FAQ 
 




Frequently Asked Questions


  1. Is your program accredited?
  2. If I enroll, will you provide me with a job?
  3. What is the difference between an Apprentice and a Craft Trainee?
  4. What are on the job training (OJT) hours?
  5. If I am a Craft Trainee, am I required to report OJT hours?
  6. If I am an Apprentice, am I required to report OJT hours?
  7. How do I report my OJT hours?
  8. How many OJT hours do I need per year?
  9. Who can I talk to about my grades and OJT hours?
  10. What if I am not currently employed?  Can I still enroll in your program?
  11. Do I have to be a high school graduate to apply?
  12. How old do I have to be to apply?
  13. Do I need to have previous experience in the trade I’m interested in?
  14. Do you offer classes in Spanish?
  15. Do I have to be a U.S. citizen to apply?
  16. What trades do you offer?
  17. How long is your program?
  18. Do I have to start at level one?  Is there some sort of test I can take to move up to a higher level?
  19. How much does it cost?
  20. Are books and other materials included in the cost of tuition?
  21. Can I pay my tuition in installments?
  22. Is there a registration fee?
  23. I am an employer and I need to enroll students in your program.  What do I need to do?
  24. I see employer registration materials and student registration materials.  Do I need to fill out both?  What’s the difference?
  25. What is the difference between the member and the non-member rate?
  26. How does my company benefit from joining ABC of Metro Washington?
  27. As an employer, if I register with ABC CraftMasters Training, Inc., does that mean I’m a member of ABC Metro Washington?
  28. When do I need to enroll by?
  29. When do classes begin?
  30. Where are classes held?
  31. Where is the ABC CraftMasters Training Academy located?
  32. I have more questions, who can I talk to?









Is your program accredited?

Yes. ABC CraftMasters Training, Inc.’s Apprenticeship and Craft Training programs are fully approved and accredited by the National Center for Construction Education and Research (NCCER), Maryland Apprenticeship and Training Council, District of Columbia Apprenticeship and Training Council, U.S. Department of Labor, and U.S. Veterans Administration.

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If I enroll, will you provide me with a job?

No, we do not provide employment. However we can provide you with a list of current employers who have representation in the school.

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What is the difference between an Apprentice and a Craft Trainee?

A Craft Trainee is a student; an Apprentice is a student who works for a company and must register with an Apprenticeship Council.

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What are on the job training (OJT) hours?

OJT is a tracking method for hours spent on specific hands-on field experience.

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If I am a Craft Trainee, am I required to report OJT hours?

No, only Apprentices are required to track and report their OJT hours.

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If I am an Apprentice, am I required to report OJT hours?

Yes, on a monthly basis.

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How do I report my OJT hours?

OJT hours are reported via the online reporting method and are due the 10th of every month.

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How many OJT hours do I need per year?

You will need 2000 OJT hours.

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Who can I talk to about my grades and OJT hours?

Please contact Lisa Johnson at 202-466-1862 or ljohnson@abcmetrowashington.org for any questions regarding your grades and OJT hours.

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What if I am not currently employed? Can I still enroll in your program?

Yes, you may enroll as a Craft Trainee.

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Do I have to be a high school graduate to apply?

Completion of the 9th grade is required. As specified in the registration materials, you will need to provide your high school diploma, GED certificate, or a high school transcript with your registration materials.

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How old do I have to be to apply?

All applicants must be 17 years of age or older.

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Do I need to have previous experience in the trade I’m interested in?

No prior experience is required.

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Do you offer classes in Spanish?

Instructional materials are written in English. Therefore, students must be able to read and comprehend the English language. A Spanish to English course is currently being designed. Stay tuned for details.

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Do I have to be a U.S. citizen to apply?

No. However you must be able to present valid legal documents for employment in the U.S. Anyone is welcome to apply regardless of gender or ethnic group. ABC is an Equal Opportunity Affirmative Action establishment. Qualified minority and female applicants are encouraged to apply.

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What trades do you offer?

We are currently offering classes in Carpentry, Concrete Form Building, Drywall, Electrical, HVAC, Masonry, Painting, Plumbing, Reinforcing Ironwork, Sheet Metal, and Sprinkler Fitting.

