Applied Technology and Apprenticeship

Take Your Apprenticeship Training to the Next Level with an Associate Degree

CWI student and instructor at a piece of equipment with a meter

Program Overview

Are you looking to elevate your career in the Electrical, HVAC, or Plumbing fields? The Applied Technology and Apprenticeship program at College of Western Idaho (CWI) offers an Associate of Applied Science (AAS) degree that combines your apprenticeship training with additional education.

Tailored to those who have or are currently completing a registered apprenticeship, this unique program pairs on-the-job, industry training, and academic learning with the completion of general education credits to set you apart in the field with enhanced knowledge and soft skills. Completion of this program is a step toward becoming a journey-level trades technician, offering a viable career path in high-demand fields.

Degree or Certificate Type

Associate of Applied Science

Time to Complete

4 years

Primary Location

CWI students and instructor at a process control system

Learning Opportunities

  • Study & Make a Living: Practice what you learn in class while working in the field, finishing the program with increased wages and minimal debt.
  • Viable Career Path: Engage in hands-on work in high-demand fields, progressing from apprentice to supervisory roles.
  • Academic Achievement: Earn an Associate of Applied Science degree, which can be utilized for further education or standing out in job applications.
  • Management Skills Development: Acquire knowledge and skills necessary for trades management and communication.
  • Enhanced Writing & Math Skills: Improve essential skills for a successful career as a tradesperson.

Area of Study

Degrees & Certificates

Applied Technology and Apprenticeship – Associate of Applied Science Degree

Electrician working on a generator

Career Opportunities

  • General and Operations Managers

    Plan, direct, or coordinate the operations of public or private sector organizations, overseeing multiple departments or locations. Duties and responsibilities include formulating policies, managing daily operations, and planning the use of materials and human resources, but are too diverse and general in nature to be classified in any one functional area of management or administration, such as personnel, purchasing, or administrative services. Usually manage through subordinate supervisors. Excludes First-Line Supervisors.

    260

    Annual Openings*

    $29.70

    Hourly Median Wage*

    $61,776

    Annual Median Salary

    19.1%

    Growth (2021 – 2031)*

  • Maintenance and Repair Workers, General

    Perform work involving the skills of two or more maintenance or craft occupations to keep machines, mechanical equipment, or the structure of a building in repair. Duties may involve pipe fitting; HVAC maintenance; insulating; welding; machining; carpentry; repairing electrical or mechanical equipment; installing, aligning, and balancing new equipment; and repairing buildings, floors, or stairs. Excludes “Facilities Managers” (11-3013) and “Maintenance Workers, Machinery” (49-9043).

    135

    Annual Openings*

    $17.97

    Hourly Median Wage*

    $37,378

    Annual Median Salary

    21.69%

    Growth (2021 – 2031)*

  • Electricians

    Install, maintain, and repair electrical wiring, equipment, and fixtures. Ensure that work is in accordance with relevant codes. May install or service street lights, intercom systems, or electrical control systems. Excludes “Security and Fire Alarm Systems Installers” (49-2098).

    125

    Annual Openings*

    $23.24

    Hourly Median Wage*

    $48,339

    Annual Median Salary

    30.06%

    Growth (2021 – 2031)*

  • Sales Representatives, Wholesale and Manufacturing, Except Technical and Scientific Products

    Sell goods for wholesalers or manufacturers to businesses or groups of individuals. Work requires substantial knowledge of items sold.

    91

    Annual Openings*

    $25.41

    Hourly Median Wage*

    $52,853

    Annual Median Salary

    21.66%

    Growth (2021 – 2031)*

  • Carpenters

    Construct, erect, install, or repair structures and fixtures made of wood and comparable materials, such as concrete forms; building frameworks, including partitions, joists, studding, and rafters; and wood stairways, window and door frames, and hardwood floors. May also install cabinets, siding, drywall, and batt or roll insulation. Includes brattice builders who build doors or brattices (ventilation walls or partitions) in underground passageways.

