What Are Apprenticeships

An apprenticeship is a full-time job that pays while you learn.  An apprentice works alongside a skilled professional to gain experience in a specific career or trade, with additional related learning through online, classroom or self-study instruction.  Apprenticeships vary in duration, often from 0ne to four years.  Apprentices start with a living-wage salary that increases throughout the training.  Some apprenticeship jobs include employment benefits, including health insurance.

Apprenticeships provide debt-free, hands-on experience, and a pathway to gain practical skills and knowledge in a career field.

Apprenticeships have been traditionally offered in building and construction trades, including electrician, carpentry, and plumbing.  Modern apprenticeships are in many other career areas, including business, software engineering, culinary, tattoo artistry, agriculture, healthcare, cybersecurity, pharmacy technician, engine mechanic, insurance, financial services, education, and robotics.  There over 1000 career areas approved for registered apprenticeships, with more added all the time.

Apprenticeships can be a rewarding alternative to college.  Some apprentices choose to go on to earn their associate or bachelor's degrees in addition to their apprenticeship training.

Benefits of Apprenticeships

• Gain valuable skills and experience in a specific trade or career path.
• Receive hands-on training and mentorship from experienced professionals.
• Earn while learning, as apprenticeships are paid positions.
• Acquire job-specific knowledge and expertise.
• Opportunity for career advancement within the company or industry.
• Learn in a structured and supportive environment.
• Some apprenticeships earn college credit.

Benefits vary depending on the specific apprenticeship program and industry.

 

There are Different Types of Apprenticeships

Apprenticeship: The term Apprenticeship refers to a job where you are paid to learn specific skills or a trade. Apprenticeships can be Registered (with a state or Federal Department of Labor) or Unregistered (sponsored only by the employer).

Apprenticeships vs. Internships: There is sometimes confusion between Apprenticeships and Internships.  An apprenticeship is a full-time job, where a lower wage is received in exchange for valuable training leading to a career.  An internship is a short-term term engagement with an employer that offer exposure to different types of work experiences.

Registered Apprenticeship: Only apprenticeships that are evaluated and approved by a state or federal Department of Labor can be called a Registered Apprenticeship.  Registered Apprenticeship jobs last anywhere from 1 to 6 years and adhere to specific guidelines. They provide paid on-the-job training combined with related technical instruction, and participants earn a recognized credential upon completion.

Pre-Apprenticeship: Pre-Apprenticeships are programs that prepare individuals to enter and succeed in a registered apprenticeship.  Pre-Apprenticeships often have an established partnership with an apprenticeship employer.  A pre-apprenticeship provides the necessary foundation skills in math, English, and work readiness, basic job training, and exposure to the industry.  They are often sponsored by government or industry groups and rarely charge tuition or fees.  Pre-Apprenticeships sometimes offer wrap-around services from public agencies including transportation, counseling and childcare.

Youth Apprenticeship: Youth Apprentices split their time between school and paid work training.  Youth Apprenticeships, sometimes called High School Apprenticeships, are designed for youth (16-24 years old) currently enrolled in secondary education or pursuing a high school equivalency.  Youth apprenticeships combine technical classroom instruction with work experience. They provide the foundation to choose multiple career pathways: enroll in college, begin employment, or a combination.  Youth Apprenticeships sometimes offer wrap-around services from public agencies including transportation, counseling and childcare.

Some apprenticeship programs are inclusive and specifically encourage minorities and people with disabilities to apply.

Other types of apprenticeships:

Skills-First Apprenticeships are on-the-job training programs that lead to management and leadership positions for individuals without a four-year degree.  Professional Apprenticeships can be government registered but are often industry driven or employer sponsored.  Professional Apprenticeships are offered in business functions that include Human Resources, Information Technology, Marketing, Sales, Legal, Finance, or Accounting.  Upon completion, apprentice have the opportunity to be considered for full-time positions within the sponsoring employer.

Degree Apprenticeships are on-the-job training programs that specifically include credit-bearing college studies through co-enrollment, leading to an associate degree, bachelor's degree, and/or an industry certification during the course of the apprenticeship.  Some Degree Apprenticeship Programs are joint partnerships between colleges and employers.  (Though other apprenticeship programs can earn some college credit, degree apprenticeships specifically include working toward completion of a degree as an integral part of the program).

 

Military: There are specific apprenticeship opportunities for those in the Military. The US Military has its own apprenticeship program for current and former enlisted members.

When searching for apprenticeship opportunities, be sure to research the specific requirements and timelines of each program, also check for application deadlines and prerequisites.

 

Apprenticeship Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

 

Q: Are apprenticeships only offered in the building trades such as plumbers, carpenters and electricians?

A: Apprenticeships are not limited to the building trades.  The building trades do offer apprenticeships, but so do many other career areas.  Apprenticeships are now offered in career fields including healthcare, information technology, AI, business, finance, the arts, media, hospitality, and many more.

 

Q: Do I get paid as an apprentice?

A: Yes, apprenticeships are jobs that pay a wage.  The wage varies depending on factors such as the field, location, and level of experience. In some cases, the wage may be lower at the start of the apprenticeship but gradually increases as the apprentice gains more skills and knowledge.  Additionally, some apprenticeship programs may include benefits such as healthcare, retirement contributions, and other employer-provided benefits.

 

Q: Are apprenticeships available to people of all ages?

A: Most apprentices are 18 - 34 years old. While there is a minimum age requirement of 16 years old, there typically isn't an upper age limit.

 

Q: Is it true that only people who don't do well in school become apprentices?

A: No, apprenticeships are for individuals of all academic abilities who want to gain professional skills. They are an option for people who prefer a more hands-on approach to learning. Apprenticeships are an alternative path to a career. It is a myth that only low achieving students become apprentices.

