Written by: ResumeBuilder.com Career Advisor Team
Updated: May 30, 2023
Over the last decade, the Department of Labor has recorded a 70% increase in the number of new participants entering apprenticeship programs. While job seekers continue to gain interest in earn-while-you-learn roles, companies are creating new programs every year to meet their hiring needs. Over 14,500 new apprenticeship programs have been introduced into the U.S. labor force within the last five years alone. Although apprenticeships have been historically used within construction and crafting trades, both the tech and healthcare industries have begun to create apprenticeship programs to increase retention rates and provide a point of entry for applicants without a college education.
This guide will cover apprenticeship basics and walk you through the need-to-know information on this popular alternative career approach. You’ll learn what kind of training and credentials you can expect from an apprenticeship and then give you an inside look at some of the most common programs available within growing industries.
What Are Apprenticeships?
Apprenticeships have been around for centuries, if not millennia, providing people with unique employment opportunities. Small business owners and labor unions:
Are the usual sponsors and creators of apprentice programs?
Provide a regular paycheck.
Specialize in training.
Award certificates of completion
If registered with the Department of Labor, the program will award participants a nationally recognized credential, which they can use for career advancement nationwide. Apprenticeships vary in length, taking anywhere from 1-6 years to complete, and cover a wide range of industries and occupations. There are programs for people interested in becoming an electrician, dental assistant, esthetician, or software engineer–just to name a few.
Who Are Apprenticeships Meant For?
One of the great things about apprenticeship programs is the low barrier to entry. Anyone can participate in a program if they meet the minimum age and education requirements for their specific field or occupation. Apprenticeships are especially great for individuals who are completely new to an industry, as these programs go a step beyond a multi-year college education with more of a hands-on learning approach. Apprentices aren’t stuck in a classroom learning about hypothetical situations. They’re working alongside the masters and gleaning information while they observe and participate in day-to-day operations. Participants willing to learn and follow instructions will do well in an apprenticeship program.
What Should You Look For in an Apprenticeship?
Looking for an apprenticeship program is much like choosing a school or an employer. You wouldn’t want to attend a school or work for a company with a bad reputation, so it’s important to research the apprenticeship sponsor. Look for programs that provide clear information about these key factors:
Compensation: Determine how much money is offered to participants and if the salary will meet your needs.
Timeline: Apprenticeship programs vary in length, so consider how long you’re willing to devote yourself to training.
Style: Consider your learning style and determine if you’re comfortable with how training is delivered.
Goals: If your goal is to obtain a full-time position right after earning your credentials, be sure to choose a program that guarantees a job after successful completion.
Benefits of Apprenticeships
It’s easy to see how apprenticeships can benefit employers and labor unions. These companies can create a consistent flow of skilled tradespeople who can perform their duties to the highest standard, but there are plenty of benefits for participants too. Let’s go over just a few of the most important benefits of apprenticeships.
Pay
Apprentices get paid while they learn and work toward earning their credentials. Although the pay is about half of what a certified professional would make, getting paid to learn is a common reason why individuals choose apprenticeships over college. Many young people prefer this career model instead of paying universities tens of thousands of dollars for knowledge that may or may not land them a job after graduation. Apprenticeships are an economical choice for people who aren’t able to afford post-secondary education or don’t wish to take on student loan debt.
Unions
Choosing a union apprenticeship won’t teach you different skills, but it allows for certain benefits over a non-union program. Members must pay working dues, but these funds go toward offering higher industry wages and better job security. For example, compared to non-union workers, union members earn wages that are 11% higher. Union jobs also tend to be more secure, requiring employers to give “just cause” for firing. Within the traditional workforce, most employers can fire workers “at will” at their discretion.
Experience and a foot in the door
Apprenticeships provide the opportunity to be fully immersed within an industry, simultaneously receiving an education and the all-important field experience. This gives participants a point of entry for their industry of choice and an advantage within the workplace. Employers know that individuals who have completed an apprenticeship tend to have a deeper understanding of the position with all the hands-on, role-specific training they received.
Industries and Careers Offering Apprenticeships
In 2021 there were roughly 27,000 active registered apprenticeship programs across the U.S. This high volume of opportunity makes for an impressive range of programs to choose from. As we mentioned before, participants and programs have seen a steady rise since 2012, showing relevancy and growing popularity. Let’s look at a few growing industries using apprenticeships to bring in the next generation of workers.
Information Technology
As technology continues to grow and integrate into daily life, the industry fueling it is projected to do the same. Information technology (IT) occupations are expected to grow 13% between 2020 and 2030, well above the average for other occupations. Pair this statistic with the alarming number of tech workers considering leaving the industry, and there have been legitimate concerns about the lack of qualified talent and worker retention. For this reason, tech companies are turning to apprenticeship programs to fill IT positions such as software developers, web designers, project managers, computer technicians, and network administrators. If you’d like to enter the growing tech industry, consider applying for an apprenticeship with a company like Accenture.