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How long is your program?

The length of the program varies based on trade as follows:

2 years:
Concrete Form Building
Drywall

3 years:
Masonry
Painting
Reinforcing Ironwork

4 years:
Carpentry
Electrical
HVAC
Plumbing
Sheet Metal
Sprinkler Fitting

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Do I have to start at level one? Is there some sort of test I can take to move up to a higher level?

No, you do not have to begin at level one. You can take an employer requested Advanced Placement exam to test out of certain levels. For more information please contact the ABC CraftMasters Training Academy at 301-853-4668.

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How much does it cost?

For the current school year’s tuition rates, click here . Tuition fees vary based on level, trade, and your employer’s membership status with ABC of Metro Washington.

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Are books and other materials included in the cost of tuition?

Yes. Tuition includes the cost of books, materials, lab supplies, and instructor fees. Tuition also includes OSHA 10-Hour Certification for all first year Apprentices (students who test out of level one will need to pay a fee to obtain the OSHA 10-Hour Certification). For fourth year Electrical and Plumbing students, tuition covers your Journeyman’s Prep Course.

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Can I pay my tuition in installments?

No. Tuition must be paid in full before classes begin. We do not offer payment plans.

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Is there a registration fee?

Yes, there is a one-time $50.00 fee for all new registering Apprentices. There is also a one-time $50.00 fee for all new registering member companies. The company registration fee for non-members is $100.  Craft Trainees are not required to pay the $50.00 registration fee.

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I am an employer and I need to enroll students in your program. What do I need to do?

If the student’s company is new to the ABC CraftMasters Training, Inc. Apprenticeship program, you will need to complete the employer registration materials. Additionally, the student registration materials must be completed for each individual student that you will be enrolling.

Click here for the employer registration materials.

Click here for the student registration materials.

Please note that all paperwork must be completed and submitted in its entirety. All incomplete paperwork will be returned to its sender. Students and/or employers are not enrolled until all paperwork is completed.

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I see employer registration materials and student registration materials. Do I need to fill out both? What’s the difference?

If an employer is already registered with the ABC CraftMasters Training, Inc. Apprenticeship program, all that is required is the student’s registration. Otherwise, both the employer and the student will need to complete the appropriate enrollment packets (see above).

Please note that all paperwork must be completed and submitted in its entirety. All incomplete paperwork will be returned to its sender. Students and/or employers are not enrolled until all paperwork is completed.

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What is the difference between the member and the non-member rate?

The member rate applies to companies that are ABC of Metro Washington members. If your employer is not an ABC of Metro Washington member, or if you are currently unemployed or a self-paying student, the non-member rate will apply to you.

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How does my company benefit from joining ABC of Metro Washington?

Companies that are members of ABC of Metro Washington receive significant discounts on the cost of tuition. If your company has multiple students, the savings on tuition alone pay for the cost of yearly membership dues. Click here to read about the other benefits of joining ABC of Metro Washington.

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As an employer, if I register with ABC CraftMasters Training, Inc., does that mean I’m a member of ABC of Metro Washington?

No, registering with ABC CraftMasters Training, Inc. means you are given the opportunity to train your employees at our accredited facility. If you would like to join ABC of Metro Washington and save up to 50% off of your tuition, download our membership application , or contact Barb Smith at 301-595-9711 or bsmith@abcmetrowashington.org for more information.

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When do I need to enroll by?

For information on registration deadlines, click here .

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When do classes begin?

Click here to see the Craft Training Calendar for details on class start dates.

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Where are classes held?

At the ABC CraftMasters Training Academy in Hyattsville, Maryland.

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Where is the ABC CraftMasters Training Academy located?

The Academy is located at:

3403 East-West Highway
Hyattsville, MD 20705
Phone: 301-853-4668
Fax: 301-853-3463

Across the street from Prince George’s Plaza and next to the Home Depot. We are located just a short walk from the Prince George’s Plaza Metro Station (Green Line). Click here for directions.

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I have more questions, who can I talk to?

You may contact the Associate Academy Director, Nancy Tretick, at 301-853-4668 or ntretick@abcmetrowashington.org if you need further assistance.

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