Trades/Apprenticeships

Build Your Future. Earn While You Learn.

A four-year university is not the only path to a successful career. Apprenticeships, trade programs, and career education can prepare you for skilled, in-demand work—often without taking on significant college debt.

There is no single “right path” after high school. The best path is the one that is right for you!

What Is an Apprenticeship?

An apprenticeship combines:

• A paid job

• Hands-on training with experienced professionals

• Classroom or technical instruction

• Wage increases as your skills improve

• An industry-recognized credential

Unlike traditional college programs, apprentices generally begin earning a paycheck while they train. Registered apprenticeships meet established state or federal standards. Learn more from the California Division of Apprenticeship Standards and Apprenticeship.gov.

Careers Available Through Apprenticeship

Apprenticeships are available in more fields than you might think!

Building and Construction Trades

• Carpenter

• Electrician

• Plumber or pipefitter

• Operating engineer and heavy-equipment operator

• Sheet metal worker

• Ironworker

• Roofer

• Cement mason

• Painter

• HVAC technician

• Elevator constructor

• Laborer

• Fire sprinkler fitter

Other Apprenticeship Careers

• Automotive and diesel technician

• Advanced manufacturing technician

• Machinist or welder

• Telecommunications technician

• Utility and line worker

• Cybersecurity and information technology

• Healthcare

• Early childhood education

• Public service

• Culinary and hospitality careers

California’s youth-apprenticeship system includes opportunities in building trades, advanced manufacturing, education, healthcare, information technology, and other industries. Explore California Youth Apprenticeships.

Apprenticeship, Pre-Apprenticeship, or Trade School?

Registered Apprenticeship

You are employed, receive paid on-the-job training, complete required instruction, and work toward an industry-recognized credential.

Pre-Apprenticeship

A short-term program that helps you build foundational skills and become a stronger applicant for a registered apprenticeship. Programs may include safety training, job-readiness instruction, hands-on experience, math preparation, and connections to employers or apprenticeship sponsors. Not every pre-apprenticeship is paid.

Trade School or Community College Career Education

You complete classes or hands-on training before applying for employment. Programs may lead to a certificate, license, or associate degree. Tuition, program length, and financial-aid eligibility vary.

Explore California Community College programs in construction, energy, automotive technology, manufacturing, healthcare, public safety, and other career fields through the California Community Colleges Career Education Finder.

Who Can Apply?

Every apprenticeship program sets its own requirements. Depending on the program, applicants may need to:

• Be at least 18 years old; some youth programs accept applicants beginning at age 16

• Have a high school diploma or equivalent

• Hold a valid driver’s license and have reliable transportation

• Pass an aptitude, reading, or math assessment

• Complete an interview

• Meet physical or job-specific requirements

• Pass a drug screening

• Provide documents showing identity and eligibility to work

Do not assume you are ineligible! Requirements vary considerably, and some programs do not have a specific educational requirement. Use the California apprenticeship search to review the requirements for each program.

Students under 18 may face restrictions on certain hazardous work. Work-permit and minor-employment rules may also apply until the student graduates. Review California’s Summary of Minor Work Regulations or visit the College & Career Center with questions.

How to Find an Apprenticeship

1. Search California’s Registered Programs

Use the California Apprenticeship Program Search to search by career, program name, or keyword.

Search both El Dorado County and Sacramento County to see more opportunities within commuting distance.

Programs listed in the state database are officially registered, but they may not always be accepting applications. Contact each program directly to ask when its next application period will open.

2. Search Current Job Openings

Use the national Apprenticeship Job Finder to search for open apprenticeship positions and apply directly to employers or program sponsors.

3. Contact Programs Directly

Ask:

• When do applications open?

• What is the minimum age?

• Is a high school diploma required?

• Is there an entrance exam?

• What math skills should I review?

• Is a driver’s license required?

• What is the starting wage?

• Are classes or materials provided?

• How long does the program take?

• What documents should I bring?

Applying for an apprenticeship is similar to applying for a competitive job. Meeting the minimum requirements does not guarantee acceptance, so consider applying to several programs.

Start Preparing Now

Before graduation:

• Create a professional email address and check it regularly

• Prepare a résumé

• Gather your birth certificate, Social Security card, photo identification, transcript, diploma, and driver’s license

• Practice basic algebra, fractions, measurement, and reading comprehension

• Ask teachers, coaches, supervisors, or employers for references

• Maintain strong attendance and arrive on time

• Learn about the daily duties and working conditions of each trade

• Obtain your driver’s license and develop a reliable transportation plan

• Watch carefully for application deadlines

• Check your voicemail and email after submitting an application

Questions to Consider

A skilled-trades career may be a good fit if you:

• Enjoy hands-on work and solving practical problems

• Prefer learning by doing

• Want to begin earning money sooner

• Are willing to work early hours, outdoors, or at different job sites

• Can follow detailed instructions and safety procedures

• Are dependable, punctual, and ready to work as part of a team

• Want opportunities to advance into supervision, estimating, inspection, project management, or business ownership

Protect Yourself

Before paying for any program, confirm whether it is a registered apprenticeship, community college program, or approved private career school.

Remember:

• A legitimate apprenticeship application should clearly identify the employer or program sponsor.

• A training program is not automatically an apprenticeship.

• Never pay someone who promises a guaranteed apprenticeship job.

• Ask for total costs, refund policies, job-placement information, and financial-aid details in writing.

• Use California’s official apprenticeship database to verify registered programs.

• Private career schools can be checked through the California Bureau for Private Postsecondary Education.

Need Help Getting Started?

Visit the EDHS College & Career Center in Room A210 for help:

• Exploring different trades

• Finding apprenticeship programs

• Creating a résumé

• Preparing for an application or interview

• Comparing apprenticeship, community college, military, and employment pathways

• Understanding work-permit requirements

You do not need to have your entire future figured out. Start by exploring one or two careers that interest you, learn what the work is really like, and find out what steps you can take now.