What is the TIRAP Apprenticeship Program?

The Wireless Infrastructure Association (WIA) is the National Sponsor of the Telecommunications Industry Registered Apprenticeship Program (TIRAP), a DoL-registered apprenticeship program.

Since 2017, WIA has administered National Standards of Apprenticeship for DoL-approved occupations established under the program. Graduates receive national, industry-recognized credentials that certify occupation proficiency and expand opportunities for career advancement.

What is it, specifically for Premise’s tower employees?

It’s not a degree, it’s not something that has to happen outside of work. It’s not something that you have to pay for. It’s a program that you’ll be eligible to enroll in once you’ve completed your 90-days at Premise.

It’s a commitment to learning and progression. It will require you to stay on top of and pay attention to what you’re learning and strive for mastery in your apprenticeable occupation. You’ll be required to be assessed regularly by your Mentor, Supervisor or Manager, rating your competence in various tasks
and skills required for your apprenticeship.

Most of the on-the-job and related technical trainings for a particular occupation happen at the required Premise trainings or right at the job site.

What’s the difference between a true Apprentice and a Journeyworker/Mentor?

Both/either of these are options you’ll be eligible to apply for once you’ve completed your 90-days at Premise.

A true apprentice is someone who enrolls to be an apprentice for the job they DON’T HAVE YET. Typically, it’s the next step up in an employee’s career path. As a true apprentice, you’ll work alongside and learn from someone who is currently in or is a verified Mentor in that occupation. Once this has been completed (this could be a time frame of 6-24 months, depending on progression and competency verifications), you’ll receive a completion certificate from the Department of Labor and will be considered a registered complete apprentice for that particular occupation.

Once complete, you’re also eligible to apply to enroll in the next apprenticeable occupation. You can become a true apprentice for multiple occupations within the Tower track. Each must be completed separately.

A Journeyworker/Mentor is someone who enrolls to be a JW/M for an occupation they have ALREADY COMPLETED and want to gain additional skills in teaching and mentorship of upcoming crew members in that occupation. This is a commitment to working with the crew on skills learning, hands-on training on the job site, and evaluation/documentation of a true apprentice’s competencies in their apprenticeship. This track (to becoming verified) can usually be completed within 2-4 months (which may include additional trainings). Your previous work experience may even fast track you to complete this verification even faster.
While it can certainly help, completion of a given JW/M DOES NOT guarantee a promotion at Premise.

Once complete, you’re also eligible to apply to enroll in the next apprenticeable occupation. You can become a JW/M for multiple occupations within the Tower track. Each must be completed separately.


NOTE: An Employee can be both of the above at the same time. For example:
Matt is currently a Tower Lead. He is a verified JW/M for TTT1/TTT2, and is also working towards his own true apprenticeship as a Tower Foreman.

I want to enroll to be a true Apprentice or a Journeyworker/Mentor.
What do I need to do to get started?

Once you’ve completed your 90-days at Premise and have reviewed the documents about our apprenticeable occupations, you can enroll in the program.

You need to be able to commit to at least 6-months in the program upon enrollment. Most apprenticeships last between 6-months and 2-years — and that is driven mostly by the drive and commitment of the apprentice. While most of the trainings and skill-based requirements are covered in our own training sessions, the ability to demonstrate those proficiencies in the field is up to each apprentice.

All enrollments will be reviewed by the Field Optimization Manager and applicable crew leaders to determine if you’re qualified and thus approved. If approved, you’ll receive an email letting you know that you’re part of TIRAP. If not approved to enroll, your Field Optimization Manager will meet with you to let you know any improvements or skill additions that need to happen to qualify.

Approved enrollees will be submitted quarterly to WIA and the DoL.

Fill out this form to get started.

What are the apprenticeable occupations that Premise offers?

Currently, we offer apprenticeships and JW/Mentorship in the following occupations. Click on any occupation to view/download the info sheet!

Wireless Technician
Small Cell Technician
Telecommunication Tower Technician {this includes BOTH TTT1 and TTT2}
Telecommunications Antenna & Line Lead
Telecommunications Antenna & Line Foreman

Once I’m in the program, how and when am I evaluated?

Once you’ve been enrolled in the program, and are out in the field working, you’ll be reviewed
every quarter (by a Journeyworker/Mentor or by your direct Supervisor) to evaluate your
progress and competencies.

How long does each apprenticeship last?

Most apprenticeships last between 6-months and 2-years — and that is driven mostly by the drive and commitment of the apprentice. While most of the trainings and skill-based requirements are covered in our own training sessions, the ability to demonstrate those proficiencies in the field is up to each apprentice.

If you complete the Journeyworker/Mentor track for a specific occupation, your status will last as long as you’re willing to participate in that role for Premise.

Who can I contact to find out more?

Erika Dodge, Director — Marketing and Training
edodge@premiseco.com