Registered apprenticeship is a training program designed to meet the needs of the employer by providing the employee with structured on-the-job learning, related instruction and a progressive wage scale. Registered apprentices earn state and national credentials certifying their skills.

Think registered apprenticeship might be a good path for you? Learn how it can help you acquire sought-after skills and launch a career.

Who are apprentices?

• Apprentices are individuals who receive on-the-lob learning from a master-level supervisor while typically receiving job-related education from institutions such as community colleges or trade organizations.
• They can be current high school students, recent graduates or experienced workers looking to shift their career focus to a different field.
• Military veterans transitioning to civilian life also can be apprentices.
• Apprenticeship is for anyone looking to jumpstart a new career or begin their career in an in-demand field.
• Minimum age of 16 years old.

What is apprenticeship?

• Industry-driven, high-quality career pathway that has five core elements:
  • Employer involvement.
  • Structured on-the-job learning ranging from one to four years.
  • Related technical instruction.
  • Rewards for skill gains.
  • National occupational credential.
• What occupations are available?
  • Almost any occupation can be “apprenticeable.”
    • A good place to start is to consult the following website: Apprenticeship Occupations | Apprenticeship.gov.
• What time do I need to show up to work?
  • Reporting to work will depend on the schedule created by you as the apprentice and your supervisor at your job site, just like any other job.
• What is the length of the training?
  • Total hours for programs can range anywhere from 2,000 to 8,000.
• Apprenticeship differs from internship. An internship is a short-term position for students who are still exploring career options, whereas an apprenticeship is for students who have selected a career pathway.

How to become an apprentice

• All participants interested in being an apprentice must first be employed by an organization that has a registered apprenticeship or pre-apprenticeship program.
• To begin the process for a high school or college student:
  • High school students should talk to their career counselors and their CTE teachers.
  • College students should consult with their local community colleges to begin the process of finding local pre-apprenticeship and apprenticeship opportunities.
• How much does it cost?
  • There is no registration cost for you as an apprentice. There might be costs associated with school-related activities, but apprentices who complete a pre-apprenticeship in high school are eligible to apply for the community college tuition waiver.
• Do I have to put my phone away?
  • Your supervisor and/or instructor will notify you if you have to put your phone away.

Why do a registered apprenticeship?

• Allows you to earn while you learn.
• Receive progressively increasing wages throughout the course of the apprenticeship.
• Get hands-on, real-world experience.
• Earn valuable portable credentials and academic degrees while gaining high-quality on-the-job learning.
• Learn from experienced mentors.
• Work for an employer that invests in your success.
• Be more marketable for the job market and build your skills in an in-demand job.
• The average starting salary for an apprentice after graduation is $50,000.