Apprenticeship

What is an Apprenticeship?

An apprenticeship program trains you to become skilled in a trade or profession. Apprenticeship training typically combines classroom learning with hands-on work. Community colleges, technical training schools, and even employers provide these job-related educational courses.

BENEFITS OF APPRENTICESHIP

An apprenticeship offers several notable advantages in addition to getting paid and on-the-job training. Apprentices also receive classroom instruction, mentorship with an experienced professional, and credentials upon program completion.

DO APPRENTICES GET PAID?

Because apprenticeships are considered full-time work, yes - you get paid! This “learn while you earn” model increases both the skills and salary as they gain experience.

TYPES OF APPRENTICESHIPS

Apprenticeships are common in skilled trades like carpentry, plumbing, electrical, hairstyling, hospitality, transportation, and manufacturing. But these programs are also available in professionalized industries such as healthcare, finance, business, and information technology.

HOW LONG DO APPERNTICES WORK BEFORE GRADUATING?

In the past, apprentices worked for seven years under a “master” tradesperson before becoming a master themselves. Today, you can find apprenticeship programs that last three to four years.

After your apprenticeship, you will earn a nationally recognized certificate. This credential tells employers that you are qualified for the job. You may even receive credits that can lead to a college degree.


Similar Programs & Resources

Pre-Apprenticeship

Pre-apprenticeship programs are a great resource and there are several around the state available to assist people in preparing for apprenticeship.

Passport to Apprenticeship

The Passport to Apprenticeship Program is designed to connect youth and young adults (ages 14-26) who are currently in or have previously been in the foster care system, including unaccompanied homeless to family-wage careers. Careers beginning with apprenticeships is the primary focus of the program.

Resources for Parents

The Parent's Guide to Apprenticeship helps parents and their children make an informed choice about whether apprenticeship is the best option for their career path. The guide compares college and apprenticeship options, and provides additional sources of information about apprenticeship programs in four key industries: aerospace and advanced manufacturing, construction, energy, and marine manufacturing & technology.

How does apprenticeship compare to college programs?

There are many similarities between apprenticeship and college:

​Both are regulated and accredited or registered with governmental agencies.

Apprenticeships must adhere to industry-recognized standards; many college programs do, too.

Apprentices and college program graduates receive recognized, portable certificate or degree.

Apprenticeship and college instructors are credentialed educators.

And both will have competitive entrance requirements.

Did you know though, an apprentice doesn't need a side job to pay their college bills?!

>​​Compare the costs of apprenticeship with the cost of a bachelor's degree<

Sources

Apprenticeship.gov. “Registered Apprenticeship Program.” Apprenticeship.Gov, https://www.apprenticeship.gov/employers/registered-apprenticeship-program. Accessed June 2021.

Apprenticeship.gov. “Start Your Career and Build Your Skillset Through Apprenticeship.” Apprenticeship.Gov, https://www.apprenticeship.gov/apprenticeship-job-finder. Accessed June 2021.

ASVABProgram.com. "What's An Apprenticeship and Why You Should Consider One." ASVAB Career Exploration Program, https://www.asvabprogram.com/media-center-article/98. Accessed August 2021.

CareerOneStop. “Apprenticeships.” CareerOneStop, https://www.careeronestop.org/FindTraining/Types/apprenticeships.aspx. Accessed June 2021.

U.S. Department of Labor. “Apprenticeship.” U.S. Department of Labor Employment and Training Administration, U.S. Department of Labor, https://www.dol.gov/agencies/eta/apprenticeship. Accessed June 2021.