Apprenticeships

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Apprenticeship is a European tradition that has travelled to the United States. An apprentice is paid employment that usually combines on-the-job training as well as occasionally requiring related classroom instruction to teach each apprentice the skills necessary to work in a particular profession.

With apprenticeship training, there is often a written contract between the apprentice and the sponsor that specifies the length of the training, an outline of the skills of the trade to be learned and the wages the apprentice will receive. Apprentices salary typically begins at 50% of the typical salary of an experienced person and increases as they learn and gain new skills. An apprentice must be at least 16 years old and have a high school diploma or GED. Apprentices under 18 years old need the written approval of their parent or guardian.

What are apprenticeable occupations?

There are more than 800 occupations nationwide that are considered apprenticeable. These occupations can be learned by a combination of on-the-job training and part-time classroom instruction.

What are apprenticeship sponsors?

Apprenticeship sponsors are people or companies pay apprentices a salary and provide instruction on the job for a specific craft, trade, or skill. Each sponsor designs their own program that gives each apprentice specific skills, training and job-related theory.  The sponsor also pays for any classroom instruction related to the occupation.

How do I enter an apprenticeship?  

You can usually apply directly to the apprenticeship sponsor. You will usually need to undergo an interview and at times take certain tests to prove you have aptitude in a particular field.

Why do you need classroom instruction?

Some employers may require you to receive classroom instruction related to your apprenticeship. These classes will give you instruction in subjects that aren’t easily covered in an on-the-job setting. For instance if you are in a position that requires a lot of math, it would be a waste of your sponsor's time to teach you these math skills. Taking a class at whatever math level you need will fill this gap in your education and allow you to continue your apprenticeship with that added knowledge. You can usually take any required classes at a community college near your home. However, some sponsors provide on-site, company-related training at their own expense or have a tuition reimbursement plan available for apprentices.

What are the benefits of an apprenticeship?

• Apprentices gain valuable skills and knowledge, which makes them more marketable in the future. Their experience is more valuable than many a college degree.
• Apprentices have the opportunity to learn a trade, earn a good wage and have a sense of job security because they have usable skills.
• Apprentices are often able to continue with the same employer and be promoted to work that requires a higher level of skill or management responsibility.
• In college, a great deal of time and money is required to prepare for your career. However, in an apprenticeship, you actually earn money while you learn your chosen profession.
• An apprenticeship often serves as entry to a long-lasting career.