 

Q: Is it true you will never go to college if you become an apprentice? 

A: No, in fact, some apprenticeship opportunities include on-the-job learning and related training instruction that earns credit towards 2- and 4-year college degrees.

 

Q: Will you get stuck doing one job forever if you do an apprenticeship?

A: No, apprenticeships, like any other entry level opportunity could be the pathway to career advancement. Apprenticeships can lead to different positions.

 

Q: Are you required to stay at the same employer when you complete an apprenticeship?

A: No, you learn transferable skills during an apprenticeship. If you complete a Registered Apprenticeship, you will earn a credential that you take with you if you leave the company, that is recognized by the industry.

 

Q: How long are apprenticeship programs?

A: The length of an apprenticeship program can vary depending on the employer, complexity of the occupation, industry, and the type of program.

 

Q: Are there apprenticeship programs in high-growth industries?

A: Yes, apprenticeship spans more than 1,000 occupations including careers in health care, cybersecurity, information technology, and energy.

 

Q: How is apprenticeship different from other types of work-based training models?

A: Apprenticeship training is distinguished from other types of workplace training by several factors:

 

(1) Apprenticeships vs. Internships

An apprenticeship and an internship are both types of training programs that provide hands-on work experience in a particular industry or field. However, there are some big differences between them.

An apprenticeship is a job that combines on-the-job training with classroom instruction or online learning. Apprenticeships typically involve a longer duration of training and a more structured career development track, compared to internships.

An internship is a temporary work experience that provides an opportunity to gain practical experience in a particular industry or field, typically related to their career interests. Interns are usually not considered full-time employees and may receive academic credit if they are paid for their work. Internships are often shorter in duration and may not offer the same level of training and mentorship as apprenticeships.

Apprenticeships focus on teaching specific job skills, while internships offer a broader overview of a profession.

 

(2) Apprenticeship vs. College Degree

When considering whether to pursue an apprenticeship or attend college, it's important to assess your career objectives, and interests. Here are some factors to consider:

Practical Experience: Apprenticeships provide hands-on, practical training in a specific trade or profession, allowing individuals to directly apply their skills in an actual job. In contrast, college education often focuses on theoretical knowledge and often does not offer the same level of practical experience.

Career Readiness: Apprenticeships are designed to equip individuals with job-specific skills and lead to immediate employment opportunities. By completing an apprenticeship, individuals can potentially secure a stable job and earn a livable wage sooner than their college-educated counterparts. However, it's important to note that certain professions may require a college degree for advanced roles or higher salaries.

Education and Credentialing: College education provides a comprehensive and broader understanding of a particular field or discipline. It offers the opportunity to develop critical thinking, research, and communication skills, along with a broader knowledge base that can be transferred across various industries.

Time and Cost: Apprenticeships are sometimes shorter in duration compared to traditional college programs. They are jobs that allow individuals to enter the workforce and start earning sooner. College education often requires a longer time commitment, typically spanning multiple years. Additionally, the cost of college tuition and debt should be considered when considering the financial aspect.

Personal Learning Style: Some individuals thrive in a hands-on learning environment, while others prefer a more theoretical and academic setting. Assessing your learning preferences can help determine whether an apprenticeship or college education aligns better with your preferred learning style.

The decision between an apprenticeship and college depends on factors such as long-term career objectives, desired learning experience, financial considerations, and personal preferences.

 

(3) Apprenticeship vs. Trade School

Apprenticeships and trade schools offer different paths towards a career in skilled trades. Apprenticeships provide on-the-job training with classroom instruction, while trade schools often focus on classroom learning.  The other significant difference is that apprenticeships are jobs, where trade schools are training that could lead to employment. Here are some factors to consider when deciding between the two:

Cost and Time: Apprenticeships are less expensive than trade schools since apprentices are typically paid a wage and may not have to pay for tuition. The length of apprenticeships can vary but is typically longer than the time required to complete a trade school program.

Practical Experience: Apprenticeships offer individuals the opportunity to learn on the job while getting paid, providing valuable work experience that can be immediately applied to the trade. In contrast, trade school programs offer theoretical knowledge but may not provide the same degree of hands-on experience.

Certification and Licensing: Both apprenticeships and trade schools can lead to the necessary certifications, licenses, or other credentials required for jobs in skilled trades. However, the specific requirements can vary by state and trade.

Career Readiness: Apprenticeships may offer a smoother transition to a career since apprentices gain job-specific skills and experience, and they often lead directly to employment opportunities. In contrast, trade school graduates may need to seek out position-specific training to acquire the necessary skills for a job.

 

Q: Are there inclusive and accessible apprenticeships?

A: Yes, Apprenticeship is a workforce solution that actively promotes diversity and inclusion in the workplace - including people with and without disabilities, people of color, women, ex-offenders, and veterans.

An inclusive apprenticeship program is designed to be accessible to and inclusive of all candidates. As the U.S. expands apprenticeship training nationally, a diverse workplace helps businesses access all our nation's talent.

Inclusive apprenticeship programs provide opportunities for people with disabilities, including individuals with cognitive, neurological, physical, mental health, and sensory disabilities, to gain credentials and skills to succeed in their desired careers. Visit the Partnership on Inclusive Apprenticeship (PIA) to learn more about advancing your career through inclusive apprenticeship, including information on how to become an apprentice, disclosing a disability, and requesting accommodations.

Many apprenticeship programs actively promote diversity and inclusion in the workplace. Apprenticeships can be a valuable pathway for minorities to enter skilled trades and gain access to well-paying careers. Efforts to promote diversity and inclusion in apprenticeship programs are ongoing, aiming to create more equitable access to these opportunities.