    87

    Annual Openings*

    $18.32

    Hourly Median Wage*

    $38,106

    Annual Median Salary

    23.12%

    Growth (2021 – 2031)*

  • Construction Laborers

    Perform tasks involving physical labor at construction sites. May operate hand and power tools of all types: air hammers, earth tampers, cement mixers, small mechanical hoists, surveying and measuring equipment, and a variety of other equipment and instruments. May clean and prepare sites, dig trenches, set braces to support the sides of excavations, erect scaffolding, and clean up rubble, debris, and other waste materials. May assist other craft workers. Construction laborers who primarily assist a particular craft worker are classified under “Helpers, Construction Trades” (47-3010). Excludes “Hazardous Materials Removal Workers” (47-4041).

    71

    Annual Openings*

    $17.49

    Hourly Median Wage*

    $36,379

    Annual Median Salary

    33.83%

    Growth (2021 – 2031)*

  • First-Line Supervisors of Production and Operating Workers

    Directly supervise and coordinate the activities of production and operating workers, such as inspectors, precision workers, machine setters and operators, assemblers, fabricators, and plant and system operators. Excludes team or work leaders.

    55

    Annual Openings*

    $28.39

    Hourly Median Wage*

    $59,051

    Annual Median Salary

    14.02%

    Growth (2021 – 2031)*

  • First-Line Supervisors of Mechanics, Installers, and Repairers

    Directly supervise and coordinate the activities of mechanics, installers, and repairers. May also advise customers on recommended services. Excludes team or work leaders.

    54

    Annual Openings*

    $29.03

    Hourly Median Wage*

    $60,382

    Annual Median Salary

    17.14%

    Growth (2021 – 2031)*

  • Managers, All Other

    All managers not listed separately.

    51

    Annual Openings*

    $24.55

    Hourly Median Wage*

    $51,064

    Annual Median Salary

    39.33%

    Growth (2021 – 2031)*

  • First-Line Supervisors of Construction Trades and Extraction Workers

    Directly supervise and coordinate activities of construction or extraction workers.

    47

    Annual Openings*

    $28.49

    Hourly Median Wage*

    $59,259

    Annual Median Salary

    28.31%

    Growth (2021 – 2031)*

  • Construction Managers

    Plan, direct, or coordinate, usually through subordinate supervisory personnel, activities concerned with the construction and maintenance of structures, facilities, and systems. Participate in the conceptual development of a construction project and oversee its organization, scheduling, budgeting, and implementation. Includes managers in specialized construction fields, such as carpentry or plumbing.

    40

    Annual Openings*

    $32.16

    Hourly Median Wage*

    $66,893

    Annual Median Salary

    44.52%

    Growth (2021 – 2031)*

  • Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitters

    Assemble, install, alter, and repair pipelines or pipe systems that carry water, steam, air, or other liquids or gases. May install heating and cooling equipment and mechanical control systems. Includes sprinkler fitters.

    28

    Annual Openings*

    $22.90

    Hourly Median Wage*

    $47,632

    Annual Median Salary

    38.08%

    Growth (2021 – 2031)*

  • Cost Estimators

    Prepare cost estimates for product manufacturing, construction projects, or services to aid management in bidding on or determining price of product or service. May specialize according to particular service performed or type of product manufactured.

    17

    Annual Openings*

    $29.70

    Hourly Median Wage*

    $61,776

    Annual Median Salary

    26.77%

    Growth (2021 – 2031)*

  • Chief Executives

    Determine and formulate policies and provide overall direction of companies or private and public sector organizations within guidelines set up by a board of directors or similar governing body. Plan, direct, or coordinate operational activities at the highest level of management with the help of subordinate executives and staff managers.

    13

    Annual Openings*

    $34.31

    Hourly Median Wage*

    $71,365

    Annual Median Salary

    5.34%

    Growth (2021 – 2031)*

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*Data sourced from Lightcast™ (2023), a global leader in labor market analytics, and limited to the state of Idaho. Contact CWI Institutional Research for questions regarding this data.

Admissions

Step 1

  • Apply to CWI.
  • Choose Applied Technology and Apprenticeship as your major.

Step 2

  • Complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).
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Workforce Development

208.562.2700wd@cwi.edu