.”
Jake Mangas, President & CEO, Redding Chamber of Commerce
Benefits for Apprentices
Learn By Doing
Develop the skills the industry is looking for through structured learning through On-The-Job learning in a work setting or Related Supplemental Instruction in a classroom or job-site setting.
Paid, Full-Time Job
Apprentices are paid employees who produce high-quality work while they learn skills that enhance their employers’ needs. Get paid to learn valuable skills while working towards building your career!
No Student Debt
As an apprentice in A$ET, you will not incur any student debt for required courses or supplies to be successful.
Mentorship
Provides apprentices with the additional support of a skilled worker to assist and enhance critical hands-on learning.
Credentials
Offers a portable local, state, and industry-recognized certificate to be issued at the completion of the program.
Benefits for Employers
State Recognized
A$ET serves the entire state of California so that other institutions and employers can collaborate with the apprenticeship and share in the success!
Improve Productivity
Increase profitability and make a positive impact to your bottom line by developing apprentices through mentorship, relevant education, and hands-on learning.
Reduced Turnover
Minimize cost with reduced turnover and liability from inexperienced and low-skilled employees. Apprentices are paid employees that want to increase their knowledge and skills.
Customized Training
With 272 RSI hours and 3,000 OJT hours, the A$ET program allows you to create flexible training options that ensure workers develop the right skills to fit your needs.
Retain Diverse Workers
Most apprentices continue as proficient employees after completing an apprenticeship, saving you time and money on finding quality employees to develop a diverse workforce with a wide range of skills and potential.
A$ET is led by a dedicated team of industry leaders and experts from Northern California who compose the Unilateral Training Committee (UTC).
A$ET Committee Members:
Lisa Geraci, Golden Valley Bank, Chair
Jake Mangas, Redding Chamber of Commerce
Wendy Zanotelli, SMART Workforce Center
Justine Lehman, Solid Office Solutions Redding
Carrie Ferchaud, Job Training Center
Advisors:
Charlie Richards, Division of Apprenticeship Standards DAS
Juanne Van Der Linde, Accounting and Business Administration Faculty
Scott Gordon, Business Faculty
Angela Cordell, Senior Project Coordinator of Employer Engagement
Lisa Petty-Hoveman, Apprenticeship Project Coordinator
The Steps
The first step to becoming a A$ET APPRENTICE is filling out our APPLICATION form
You can fill out the application form now or request more information from our project coordinator.
We’ll send you our handbook for review
Our Apprenticeship Coordinator will reach out to discuss any questions or concerns regarding the program and the handbook. We can help you fill out the Apprenticeship Application at this point if needed.
You’ll meet with the Unilateral Training committee
The Unilateral Training Committee (UTC) holds a monthly meeting to review and approve new applications. You should plan to bring an updated resume, education certificates, etc. Your current skills and knowledge can be used to place you within the four progression steps of the program, allowing those with experience to receive credit for prior learning.
Once Approved by the Unilateral Training Committee (UTC)
If you’re currently employed by a Sponsor Employer:
You will continue working with your employer and will follow the Apprenticeship Standards and Apprenticeship Rules & Regulations.
If you’re not currently employed by a Sponsor Employer:
The UTC and Apprenticeship Coordinator will place you with a registered Sponsor Employer. Once placed, you will be an employee of the Sponsor Employer and will follow the Apprenticeship Standards and Apprenticeship Rules & Regulations.
You’ll attend program orientation
Everyone entering the A$ET program attends orientation to celebrate and kickoff the start of the program.
START YOUR APPRENTICESHIP
Follow the Apprenticeship Standards and Apprenticeship Rules & Regulations, including attending specified RSI courses and check-ins with the Apprenticeship Coordinator. After completion of the program, you will receive an industry and state recognized certificate!
The first step to becoming a A$ET APPRENTICEship Sponsor business is filling out our APPLICATION form
You can fill out the application form now or request more information from our project coordinator.
We’ll send you our handbook for review
Our Apprenticeship Coordinator will reach out to meet you and discuss any questions or concerns regarding the program and the handbook. We can help you fill out the Employer Application at this point if needed.
You’ll meet with the Unilateral Training committee
The Unilateral Training Committee (UTC) holds a montly meeting to review and approve new applications. You should plan to attend and answer a few questions about your business.
