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Apprenticeships: Earn While You Learn

An apprenticeships is any on the job experience in which you learn a trade as you work within a specific industry. As an apprentice you will work with an experienced "journeyman," or sponsor, who will teach and supervise you as you learn the skills of the trade. Employers, employee associations and joint labor-management organizations can all be apprenticeship sponsors. In 2005, there were nearly 57,000 individuals who completed an apprenticeship program to enter the job market. With approximately 29,000 apprenticeship programs across the nation, an apprenticeship is a valuable opportunity to work towards your career goals while earning a paycheck.

Advantages to an Apprenticeship

Earn Real Wages
Most apprenticeship programs allow you to increase your wage over time. You could earn up to 90% of the income earned by a “journeyman” (a person trained and working in the field).

Receive Many Benefits
You can receive reduced tuition rates for attending related instructional classes. Many states offer state industrial insurance to apprentices while they complete an apprenticeship program.

Gain Key Skills
Learn manual, mechanical or technical skills that can help you in your field of choice.

Gain New Qualifications
Upon completing your apprenticeship you will be fully certified to perform your job in your state. With your new qualifications and experiences, you will be a highly competitive applicant.

Gain New Knowledge
While you are working you will attend instructional classes adding to the experience and training you will receive on your job site.

Create Future Career Opportunities
Many apprenticeship programs lead to permanent job opportunities. Meet individuals who can teach you about your future job.

Choosing an Apprenticeship

1. Decide what career or field suits you best. A few of the many industries
that offer apprenticeships include:

• Construction
• Agriculture
• Manufacturing
• Administration and Professional Hospitality
• Media and Printing
• Engineering
  

2. Think about whether you want to go to school while you are working.

3. Find a program:

• Contact your state’s Apprenticeship Council or Agency. Most states have a department that regulates apprentice programs by assigning participants to a journeyman and ensuring they complete the required hours of training. They also make sure apprentices receive quality instruction.
  
  
• Contact the National Department of Labor to find out about Federal apprenticeship programs and listings of other programs. Visit www.careervoyages.gov to see a complete listing of programs.
  
  
• Search the internet for apprenticeship programs. Useful web sites include www.careerbuilder.com and www.doleta.gov.

4. Review program standards and requirements. Look at:

• Application requirements
• Qualifications and certifications you will earn
• Educational opportunities and benefits you will receive
• The training process and how you will work with your supervisor.
  

5. Decide on the program that best fits you.

6. Contact the program and ask if they are taking applications. Follow their instructions for applying.

Guidlines
Every apprenticeship program is different and you can search for one that matches your needs, interests and goals. However, there are several basic requirements for all apprenticeship programs. Including:

• Apprentice must be over 16 years old

• In hazardous conditions, apprentice must be over 18 years old

• Apprentice must meet the sponsors individual requirements for acceptance

• Apprentice must meet the sponsors ability, aptitude and education expectations

• Apprenticeship can last anywhere from 1 – 4 years, and at least 2000 hours of on-the-job experience

• Apprenticeship usually requires at least 144 hours each year of work
  

Advantages to Employers
Not only do apprenticeships benefit you, but they benefit your employer. These are just a few of the reasons that employers are searching for apprentices:

• Attract Highly Qualified Applicants
• Reduce Absenteeism
• Reduce Turnover
• Increase Productivity
• Reduce Cost of Training
  

Get the Most Out of Your Apprenticeship
Once you enter an apprenticeship program you are immediately developing your skills and building your credentials. Use these tips to maximize your experience.

• Be sure to work as hard and as well as you can. By making a good impression, you will be more likely to be referred by your employers for positions and given good references.
  
• Make sure you pass all your classes and earn your certifications. Upon successfully completing an apprenticeship program you will have many marketable skills to help you get a good job.
  
• Ask questions. Early in your apprenticeship, ask questions of colleagues and supervisors about their careers. This will ensure that you are in an apprenticeship that you will enjoy. At the end of your apprenticeship be sure to ask about job opportunities and contacts. You never know what might be available.
  
• Ask for letters of recommendation and references. Ask your employer if they would be willing to provide you a good recommendation or reference.
  

Not sure if an apprenticeship is what you are looking for? Check out Women Work!’s Internships tipsheet for more career exploration ideas or the Women Work! Career Center at www.womenwork.org for other job opportunities.

Tip sheet last updated 8/06