Exploring Apprenticeship in Today’s Market

These days, since it’s an employer’s market, when organizations hire job candidates, they expect them to hit the ground running. On top of that, the way professionals perform in the first 90 days dictates whether or not they will continue with their new employer. An apprenticeship can help to remove that barrier because it is a formal system of training which combines academic instruction with on-the-job training. Apprenticeships are appropriate for those working in occupations such as construction, manufacturing, health care, information technology, energy, telecommunications and more.

Many of the employers operating in the sectors mentioned above are using apprenticeships as a part of their recruitment strategies. They have found that when they invest in training their employees, they are developing more loyal employees and reducing turnover. The Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration has a Registered Apprenticeship program where employers who are interested in offering apprenticeships can be included in a database. The database includes approximately 250,000 employers in 1,000 careers, which is good news for those seeking apprenticeships.

If you are seeking an apprenticeship, and not quite sure where to begin, a good place to start is the Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration’s website. As an apprentice, you will receive at least 2,000 hours of on-the-job training, and a recommended minimum of 144 hours of related classroom instruction.

Occupations Offering Apprenticeships in Department of Labor’s Database

• Computer programmer
• Computer service mechanic
• Dental assistant
• Electronics technician
• Environment analyst
• Fire fighter
• Horticulturist
• Insurance claims adjuster
• Laboratory technician
• Optical technician
• Wastewater treatment plant operator
• Chef
• Automotive technician
• Baker
• Bricklayer
• Carpenter
• Electrician
• Machinist
• Maintenance mechanic
• Operating engineer
• Painter
• Roofer
• Sheet metal worker
• Structural steel worker
• Tool and die maker

The good news is that many of these occupations are among the 50 fastest growing, and they play an important role in our economy and our society.

Benefits of an Apprenticeship

• You complete a combination of industry-specific classroom training and hands-on work experience leading to nationally recognized certifications. Apprenticeships give you the opportunity to work for a real employer, earn a real salary and gain a real qualification while gaining valuable workplace skills and experience.
• Apprentices earn competitive wages, a paycheck from the first day and incremental raises as skill levels increase.
• With increasing demand for professionals working in skilled trades, many trade professionals earn salaries that are above the national average.
• While working on an apprenticeship, you’ll be treated like a regular employee of the company.
• There are registered apprenticeship programs for over 1,000 occupations. • Once you complete your apprenticeship, you will have little or no student loans to repay.
• Successfully completing an apprenticeship takes intelligence, dedication, focus and hard work, which demonstrates initiative.
• Once you have completed your apprenticeship, new possibilities are open to you.

Apprenticeships play an important role because having industry experience is more valuable than having only the educational requirements, and having both is gold. Is an apprenticeship the right choice for you?