Earn While You Learn Apprenticeships

Take charge of your future with hands-on experience and expert guidance at Interstates.

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Real Skills, Real Pay

At Interstates, we don't mess around. Our apprenticeship programs are all about getting you job-ready skills and a solid paycheck from day one. No fluff, just hands-on experience mixed with practical classroom know-how. Whether you're fresh out of school or looking to switch gears, we've got programs that'll set you up for success in the trades. You'll work alongside pros who know their stuff, earning real money while you learn the ropes. It's a straight shot to building a career with us, complete with mentors who've got your back. Ready to dive in and start climbing the ladder at Interstates?

Building Your Future in the Electrical Trade Electrical Apprenticeship

Our Electrical Apprenticeship program, running since 2002, combines hands-on experience with classroom instruction over 3-4 years. It prepares you for the journeyman electrical licensing exam and offers a path to success in a high-demand field. With nearly 500 graduates and over 200 current apprentices, we've launched numerous careers in leadership and specialized roles. You'll earn while you learn, gain college credits, and receive mentorship. This Department of Labor-approved program is also Veterans Affairs-certified, making it accessible for veterans to use their GI Bill education benefits.
 

Application deadline: Open year-round

Apply for an Electrician Apprenticeship
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Jumpstart Your Manufacturing Career Industrial Manufacturing Technician Apprenticeship

Our Industrial Manufacturing Technician (IMT) Apprenticeship is now in full swing, filling a crucial gap in our prefabrication and panel shops. This program uniquely accepts apprentices as young as 16. Over 18 months, you'll progress from Production Apprentice I to Production Technician II, earning while you learn through a mix of classroom training and hands-on work. This program is active in our Sioux Center, IA, and Fort Collins, CO, manufacturing facilities and partners with the community and local high schools for success. This apprenticeship opens doors to various opportunities, including potential advancement to our electrical apprenticeship program or joining our manufacturing team. Our program is Department of Labor-approved.

Applications are currently closed. Find out what other openings we have available.

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Worker in a hard hat and gloves uses a long metal pipe and a blue pry bar to position or lift equipment on a concrete floor inside an industrial facility.

Bridge Information Technology and Industry Operational Technology Technician Apprenticeship

Our Operational Technology (OT) Apprenticeship Program, based in the Sioux Center, IA area, bridges the gap between IT and industrial processes. This unique one-year program, launched in 2023, transforms individuals from diverse backgrounds into skilled Systems Analyst I professionals. Through a partnership with Northwest Iowa Community College, participants gain hands-on experience in both IT foundations and electrical systems, preparing them for the specialized world of industrial OT. The program offers a blend of independent learning, shadowing opportunities, and real project work, building confidence and practical skills. Our program is approved by the Department of Labor, and veterans can utilize their GI Bill benefits as it is a Veterans Affairs-approved program.

While currently on hold, we're planning for future cohorts to meet the growing demand for OT professionals. See what other positions we have available.

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Code the Future Applications Programmer Apprenticeship

Launch your career in industrial automation software with our Applications Programmer Apprenticeship. Based in the Sioux Center area, this one-year program partners with Northwest Iowa Community College to transform apprentices into skilled Application Programmers. This hands-on program immerses you in the development, testing, and maintenance of crucial software applications. You'll master programming Programmable Logic Controllers (PLCs) and Human-Machine Interfaces (HMIs) while working alongside industry experts. As an apprentice, you'll write and debug code, conduct software testing, and collaborate with cross-functional teams on real projects. This opportunity is ideal for those eager to make a tangible impact in industrial automation while continuously learning new tools and technologies. Our program is Department of Labor-approved and Veterans Affairs-approved for GI Bill benefits.

Applications are currently closed. Find out what other openings we have available.

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A technician stands at a workbench in an industrial controls lab, using a laptop in front of mounted electrical and automation components on wall racks.

Design the Future VDC Designer Apprenticeship

Launch your career in Virtual Design and Construction with our VDC Designer Apprenticeship. This comprehensive four-year program combines electrical systems expertise with advanced design skills through our partnership with IMAGINiT and the Interstates Electrical Apprenticeship Program. As an apprentice, you'll master technical document review, develop design concepts, and gain hands-on experience in electrical systems. Upon completion, you'll graduate as a VDC Designer, ready to shape the future of construction design. This Department of Labor-approved program is also Veterans Affairs-certified, making it accessible for veterans to use their GI Bill education benefits.

Applications are currently closed. Find out what other openings we have available.

View All Apprenticeship Openings
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Real Stories, Real Success: Hear from Our Apprentices

“Starting out, I knew nothing about electrical engineering. It looked intriguing, just to learn something new. All my electrical knowledge has been achieved from Interstates training and field experience. Now, I've been with Interstates for over 25 years.”

