Do You Need Assistance Recruiting and Training Topnotch Survey Technicians? We have the program for you!
The Illinois Professional Land Surveyors Association in partnership with Parkland College in Champaign, IL has developed a two year, USDOL recognized, apprenticeship program to train the next generation of surveyor and mapping technicians. This program offers extensive in-person on the job and online training in order to fully meet the fundamental skills required to become a survey technician.
Tax Credits for ParticipationThe total cost of books, tuition and fees associated with the program are estimated at $3000 over the course of two years. As a USDOL recognized apprenticeship program, participating employers are eligible to receive education tax credits of up to $5000 per apprentice per year from the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity for all books, tuition, and fees essentially making the program free. An employer fully committed to funding all costs associated with the program can expect an apprentice to be 80-85% billable.
The apprentice is required to take and pass the CST Level I or II exam in order to complete the program. After successfully completing the program, the apprentice will work for you for the contractually-determined period of time agreed to during the hiring process. First year apprentices must be paid at least $15 per hour, second year apprentices must be paid at least $16 per hour, and upon completion of the program must be paid at least $17 per hour. Apprentices also have the option to continue their education and become licensed land surveyors by having their coursework converted into college credits that will be counted toward a surveying degree.
At the end of the program, you will have a well-trained technician with a nationally recognized certification.
Get Started
Post Apprenticeship openings for free on IPLSA's job board here
Review applicant resumes
Next steps after applicant has been hired:
Negotiate a contract with new employee including:
Pay rates - Minimum $15.00 per hour for first year apprentices, minimum $16.00 per hour for second year apprentices, minimum $17.00 per hour for apprentices who successfully complete program.
Length of employment - To be negotiated between employer and apprentice at time of hiring.
Consequences for not fulfilling requirements of contract - To be negotiated between employer and apprentice at time of hiring.
Optional 1 week-boot camp - Typically held in early summer.
Employers work with the pre-apprentice and Parkland College to schedule placement testing, register for additional learning courses and ensure FERPA waivers are signed. Additional learning courses and labs will start with the fall semester and break in the summer during the peak time for surveying. Employers are required to abide by all state and federal employment laws while participating in the apprenticeship program. Additionally, employers will submit monthly apprentice timesheets to the IPLSA office for USDOL record keeping.
Participating Employers The employers below currently have apprentices in the Surveyor and Mapping Technician Training Program.
