College is one path, but it’s not for everyone.

Trade school provides classroom-based, and hands-on technical skill development.

Apprenticeship programs let you earn and learn at the same time—apprenticeship combines on-the-job training with classroom instruction, offering paid, real-world experience and a clear path to employment and a nationally recognized credential.

Choosing between them depends on your goals, learning style, and preference for immediate payment versus a classroom academic approach. Many people combine both paths.

WHAT IS A REGISTERED APPRENTICESHIP?

Registered Apprenticeship is an industry-driven, high-quality career pathway where employers can develop and prepare their future workforce. Individuals can obtain paid work experience; progressive wage increases; classroom instruction; and a portable, nationally recognized credential.

There are five key components of a Registered Apprenticeship. These components differentiate Registered Apprenticeships from other types of workplace training programs in several ways:

1. Industry Led – Programs are industry-vetted and approved to ensure alignment with industry standards and that apprentices are trained for highly skilled, high-demand occupations.

2. Paid Job – Registered Apprenticeships are jobs! Apprentices earn progressive wages as their skills and productivity increase.

3. Structured On-the-Job Learning/Mentorship – Programs provide structured on-thejob training to prepare for a successful career, which includes instruction from an experienced mentor.

4. Supplemental Education – Apprentices are provided supplemental classroom education based on employers’ unique training needs to ensure quality and success.

5. Credentials – Apprentices earn a portable, nationally recognized credential within their industry

Have a career path or location in mind? Check out the apprenticeship finder!

How does free training for apprentice programs sound?

WA Grant is one of the most generous financial aid programs in the country. The amount you receive depends on family size, income, and the cost of your school or program.

For example, in 2025-26, if your family of four makes:

$78,500 or less, your college or career training could be free!
Up to $131,000, you could get some money for college or training.

Estimate your award

Become an Apprentice

Who can be an apprentice?

Anyone can be an apprentice. In general, apprentices must:
Be at least 16 years or older, or in the case of hazardous occupations, 17 years or older.
Be able to perform the work, with or without reasonable accommodation.
Have the knowledge, skills, and abilities needed to learn the job.
Provide proof of age, high school diploma or equivalency (GED), honorable military discharge, etc., to meet program requirements.

Find an Apprentice or Apprenticeship Program

Women in Trades

Provides information about apprenticeships, trades fair, job boards and more.

Apprenticeship and Non-Traditional Employment for Women

Improves lives by providing quality training, employment navigation and supportive services leading to successful family wage careers.

Sisters in the Building Trades

Matches women in the trades through recruitment and education, and provides programs and resources.

Department of Labor Resources for Working Women

Provides resources to help you find a job and know your worker rights.

Who offers apprenticeship programs?

Typically, employers, employer associations, and labor unions sponsor apprenticeship programs. To find a program you are interested in, use the Apprenticeship Registration Tracking System (ARTS). This database lists all registered apprenticeship programs available in Washington, and the requirements for each program. You should contact the program directly to see if they are accepting new apprentices.

Note: Be cautious. If a company hires you informally as an “apprentice,” and the apprenticeship is not officially registered with the state or federal government, you will not receive the benefits of a registered apprenticeship, including working as a journey-level professional.

Benefits of Apprenticeship

Apprenticeship combines classroom studies with on-the-job training supervised by a trade professional. Much like a college education, it can take a few years to graduate. But unlike college, as an apprentice you’ll earn while you learn. Once you’ve mastered the occupation, you’ll earn the same wages as a professional.

Apprentices enrolled in a registered apprenticeship program:

Start earning right away.
Learn business and job skills for leadership and management opportunities.
Have no student loans to pay off when they graduate, and have a jump start in their career.

What careers offer apprenticeships?

Registered apprenticeships are available in hundreds of occupations in many different fields of work. Some apprenticeships are in traditional trades, such as plumbers and ironworkers, but many are offered in less traditional areas, including high-tech and the medical sector.

Aerospace