Andy Van Voorst, Electrical Apprentice to Site Project Manager II

“What stood out to me was that the program aligned closely with everything I studied in school but with the added benefit of hands-on experience. As someone who learns best through practical application, I was excited about the chance to gain real-world experience and further develop my abilities.”

Brandie Giese, OT Apprentice to System Analyst I

“While it's a work environment that I've never been around before, it has such a family feel to it. It's a big company but it has a small town feel to it where everyone knows everybody. They're not going to look down on you for asking questions, so for apprentices and new electricians coming into this, I think it's a perfect place to work.”

Alonso Holguin, Electrical Apprentice to Foreman

“They offer hands-on learning from instructors that have real-world experience. They really break things down for you and let you know what you're going to be doing and what you are going to be learning.”

Killian Costello, Electrical Apprentice

Common Questions About Our Apprenticeships

It's a work-based learning model combining paid on-the-job training with classroom instruction. This intentional training path prepares you for skilled careers while allowing for advancement.

Apprenticeships provide a unique path to a career by allowing you to earn while you learn. Apprentices gain hands-on experience, college credit, and mentorship from industry experts, all while building valuable connections and opening doors for future opportunities. At Interstates, our Department of Labor-approved programs are industry-recognized, and some are also VA-approved, making it easy for Veterans to use their GI bill benefits.

Anyone meeting program requirements who demonstrates skills and desire to advance their career. See job listings for specific requirements.

Program lengths vary:

  • Electrical: 2-4 years (depending on experience)
  • Manufacturing: 18 months
  • OT & Programming: 1 year
  • VDC Designer: 4 years

For electrical, most tech school programs count as credit. An AAS in Electrical or Instrumentation typically starts you as a second-year apprentice. Other programs are competency-based, with potential for earlier completion if skills are mastered.

Electrical: This program offers in-person and virtual classes in Sioux Center, IA, or Omaha, NE. The early courses are in person, and some advanced classes are available virtually. The job sites are located across the US for on-the-job training (OJT).

Manufacturing: Apprentices have weekly in-person classes at Northwest Community College in Sheldon, IA, with OJT in our prefabrication shop in Sioux Center, IA.

OT & Programming: Apprentices can be based in either our Sioux Falls, SD, or Sioux Center, IA offices and must be willing to commute to weekly in-person classes at Northwest Community College in Sheldon, IA.

VDC: This program has virtual and in-person classes in Sioux Center, IA, or Omaha, NE, and can be completed anywhere if you're willing to travel for in-person classes. 
 

Yes! We have electrical apprentices located in our Fort Collins, CO office. However, these students will have all their classes and testing through the IEC Electrical Training Apprenticeship Program in Fort Collins, but you will have on-the-job training with Interstates. Please refer to the application and/or talk with your recruiter if you have questions about this program.

Electrical & VDC: Online coursework starts immediately upon enrollment. Apprentices attend classes every 6 months for review and testing of the material, and competencies are evaluated throughout the duration of the program. This is approximately a week long.

Programming, OT, and Manufacturing: Class hours vary from 10 to 20 hours and may be as little as 5 hours per week.

Yes, all our apprentices are paid while in the classroom, completing Required Technical Instruction (RTI). 

Interstates provides lodging upon request for electrical and VDC apprentices outside one of our training center locations. Other apprenticeships require individuals living in the Sioux Center, IA, area to commute to class. Meals are not provided for any apprenticeship program.

All apprentices must demonstrate satisfactory progress in both the Required Technical Instruction (RTI) and On-the-Job Learning (OJL) portions of the program. Some hands-on performance testing may be required at one of our training center locations. Please note the method of testing may vary by program.
 

Electrical and VDC: Testing is through NCCER. If an apprentice does not pass, they're given the opportunity to study and retest.
 

Manufacturing, Programming, and OT: Testing is through Northwest Community College. If an apprentice does not pass, they're given the opportunity to study and retest.

Yes, our goal is to build a skilled workforce. If there is an opening, we welcome apprentices to continue their career journey with Interstates and will support their future development.

While we prefer completion, there are no repercussions for choosing a different path.

You’ll work out of our Fort Collins, CO office and their job sites, but you’ll be subject to the IEC program schedule for class work. There may be differences in the apprenticeship program for class schedule, testing, etc., but the goal is still the same—to be ready to take the journeyman test. If you have questions, please talk to your recruiter.

Growing Through Apprenticeships

Apprenticeships at Interstates are more than a starting point. They’re a pathway for growth. By combining hands-on experience, structured training, and real career opportunities, our programs are designed to help individuals build confidence, develop skills, and move forward with purpose. It’s all about growing through experience and creating a future with impact.

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Hands-On Learning

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Impactful Training Programs

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Preparing You For Success

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Take Charge of Your Career

You don’t have to wait for the right opportunity—you can build it here. Whether you're in the field, the office, or just getting started, we have roles where you can grow, lead, and make an impact.

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