Construction
The construction industry is well known for its many apprenticeship programs run by unions, large companies, and small business owners. Many occupations fall under the umbrella of construction, and individuals usually attend a technical school or apprenticeship on their way into the field. Electricians, roofers, plumbers, carpenters, bricklayers, and carpet installers are all occupations you can obtain through apprenticeship. The construction industry is projected to grow at an average rate of 6% over the next ten years, making these occupations relevant apprenticeship choices. If you’re interested in a construction apprenticeship, the North American Building Trades Union offers a wide range of programs across the country through 15 different trades unions and over 2,000 locations.
Hospitality
One way to enter the hospitality industry is through an apprenticeship. Working in hospitality is often the first stepping stone for young people as they get jobs waiting tables, cleaning hotel rooms, or working on a cooking line. This entry-level work can lead to higher pay and further education through a hospitality apprenticeship program. Select positions such as cook and food service manager are projected to be some of the fastest-growing jobs within the next decade, surpassing the national average job growth rate. For high school students interested in culinary arts, the National Restaurant Association provides an apprenticeship program called ProStart for students in all 50 states.
Healthcare
The healthcare industry faces a unique dilemma with currently projected career outlooks. The Bureau of Labor Statistics expects above-average growth over the next decade, with an anticipated addition of nearly 2.6 million new positions. When you compare this projection with recent reports from HR firm Mercer, it’s easy to see that there will continue to be a great demand for healthcare professionals now and in years to come. There are many apprenticeship programs available within the healthcare field, and Medical Assistant (MA) is one occupation expected to grow at an above-average rate. If you’re interested in becoming an MA, check out this apprenticeship program offered by Kaiser Permanente.
Transportation
A large part of the country’s infrastructure and day-to-day operations relies upon the reliable transportation of resources and people. Over the next decade, the transportation industry is projected to grow by 9%, creating over 1 million new jobs. Drivers, pilots, mechanics, and technicians must be trained to the highest safety standard. A working apprenticeship is a great way to do just that. Learning to operate, repair, or maintain a heavy-duty vehicle can only be done effectively in a hands-on training environment.
Federal Agency Apprenticeship Programs
To recruit new hires and up-skill current employees, federal government agencies also use apprenticeship programs for a variety of occupations. Participants are allowed to increase their earnings and receive industry-recognized credentials, specifically within their federal career path. Currently, there are over 40 apprenticeships offered through the Smithsonian Institution and nine different federal departments.
Apprenticeship Programs for California
There are thousands of apprenticeship programs located in each state across the country. If you’re wondering whether or not your state offers any specific apprenticeships, take a look at the list we created below.
California
Alliance for California Traditional Arts
La Cooperativa - Campesina de California
Associated Builders & Contractors Inc.
OC Public Works
Southern California Surveyors Joint Apprenticeship Committee
Monterey and Santa Cruz Building & Construction Trades Council
Apprenticeship Programs for Women
Historically women have been a minority in the apprenticeship labor force. As of 2021, they only make up around 14% of the total number of active participants. However, specific programs, such as various incentives and grants in partnership with The U.S. Department of Labor’s Women’s Bureau have been created to encourage more women onto the apprenticeship career path.
Apprenticeship Programs for Minorities
The Department of Labor recognizes the need for apprenticeship programs to be equitable. The DOL points out that although the vast majority of apprentices identify as white (77.5%), programs have been recorded as becoming more diverse over the years. However, there are certain programs actively working to diversify apprenticeships by offering hiring priority to members of minority groups.
Apprenticeship Programs for Veterans
Veterans looking for work as they transition from military to civilian life may find it challenging to re-enter the workforce. That’s why apprenticeships are a great option to get hands-on experience in a brand-new field. Additionally, if a program is approved by the VA, eligible veterans can continue receiving their GI Bill monthly housing allowance and money toward books and supplies while earning an income as an apprentice.
Apprenticeship Programs for Youth
With the minimum age for apprenticeships starting at 16 years old, it’s important to remember that high school students are also eligible for apprenticeships. Teens and young adults can take advantage of these youth-specific programs to launch their careers and start earning money while they receive specialized training.
Tribal Apprenticeship Programs
Special grants and technical career programs exist specifically for Native people within Tribal communities. These programs provide the opportunity for local Tribal members and indigenous folks to receive advice, financial support, and career training through apprenticeship programs. In turn, the Tribal community is able to grocanforce and meet the needs of the local economy.
Apprenticeship FAQs
We’ve covered a lot of material on what apprenticeships are and how to find the best one for you, but you probably still have a few questions about the process. Let’s answer some common questions about apprenticeships and ensure you have as much information as possible to get started.
How long do apprenticeships run for?
The answer to this question will vary depending on the specific apprenticeship, industry, and credentials. Apprenticeships are often referred to as “the original four-year degree,” and some programs can run for four years or longer. Typically, an apprenticeship lasts anywhere from 12 months to six years.
How much classroom instruction do apprentices receive?
How do I enroll in an apprenticeship program?
What happens if I don’t complete my apprenticeship?
How do I know if I qualify for an apprenticeship?
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