What is an apprenticeship?

An apprenticeship is a paid training program that allows individuals to gain practical work experience and classroom instruction simultaneously. Programs often last one to six years and lead to a nationally recognized certification, with pay increasing as apprentices build skills.

What you’ll learn:

• Apprenticeships are paid training programs that help people develop skills and gain credentials they need to advance in their chosen careers. 

• Apprenticeships are available for a wide range of occupations, but not all employers offer them.

• You can find apprenticeships by using the Department of Labor (DOL) apprenticeship job finder, job centers or reaching out to people in your network.

An apprenticeship is an earn-and-learn program that combines paid on-the-job training with classroom instruction.

Here’s a breakdown of how apprenticeships work:

• Earn while you learn: Apprentices are paid employees who build job-related skills throughout the program.

• Hands-on experience: Training takes place in a work environment under the supervision of experienced professionals, often totaling thousands of hours annually.

• Technical education: Apprentices also complete formal instruction—either in person or online—to develop industry-specific knowledge and technical skills.

• Progressive pay structure: Compensation typically increases as apprentices advance in skill and gain experience.

• Industry credentials: Many programs conclude with a nationally recognized certification or credential that validates professional expertise.

Common apprenticeship programs include opportunities in various industries, like:

• Construction: Carpenters, electricians, plumbers and construction workers

• Manufacturing: Machinists and industrial designers

• Healthcare: Pharmacy technicians and acute care nursing

• Technology: Computer programmers, database architects and engineers

• Personal care and beauty: Cosmetologists

• Arts, design and creative services: Tattoo artists, interior designers and photographers

• Hospitality: Housekeeping professionals and childcare workers

• Legal: Paralegals

If you’re interested in an apprenticeship, start by using the DOL apprenticeship job finder to explore opportunities by industry and career path.

Getting an apprenticeship typically involves a few steps:

1. Find a program: Explore apprenticeship opportunities in your field through resources like the DOL apprenticeship job finder. You might also consider reaching out directly to employers or people in your professional network. 

2. Review the requirements: Once you find an apprenticeship you’re interested in, you’ll want to review the program qualifications. Those might range from taking an exam to fulfilling educational requirements to completing an interview and more. There also might be age requirements. 

3. Apply: Once you’ve narrowed down your options and know that you meet the apprenticeship’s requirements, it’s time to apply.

There can be many advantages of an apprenticeship program. But it might not be for everyone. So it’s important to consider the possible pros and cons before making any decisions about your career path.

Some potential advantages of apprenticeship programs include: 

• Earn while you learn: Apprentices get paid for hands-on job training.

• Industry recognition: Typically, an apprentice can earn industry-recognized credentials.

• Avoid debt: Apprentices often avoid some or all student loan debt and can sometimes earn credits toward a college degree. 

• Networking opportunities: An apprenticeship offers the opportunity to connect with skilled mentors in the industry.

Some possible drawbacks of apprenticeship programs might include: 

• Competitive application process: Apprenticeships can be competitive and may not guarantee a placement.

• Limited availability by industry: Apprenticeships are not offered or available in all fields or career paths.

• Unpredictable program lengths and schedules: Apprenticeship programs vary in length and start time, which might make planning difficult. 

Applying for an apprenticeship is a big decision. But with benefits like paid employment, hands-on training and industry experience, it’s one that might pay off. 

Even so, before applying to an apprenticeship, it’s a good idea to consider the potential pros and cons and what an apprenticeship could mean for your career goals.

And if you’re in the process of applying for apprenticeships, you might also want to take some time to update your resume and research some questions to ask in an interview.