An apprenticeship program is the ultimate “on the job training” experience. You get paid while learning and gaining experience in a specific career field.
When you’re done, the Apprentice becomes a Journeyman and is qualified to work in high-skilled, well-paying jobs. Many Journeymen go on to own their own businesses in their career field (plumbers, electricians, building contractors, computer technicians, etc.).
Apprentices can be any age from 16 to older adults. Many Apprentices are in their late 20s and early 30s. Apprenticeship programs welcome men and women of all ethnic backgrounds to train for high-paying, high-skilled careers in business, hospitality, audio-visual technology, health care, information technology, and the trades.
What is an Apprenticeship?
An Apprentice commits to a formal training program where the apprentice works in their chosen career field while going to college or getting other training related to the field — all while the apprentice is being paid for the work they do.
Registered apprenticeships are partnerships among job trainees, employers, and training providers or colleges. People that commit to an apprenticeship program receive:
- Hands-on training in a career area like construction, health care, manufacturing, information technology and other high-skilled areas.
- An education in their career area plus potential college credits toward an associate’s or bachelor’s degree.
- A nationally recognized credential (apprenticeship certification and title of “Journeyman”) that employers in any U.S. state will know it qualifies you for high-paying, in-demand work.
- Experience as an entry-level worker in a career area with high growth potential and high pay.
What are the Benefits?
The U.S. Department of Labor says “the average wage for a fully-proficient worker who completes an apprenticeship is $50,000 annually.” Journeyman earn approximately $300,000 more throughout their career than workers who did not complete an apprenticeship in similar career fields.
Students and job seekers interested in finding the right apprenticeship program for them can find more information from the Dept. of Labor:
You can find apprenticeship sponsors (employers and unions) in any U.S. state on CareerOneStop.
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