• An Apprenticeship is a proven training program that is used as a talent development strategy for recruiting, training and retaining world-class talent and has been used in industry for decades.  Apprenticeship are registered and validated by the U.S. Department of Labor.  

• Apprenticeships are a work-based learning model where apprentices have supervised on-the-job training, along with job-related education, all while earning a wage that increases during the progression of the program.

• Apprenticeship programs are intended for long-term employment.

Students who prefer a hands-on approach to learning may want to consider apprenticeship programs.  Apprenticeships are programs where students learn a specific trade through a combination of on-the-job training as well as classroom instruction.  Employers pay individuals as they learn their trade so students will learn while also earning money.  The length of each apprenticeship programs range from 2-6 years depending on the specific trade selected.  After completing an apprenticeship program the apprentice will become a journey worker in fields such as bricklayer, carpenter, electrician, painter, plumber, roofer, sheet metal worker, tool and die makers and many others.

Apprenticeships are designed to provide real jobs that are supported by work-based training programs enabling young people and adults to gain job-specific skills and study for a related qualification. 

Employment & Training Administration (ETA)

An agency within the U.S. Department of Labor

200 Constitution Ave NW, Washington, DC 20210
1-877-US-2JOBS, 1-877-872-5627, https://www.dol.gov/

Website: https://www.dol.gov/agencies/eta/apprenticeship

Apprenticeship.gov is the one-stop source to connect career seekers, employers, and education partners with apprenticeship resources. Discover apprenticeships across industries, how programs are started by employers, and how to become an apprentice. 

Website: https://www.apprenticeship.gov/

PAsmart was created to help students and workers prepare for the jobs of today and tomorrow.  PAsmart connects Pennsylvanians with the information they need to succeed in our evolving economy. We know a one-size-fits-all approach doesn’t work. That’s why PAsmart includes resources on education and training opportunities, apprenticeships, and STEM careers. PAsmart highlights a variety of career options with family-sustaining wages, including careers that don’t require a four-year college degree.

PIA collaborates with employers and apprenticeship intermediaries to design inclusive apprenticeship programs that meet employer talent needs and enable people with disabilities to gain credentials and skills to succeed in growing industries. 

The U.S. The Department of Labor has set a utilization goal for sponsors of Registered Apprenticeship Programs: 7% of individuals enrolled should be individuals with disabilities. Follow the guidance in PIA’s Apprenticeship Equal Employment Opportunity Toolkit, which will help put businesses on the path toward reaching the 7% goal and complying with USDOL’s Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) regulations for Registered Apprenticeship Programs. 

Website: https://inclusiveapprenticeship.org/