The NCSG Apprenticeship Program is a two-year, U.S. Department of Labor (DOL)-recognized program that combines on-the-job training (4,000 hours) with classroom instruction (288 hours). Apprentices gain hands-on experience working alongside journeymen chimney sweeps while acquiring the knowledge needed to excel in the field.
To learn more, reference our 2024 NCSG Employers Guide to Apprenticeship.
The 2024 NCSG Employers Guide to Apprenticeship offers a comprehensive overview of the program.
For this purpose, a journeyman is an individual who is recognized within an industry as having mastered the skills and competencies required for the occupation.
In this context, a DOL-recognized "journeyman" is different from someone who holds the Certified Chimney Journeyman (CCJ) certification from the NCSG, though the CCJ is highly recommended as a qualification option.
As the employer, you are responsible for identifying workers on your team who meet the journeyman qualifications. Since we have just developed the program and we have no DOL-recognized journeymen yet - this person is someone who is in a supervisory role. This person may have all or some of the following qualifications: NCSG CCP, CCR, and CCJ certifications, F.I.R.E. certificates, NFI Wood, Gas and Pellet certificates, various CSIA certificates, verifiable completion of other approved courses over a six-year period, and/or other competencies, experience, and credentials.
When an apprentice begins the program, they will earn a percentage of the journeyman wage rate. As the apprentice progresses through the program, their wage will increase. Upon successful completion of the program, their wage increases to 100% of the journeyman wage rate (in general, about double the starting wage).
This apprenticeship program is 90% on-the-job training, which is completed with the employer. The remaining 10% consists of classroom instruction hours, which can be earned through NCSG courses or courses from other approved industry providers.
The NCSG’s standards are registered with the DOL Office of Apprenticeship, which makes it much easier to register your program in your state. Each state has a designated representative to help you every step of the way.
The employer, journeyman, and apprentice must work collaboratively to track the apprentice’s progress along the apprenticeship path. A Submission of Progress form must be completed and submitted every 90 days.
Throughout the apprenticeship, the apprentice will have the opportunity to earn their CCP, CCR, and CCJ certifications and will become a DOL-recognized journeyman upon completion of the program requirements.
The forms and guidelines are available to you and explained more thoroughly in the 2024 NCSG Employers Guide to Apprenticeship.
The program creates a two-way accountability partnership between the employee and the employer - a set schedule for course completion and pay raises. The apprentice receives regularly scheduled pay raises as they progress through the program. These raises are within the employer's compensation plan and not determined based on other companies, locations of the country, or the NCSG.
Apprentices receive comprehensive training, ensuring they develop the necessary skills to perform their jobs safely and effectively.
The program may unlock access to grant money in some states for training, making it more affordable for companies to invest in their employees' development.
By completing a DOL-approved program, chimney sweeps gain a recognized credential, elevating the industry's professional standing.
The program aligns with GI Bill and other veteran workforce transition programs, creating opportunities for veterans to enter the chimney sweep profession.
The structured training program can appeal to individuals seeking a skilled trade career similar to plumbing or HVAC.
Companies participating in the program gain visibility through government listings, potentially attracting new customers who value a professional service.