What is an Apprenticeship?
An apprenticeship is a program that aims to prepare you for a specific type of job while meeting a company’s need for highly skilled employees. It is a model that combines on-the-job training and paid work, meaning you receive a wage throughout the program. Apprentices may be new hires or current employees who need to upgrade their skills. Apprenticeships encompass a wide variety of career paths. They continue to be an effective training strategy in the construction industry.
How Do Apprenticeships Work?
Apprenticeship programs depend widely on the company. Regardless of the industry, there are several components that an apprenticeship program must have:
Business involvement. Employers often work together with industry associations, apprenticeship councils, or other partnerships to share resources and ideas for maintaining their programs.
On-the-job training. You will undergo hands-on training under the guidance of an experienced mentor. Companies conduct training following national industry standards. Some aspects of the apprenticeship will change depending on the employer, such as company culture training.
Related instruction. Many apprenticeships require you to take academic courses to gain more knowledge related to the career. Companies often collaborate with academic partners to develop the courses for their apprenticeship programs. Companies, technical schools, community colleges, or apprenticeship training schools could provide related instruction. You can receive related instruction on the job site, in a classroom, or online.
Rewards for skill gains. Apprenticeships are paid programs. You may also receive pay increases when you reach predetermined goals for learning new skills.
Nationally accredited certification. Upon completion of an apprenticeship program, you will receive a nationally accredited certification. In the United States, the Office of Apprenticeship in the U.S. Department of Labor works with states to develop a list of nationally recognized apprenticeships. Your nationally accredited certification is valid in all states that participate in the program.
Apprenticeship programs may last anywhere from one to six years, depending on the model and occupation.
Benefits of Becoming an Apprentice
Apprenticeships are rapidly gaining popularity as a career-training option because they provide many benefits. The following are several reasons why you should consider an apprenticeship:
Hands-on training. An apprenticeship immerses you in your field of work from the beginning. With this early involvement, you will learn the skills needed for your job quickly.
Education. Since they have an educational element, apprenticeships are becoming an increasingly popular alternative to a college degree. Apprenticeship programs are nationally recognized and regulated by trusted agencies, providing some of the best education for specific occupations. Some apprenticeships allow you to earn college course credits that could contribute toward an academic degree.
Good earning potential. Apprentices are typically paid competitive wages. According to the United States Department of Labor, fully proficient employees who have completed an apprenticeship make an average of $50,000 per year. Over the course of their careers, they earn about $300,000 more than non-apprenticeship employees in similar fields.
Strong career. An apprenticeship program enables you to start your career with the company that operates the program. There are more than 150,000 businesses offering apprenticeship programs in the United States, so you have plenty of options to choose from based on your interests and skills.
How do I get Started with an Apprenticeship?
There are several ways to find a program that works for you.
Research programs offered by local community colleges and/or trade schools.
Contact industry apprenticeship programs
Contact your state’s department of labor and industry for information about apprenticeship offerings.