NCSG Apprenticeship Program

The National Chimney Sweep Guild (NCSG) has developed a National Standard for the Chimney Sweep Technician Apprentice Program to provide a recruitment and training tool for employers in the chimney sweep industry. These Standards are registered with the US Department of Labor – Office of Apprenticeship.

Chimney sweep companies may choose to enter the DOL-recognized NCSG Apprentice program. The chimney sweep technician apprentice program offers comprehensive training, enhanced skills, and attainment of accredited certification credentials, and helps to establish a workforce of professional chimney sweep technicians.

To learn more, reference our 2024 NCSG Employers Guide to Apprenticeship.

Why Apprenticeship?

An apprenticeship is a nationally recognized training and education program in which an individual completes a combination of on-the-job training, classroom instruction, and professional development to earn a Certificate of Completion in Apprenticeship, awarded by the U.S. Department of Labor. This certificate is often referred to as a Journeyman Credential. The apprentice is granted the privilege of earning income as a full-time employee while acquiring skills in a specialized craft. The apprentice works with a journeyman for a specified period during which they gain knowledge and expertise.

 Apprenticeships are a collaboration among the employer, who provides on-the-job training, the apprentice, who commits to working for the employer, and the related instruction provider(s), who deliver classroom or hands-on instruction.

 The NCSG offers related instruction through our Chimney Sweep Technician Apprentice Training program, and some select Chimney Sweep Educational providers may also offer approved related instruction.

  1. Time-based/Competency-based - Hybrid
  2. The term of the occupation is 2 years, with an On-the-Job Learning (OJL) requirement of 4000 hours, supplemented by a minimum of 288 hours of related instruction

 

NCSG has created the National standard and is giving it to membership to fast track with their state government to create their own program! 

This is a member benefit only. There is no additional cost for you to receive a copy of the standards, the program is only offered to members. 

This program will help you get approved for the GI bill, or department of defense programs such as Sky Bridge to help veterans transition back into the work force and help you pay for training. These are just 2 of multiple government programs and grant opportunities your company would be eligible for. 

The apprentice will end up with 4 certifications. CCP, CCR, CCJ, and US Department of Labor. 

It will give you opportunities to speak at community/ technical colleges and/or government sponsored job fairs. 

It will add another layer of legitimacy to our trade. Potentially attracting people who are looking for a skilled trade such as a plumber or HVAC technician. 

CEU’s from other agencies in our industry have a high likelihood of being approved and counted towards course work for the program. AND if you have taken courses previously there is a high likelihood that they will be approved and counted toward the program. You must have proper documentation of the approved courses. 

Two way accountability between the employee and the employer for set schedule to complete courses and set schedule and path for raises. 

Possible SEO boost because of your company will be listed on many government websites because of the apprentice program.