Once Approved by the Unilateral Training Committee (UTC)
You will work with the Apprenticeship Coordinator to complete final paperwork and complete your registration with the Division of Apprenticeship Standards. You’ll be given a unique ID# and will follow the Apprenticeship Standards and Apprenticeship Rules & Regulations.
Sponsor New Apprentices
Work with the Apprenticeship Coordinator to Send existing employees or sponsor new employees as apprentices through the A$ET program by referring them to the steps for Apprentices.
Get Program Information and Connect With Us
Would you like information for apprentices or sponsor businesses?
Would you like to apply as an apprentice or sponsor business?
Would you like information for apprentices or sponsor businesses?
Would you like to apply as an apprentice or sponsor business?
Would you like information for apprentices or sponsor businesses?
Would you like to apply as an apprentice or sponsor business?
Frequently Asked Questions
Apprentices
I’m interested in becoming an apprentice! How do I get started?
Great! Please fill out the Apprentice Interest Form and we’ll be in touch! In the meantime, take a look at The Steps section to get an idea of the process.
I’m currently not working in the industry, what do I do?
Fill out the Apprentice Interest Form! You don’t need to be an employee within the industry to be accepted into the program as you will be placed (if approved) by the UTC with a sponsor employer as a full-time employee. Also, with any job search, an updated resume is a great place to start
What happens if I need to take a break after I officially start the apprenticeship program?
Life happens, but we want you to be able to get the most out of this apprenticeship! The Standards and Rules and Regulations cover attendance throughout and Article VIII and IX speak directly to leave of absence as well as how you can re-enter the program. We want you to be successful, so please communicate to the Apprenticeship Coordinator and your sponsor employee if there’s a concern.
Do I need to be a registered student of the host college to become an apprentice?
To attend the related supplemental instruction (RSI), you’ll need to be a registered student but don’t let the registration process deter you. The Apprenticeship Coordinator will work with you and the host college, currently Shasta College, to make the registration process as smooth as possible.
How often do I need to attend class? Do I get paid to be there?
RSI courses will be scheduled in a way that will best fit the apprentice and employer schedules. The apprentice will not be compensated for time spent associated to related supplemental instruction (RSI) indicated in Attachment B, Article IV of the Standards.
I’m worried about buying supplies and paying for the courses needed. Is there financial help available to me?
Don’t worry! This registered apprenticeship program is free of charge to the registered apprentice. The supplies needed to be successful in the program will be provided and you won’t be charged the $46 per unit enrollment fee, or nonresident tuition, for any course taken as part of the approved DAS apprenticeship program per AB 1809. This does not, however, apply to the fees associated to the HELO pre-apprenticeship program offered through Shasta College.
Employers
I’m interested in becoming a sponsor employer! How do I get started?
Wonderful! We’d love to chat with you on becoming one of our sponsor employers. Please fill out the Employer Interest Form and we’ll be in touch! In the meantime, take a look at the “What’s Next” section to get an idea of the process.
I’m an employer located in Southern California but I’m interested in the A$ET program. Can I participate?
Of course! The A$ET apprenticeship serves the entire state of California. You do not need to be located in Northern California.
What if I need to do layoffs while I have an apprentice in the program?
We will work with you and the apprentice to find a solution that best serves both you and the apprentice. This is also addressed in the Standards, Article XII.
What type of control do I have over the apprentice’s progression?
There is a probationary period in which the apprentice agreement may be cancelled if the apprentice isn’t able to meet program expectations. If an apprentice isn’t able to adhere to the Standards, Rules and Regulations, or the employee guidelines of the sponsor employer, they will not meet the advancement requirements outlined in Article IV of the Rules and Regulations to advance. That being said, we want to address any issues as soon as they arise so the UTC and Apprenticeship Coordinator can work with you and the apprentice to get them back on track.
Do I need to pay the apprentice to go to the related supplemental instruction courses?
The apprentice will not be compensated for time spent associated to related supplemental instruction (RSI) indicated in Attachment B, Article IV of the Standards. RSI courses will be scheduled in a way that will best fit the apprentice and employer schedules.
Get More Information or Apply Today
Whether you’d like to find out more information regarding the program or you’re sold and want to sign up to be an apprentice or sponsor employer, we have a form for that! We look forward to connecting with you on this opportunity!
Would you like information for apprentices or sponsor businesses?
Would you like to apply as an apprentice or sponsor business?