Injury as an Apprentice: Know Your Rights and Responsibilities

On the job training can take many forms. An apprenticeship is just one way of getting the hands-on training you need to be certified to perform a specific job. As an apprentice, you are considered an employee of the company who is sponsoring your apprenticeship program. If you get injured while on the job, you have the right to file a Worker's Compensation claim.

Your Rights

An apprentice is normally treated just like any other employee, meaning you have the same legal rights as other employees on the payroll. This includes your employer’s worker’s compensation insurance also covering you. If you are injured on the job and it can be proven that your employer was negligent in any way, their liability coverage should kick in and take care of your medical expenses and missed wages.

Report Your Injury Promptly

If you are injured while performing your job as an apprentice, it is up to you to report your injury as soon as possible. There are deadlines that must be met and you need to seek medical attention immediately to document your injury and find out what treatment options you have available to you.

Know Your Apprenticeship Agreement

Before you take on any job as an apprentice or an intern, make sure you know what is included in your apprenticeship agreement. It will provide you details concerning any deadlines that must be met and what steps you must take to file a Worker's Compensation claim.

How Do Apprentices Get Paid?

Apprentices are normally paid approximately 40-50% of what a journeyman would make when they first start out. As they gain experience and become more proficient at their duties, their pay rate will gradually increase. Apprenticeships last for varying amounts of time. Some may last for 6 months, others up to two years depending on the nature of the work and what the apprentice needs to learn. As the apprenticeship comes to a close, their pay rate should be about 95% of what a journeyman's full pay would be.

Can You Take Time off an Apprenticeship?

During an apprenticeship, employers must allow for days off so that the apprentice can complete any classwork that is required for their education. The apprentice may be able to take other days off as well as long as the number isn't excessive. In most cases, an apprentice is treated much like any other employee. But when it comes to time off, it is usually up to the discretion of the employer. Because of the number of days an apprentice will be off due to their schooling, an employer may choose to limit the number of days an apprentice takes off for personal reasons.

Stay In Touch With Your Program Sponsor

Maintain close contact with your program sponsor. If you are injured while on the job, make sure your Worker's Compensation attorney is able to contact your sponsor. This will ensure that everyone knows what is going on with your case.

If you have sustained a work injury as an apprentice, you need to call a reputable Worker's Compensation attorney immediately. The qualified staff at Gaylord & Nantais have years of experience when it comes to worker's compensation claims. Don't let another day go by! Call and schedule a consultation today!