Frequently Asked Questions
This page is designed to help apprentices and supervisors understand reporting requirements, deadlines, and best practices for keeping training records accurate and up to date.
Apprentice Bluebook FAQ
Guidance for logging hours, monthly submissions, and related instruction.
1) What is the Apprentice Bluebook?
The Bluebook is the record used to track each apprentice’s on-the-job training (OJT) and related instruction (RI) hours. It supports NYS Department of Labor reporting and program completion.
2) Is it a physical book?
No. We use an electronic Excel log. Most apprentices print the monthly page for a supervisor signature and send a scanned PDF. Some companies set up a shared file the Council can access, while others submit the full Excel spreadsheet.
3) Who sets it up?
The Council of Industry sets up each Bluebook after registration. Your Bluebook is customized to your trade and reflects any credit hours. Your company chooses how it’s stored: shared drive, Google Drive, or a local copy.
4) How do I access it?
The Council provides the Bluebook directly to the apprentice and the company point of contact. If you are unsure where yours is, reach out to your company contact or email eolivet@councilofindustry.org.
5) How do I log hours?
Each Bluebook has two logs:
- OJT log: Enter hours at the end of each day, review weekly, submit monthly. A 40-hour/week apprentice typically logs about 150–175 hours per month.
- RI log: Record classroom or training hours, including safety/compliance, online courses, SUNY, or Tooling U. Log both in-progress and completed courses. Plan for about 12 hours/month to reach 144 hours/year.
6) What should be submitted each month?
- Preferred: Print the monthly log, have your supervisor review and sign, then email a scanned PDF.
- Alternatives: Email the Excel file, or provide updates via a company shared file.
7) Where and when do I submit?
Full monthly logs are due by the 5th of every month. Email to Emma Olivet at eolivet@councilofindustry.org.
8) What must each month include?
- OJT hours for all days and times: weekdays, weekends, evenings, overnights, and holidays.
- RI hours for both completed and in-progress classes.
9) Who approves my hours?
Your supervisor or designated mentor reviews your monthly log and signs the printed page, or confirms approval through your company’s process.
10) If I fall behind or misplace my log, what do I do?
Catch up entries as soon as possible and notify your coordinator. Contact the Council if you need a replacement file.
11) How many total hours are required?
Each trade has specific OJT and RI requirements in its work process schedule. In general:
- OJT: 2,000 hours per year (8,000 total for a four-year trade)
- RI: 144 hours per year (576 total for a four-year trade)
12) What happens when I complete all requirements?
After the Council verifies your OJT and RI hours, we submit your records to the NYS Department of Labor for official completion review.
Monthly Submission Checklist
- All OJT hours entered for every day and time.
- RI hours entered, including classes completed and in progress.
- Supervisor reviewed and signed the monthly page (if submitting PDF).
- File emailed to eolivet@councilofindustry.org by the 5th.
- Reach out with questions or to discuss related instruction options.