If you are an apprentice and you are being paid less than minimum wage, not being paid overtime wages, or not being paid at all for time spent at work, then you should consult with an Ohio FLSA attorneys.
Our Ohio FLSA attorneys handle all types of employment questions, including apprenticeship pay. If you are an apprentice and you have questions about your pay, it is important to contact our office so we can determine if you are being paid properly.
What are the requirements of a valid apprenticeship program?
In Ohio, a valid apprenticeship program must be registered with the U.S. Department of Labor or with the State of Ohio. You should contact our office to speak with Ohio FLSA attorneys about whether your employer is running a valid apprenticeship program.
Are apprentices exempt under the FLSA?
The Fair Labor Standards Act (“FLSA“) exempts certain jobs from the requirements of being paid at least minimum wage (for all hours worked) and overtime wages (for hours worked over 40 in any workweek). If an individual’s position is “exempt,” it means they are not protected by the FLSA’s minimum wage and overtime requirements.
Valid apprenticeships are exempt from the FLSA, but whether it is valid depends on numerous factors. Oftentimes, a business may state it is running an apprenticeship program and call individuals apprentices, but only apprenticeships which meet the legal requisites are valid. For instance, many tattoo or piercing shops use apprentices, but those “apprenticeships” may not be valid and therefore permit the shop to pay the apprentice less than minimum wage. So, do not just assume your employer is running a legal apprenticeship program without consulting with our Ohio FLSA attorneys.
Can the business pay me less than minimum wage during my apprenticeship?
Employers are permitted to pay apprentices less than minimum wage during the educational or training portions of an apprenticeship which are for the benefit of the apprentice. However, employers cannot pay an apprentice less than minimum wage if the apprentice is performing productive work for the employer.
Contact our office for a FREE consultation if you have questions about your apprenticeship!
If you are working as an apprentice and you have questions about your entitlement to wages, you should contact our office today to speak with Ohio FLSA attorneys about your compensation. For any other questions about your apprenticeship , then you may contact our office for a FREE consultation with our Ohio FLSA attorneys by filling out the information on our contact page or calling 1-614-949-1181.
