Apprenticeship is a training method where a person works under a written agreement with or for master craftsmen in a craft of trade for a specified length of time in return for instruction. Work is required in the craft or trade along with classroom training. The apprentice is paid for the work in that craft or trade, but the required classroom training is provided to him or her for free. Pay usually starts at about half the journeyman’s rate with full fringe benefit rates added. Most programs provide about 5% increases as the apprentice moves into the next period of training. Each training period lasts about six months (when full time employment is available). At the end of training, the apprentice usually takes an exam for a license in that trade or craft.