TAKE THE FIRST STEP TOWARD BECOMING A TROOPER
If you want to join the ranks of the thin gray line but are too young to apply for our upcoming cadet class, this program is for you. The Kentucky State Police Apprenticeship Program is the only program in the Commonwealth where you can begin working as a state employee earning benefits, work toward an Associates Degree, AND gain preferential points toward becoming a Cadet Trooper.
Apprenticeship Eligibility
Our apprenticeship program is for young adults who aspire to join the Kentucky State Police Troopers but are in the “gap years” between graduating high school and the 21 year of age requirement to become a Trooper. Below are the criteria to apply to become an apprentice here at KSP.
- Must be 18 to apply
- Be a high school graduate
- Be ready to work hard and learn about our agency
About the Apprenticeship
The Kentucky State Police Apprenticeship Program is a 2 year program that is designed to teach young adults the trade of either Telecommunications of Commercial Vehicle Inspections as well as providing an opportunity to job shadow many different aspects of our agency and earn credits towards their Associates Degree. In year one of the program, an apprentice will complete on the job training as a Commercial Vehicle Inspector or as a Telecommunicator while learning about the many different avenues of specialization the agency offers. In year two of the program, apprentices will complete 600 hours of job shadowing in the aforementioned specializations. Some of the areas an apprentice will shadow in year 2 two are listed below:
- Canine Branch
- Electronic Crimes
- Post Level Operations
- Special Response Team
Apprenticeship Benefits
Apprentices will receive a salary of $23,922.72 during their time in the program.
Upon completion of the program and with acceptance to the KSP Academy to become a Trooper, this salary will increase to $3,993.76 per month during academy training. Upon graduation of the Academy, this salary will increase to $5,416.66 monthly ($65,000 annually).
A table that shows the pay increases throughout a Trooper’s career can be found at: http://www.lrc.ky.gov/statutes/statute.aspx?id=45276
Troopers receive a salary increase with each promotion.
Troopers also receive seven dollars per day for uniform maintenance.
Troopers also receive a $4,000.00 annual training stipend (effective August 1, 2016).
Health Insurance: Apprentices may choose one of a variety of health insurance plans offered with dependent coverage at additional charge.
Life Insurance: The Commonwealth of Kentucky provides a $20,000 term life insurance policy.
Vacation: Paid vacation time is accrued according to years of service. By joining the KSP Apprenticeship Program, an apprentice who becomes a Trooper will start earning time faster than someone who has had no previous employment by the Commonwealth.
- 0-4 years of employment: 12 days per year.
- 5-9 years of employment: 15 days per year.
- 10-14 years of employment: 18 days per year.
- 15 years or more of employment: 21 days per year.
Sick Leave: You accrue one sick day for every month worked. You can accumulate up to one (1) year of sick time.
Military Leave: Any apprentice who is a member of the military reserve or National Guard is entitled to a maximum of 21 working days per year of paid military leave.
Holidays: Apprentices receive 11-1/2 paid holidays per year. (12-1/2 in years if there is a presidential election.)
All apprentices are provided uniforms and other essential equipment and supplies to perform their duties.
After 25 years of service, employees are eligible for disbursement from their Kentucky Retirement System contribution plan, either in a lump sum or a monthly payment. Additionally, retirees receive a monthly allowance to apply to their health coverage based on their years of service.
For when apprentices become Troopers: the Merit Pay Program, Job Security, State Run Deferred Compensation program, and Opportunities for Growth and Advancement are also provided.