What is the Western Apprenticeship Coordinators Association?

The Western Apprenticeship Coordinators Association of Arizona (also known as WACA) was formed in 1963. The membership consists of administrators and/or training coordinators of apprenticeship training programs registered with the State of Arizona and associate members who have an interest in apprenticeship such as community college administrators, government agencies such as the U.S. Department of Labor, Bureau of Apprenticeship and Training, the Arizona Department of Commerce Workforce Development Division, the Arizona Department of Education and persons from other private and public agencies.

The purpose of WACA is to provide a medium for the exchange of ideas, method and information relative to apprenticeship training, journeyman training and other areas of training as required by industry. The association also promotes and educates the community about the value and benefits of a career through apprenticeship.

What are the benefits of a WACA apprenticeship program?

Apprenticeship presents an opportunity to learn a skilled trade by on-the-job paid training plus college credit related classroom training. The WACA programs are registered and monitored by the State of Arizona for competency and all registered programs meet minimum U.S. Department of Labor Standards. Upon completion, each apprentice receives a certificate of completion from the State of Arizona, the U.S. Department of Labor and the Community College District.

Additional benefits to a WACA apprenticeship program are:

• Excellent wages rates with guaranteed scheduled increases

• Paid health & pension benefits

• State of the art training

• Safe working conditions

• College credit coursework

• National skill certification (upon completion)

• Continuous education

• Nontraditional training for women

Today's apprentices will become the journeymen, supervisors, contractors, estimators, superintendents and teachers of tomorrow's workforce.