CSS Apprenticeship

Why become an apprentice or enter the field of
occupational safety and health?

If you are looking for a satisfying career and would enjoy ensuring that your fellow workers go home safely at the end of every day, then a profession in the field of occupational safety and health might be right for you. The Certified Safety Specialist Apprenticeship Program (CSSAP) is an effective way to get you there.

Apprenticeship programs provide on-the-job training to anyone new to the workforce or to individuals looking to upgrade their current skills. The CSSAP allows you to work in industries where safety is a top concern. As an apprentice, you work at a full-time job while training with a mentor and earning wages and benefits.

In addition, you will attend online classes to learn the theory behind the training. Apprenticeship is an attractive way to earn an industry-recognized credential or degree as an alternative to a four-year, traditional university, trade school, or community college.

Within two to three years, you earn a Journey Level Certificate through the State of Washington or the US Department of Labor and enjoy the pay that comes with it. You also earn credits towards an Associate’s degree in occupational safety and health.

A career in occupational safety and health is an opportunity to earn a family wage and build a rewarding career.

Earn a Living Wage with an Apprenticeship

The beginning salary for an apprentice is 60% the salary of a fully trained (Journey-Level) worker who has completed their on-the-job training and online coursework. Certified Safety Specialist apprentices receive pay increases as they learn and perform more complex tasks proficiently. Upon award of a Certificate of Completion, graduate wages are expected to earn a salary at or near $62,000 per year.

Characteristics of a Successful Apprentice

You should be detail-oriented, a problem-solver, capable of working independently and as part of a team and have a good work ethic.

Skills and expertise of an Apprentice Candidate

Ideal apprentice candidates would have:

• Strong written and verbal communication skills;
• Outgoing with the ability to engage people;
• Strong math skills;
• Good investigative and inspection skills;
• Organized and detail-oriented with the ability to meet deadlines;
• Passion for Safety and the desire to help people.

Get Started Now! 

Think you have what it takes to launch your career in occupational safety and health? Complete and submit your application to the CSSAP.

Please note, CSSAP apprenticeships are only available to employees who work for or are placed with one of our current State or Federally registered training agents.

If you currently work for an organization that the CSSAP has not partnered with, encourage your organization to get involved by contacting us at (866) 362-9552 or email us at apprenticeship@iss-safe.com.apprenticeship@iss-safe.com   

Take The Next Step!

Determine if you are a good candidate by reviewing the skills above that can help you succeed! If you don’t believe you meet the technical skills consider partnering with a pre-apprenticeship program. 

1) Register at Edmonds College and declare occupational safety and health as your area of study.

2) Complete the Apprenticeship Application and return back to us.

Apply for the CSSAP

Step 1:  Determine if you are a good candidate by reviewing the skills above that can help you succeed!

Step 2:  If you don’t believe you meet the technical skills needed, perhaps you should consider a pre-apprenticeship program. Please contact us at (866) 362-9552 or by emailing apprenticeship@iss-safe.com

Step 3:  Apply for admission to Edmonds College (EdC) and complete all entry requirements. NOTE: You must declare OSH Certificate.

Step 4: Download & Complete the Apprenticeship Application.

Step 5: Return your completed application to apprenticeship@iss-safe.com or mail to CSSAP, P.O. Box 489, Edmonds, WA  98020.

Step 6:  You will be notified of advancement in the selection process or encouraged to consider a pre-apprenticeship program.

Step 7: If you are approved for selection advancement, then you will be invited to be interviewed by a CSSAP panel or via video interview using SparkHire.

Step 8:  You will be notified of your advancement status afterward the interview.

Step 9:  If you are selected to be an apprentice, you will be placed with your current employer, if appropriate, or placed with one of our partnering Training Agent employers and your OJT will begin.

It is against the law that a sponsor of an apprenticeship program registered for Federal purposes to discriminate against an apprenticeship applicant or apprentice based on race, color, religion, national origin, sex (including pregnancy and gender identity), sexual orientation, age (40 years or older), genetic information, or disability. As a sponsor, it is our committment to ensure equal opportunity regarding all terms, conditions, and privileges associated with apprenticeship. Any concerns or complaints can be emailed to apprenticeship@iss-safe.com. All reports will be investigated according to policies and procedures contained in our equal opportunity committment.