Why Do an Apprenticeship? What Are the Benefits & How Can You Get One?

What Is Apprenticeship?

Apprenticeships are a type of practical education that involves learning skills, earning college credits or gaining a qualification and being paid for it. Apprenticeships are common in industries that require practical skills, such as trades like carpentry, plumbing, electrical work, and hospitality. Apprenticeships are offered as a way to attract and gain new workers and also allow for effective training and practice before becoming fully qualified. Apprenticeships also offer direct pathways into a desired new career afterwards, making apprentices job-ready as soon as they complete their training.

One of the main appeals of an apprenticeship is that they are often shorter than a typical college degree. Apprenticeships can be completed in as little as 12 months or can be up to six or seven years long, depending on the program and industry. Apprenticeships are often taught under the guidance of a mentor, who can ensure you gain the skills and education required to transition directly into your chosen career upon completion.

Apprenticeships can be a mix of online learning, in-person hands-on learning and individual practice, depending on the skills required. For industries that involve skilled trades, apprentices work mostly with their mentors in hands-on sessions, learning to refine their skills. Some apprenticeships in IT and finance will involve a mix of classroom instruction and job training, with some classes sometimes completed at community colleges or trade schools. Training providers will offer a range of apprenticeship programs, so make sure you explore your options before deciding who to complete an apprenticeship with.

If you are considering doing an apprenticeship program, keep reading!

What are the Benefits of an Apprenticeship?

Apprenticeships are an excellent way to gain practical experience and develop new skills while earning a salary. One of the biggest advantages of an apprenticeship is getting paid while learning, but there are several other benefits that make this path worth considering.

First, apprenticeships allow you to avoid the burden of student debt. Many college degrees cost tens of thousands of dollars and can take years to pay off, especially if loans with interest are involved. In contrast, apprenticeships are often low-cost or even free, meaning you can work while earning money, cover any associated tuition fees, and start earning a full-time salary more quickly.

Apprentices also gain valuable, first-hand professional experience during their training. By the time you complete an apprenticeship, you’ll be job-ready and able to transition straight into your chosen career. Many apprentices even go on to start their own businesses. Learning how to bill clients, collaborate with teams, and maintain customer relationships during your apprenticeship can be essential for your long-term career success.

Another major benefit is the time and money saved. Apprenticeship programs are typically shorter and more affordable than a traditional college degree. For example, according to the National Center for Education Statistics, tuition and fees at a four-year public institution average around $9,400 per year. By opting for an apprenticeship, you can save a significant amount in education costs and enter the workforce sooner.

Career Progression and Advancement after Apprenticeships

As you near the completion of your apprenticeship, you'll start to explore career opportunities in your chosen field. While apprenticeships often lead directly to employment, depending on the industry or job, you may need to meet additional requirements to advance in your career.

An apprenticeship is just the first step in your career progression. In many trades, the typical career path follows three stages: apprentice, journeyman, and master. A journeyman is a skilled worker who has completed their apprenticeship and is employed by a more experienced professional in the same trade. For example, a journeyman plumber may work for a master plumber as an employee. To become a journeyman, you usually need to complete your apprenticeship and obtain a journeyman license. To reach the level of a master tradesperson, you’ll need to gain additional experience, train students, and earn further qualifications or licenses.

There are several ways to get started in an apprenticeship program. One option is Career and Technical Education (CTE) programs, which are available in some high schools or technical colleges. These courses help you build the foundational knowledge and skills needed for apprenticeships while still in school, making the transition smoother after graduation. CTE programs often focus on specific career clusters, such as the construction industry, and can better prepare you for the opportunities ahead.

Earning a Credential in Apprenticeships

Although apprenticeships aren’t college degrees, they still involve significant learning and skill development. Apprenticeship programs are designed to train you in a specific trade or skill, preparing you to work independently and legally in your chosen field.

Apprenticeship programs are often offered by businesses, training centres, community colleges, or technical schools. In some cases, apprentices may take classes on topics like safety regulations, laws, and foundational subjects in science or technology. These courses can sometimes earn you college credits, which can be useful if you decide to pursue further education or a career change down the line.

Upon completing an apprenticeship, you’ll earn a credential, certification, or license that qualifies you to legally perform your job. Many skilled labour jobs require a nationally recognized certification, so it’s important to choose an apprenticeship that offers the necessary credentials to succeed in your field.

Types of Apprenticeship Programs

If you are interested in an apprenticeship, there are a few types of apprenticeship programs you can consider. The type of apprenticeship program that suits you will depend on the profession, trade, career or industry you wish to master or enter.

Registered Apprenticeship Program

A registered apprenticeship program is an industry-driven career pathway that combines work experience and classroom instruction. These types of apprenticeships allow apprentices to study college credits and gain skills needed to succeed in their chosen careers. Registered apprenticeships are designed to allow employers to train their future workforce and prepare them to enter into industry after graduation. Registered apprenticeships are nationally recognized and qualify the apprenticeship themselves to start working immediately after graduation. Registered apprentices are trained to become high-quality employees, and these types of apprenticeships benefit individuals and employers.

Industry-Specific Apprenticeships

Industry apprenticeships are available for skilled trades like carpentry, plumbing and electrical work. These types of apprenticeship programs allow apprentices to gain skills specific to their industry and ensure they are ready for employment once graduating. There are also apprenticeships available in professional industries like IT, finance and healthcare, where apprentices learn skills and knowledge required for success in a particular profession. Some industry apprenticeships are sponsored by the government's Department of Labour to encourage people to fill skill shortages in industries. Some apprenticeships can be for more managerial roles in industries such as manufacturing and will involve more classroom instruction.

Occupations with Apprenticeships

Many occupations offer or require apprenticeships, especially for trades like carpentry workers, electrical work, machine operators and masonry workers. If you are interested in a trade, then you will need to complete an apprenticeship before starting your career. Apprenticeships in these industries are very common, so it should be relatively easy to enrol in an apprenticeship program or trade school. Many of these apprenticeship programs only require a high school diploma to enrol, so you can begin your new career without needing to earn college credits or complete a degree.

If you are looking to do an apprenticeship in manufacturing, IT, finance, or another non-trade-based industry, you can try looking at vocational programs or jobs that offer on-the-job training. These are essentially the same as apprenticeships, but for professional industries, it is more common to use the term 'on-the-job training'.

How to Find an Apprenticeship Program

If you are interested in completing an internship program, there are many sites for you to access and consider:

• The Department of Labor (DOL) has its own ApprenticeshipUSA tool, which allows you to search many states for apprenticeship opportunities in your desired industry.
• You can also use regular job boards for job seekers, such as Cake and Indeed, where you can explore a variety of apprenticeships across a range of industries and compare their salaries.
• You can also directly visit apprenticeship.gov to research programs by location or industry.

Make sure you compare the length, learning style, apprenticeship model and potential career options for all apprenticeship programs you are interested in. If gaining a qualification or earning college credits during your apprenticeship is necessary for your desired career, make sure that you check that the school and apprenticeships you apply to offer them.

Apprenticeship Requirements and How to Apply

If you want to apply to an apprenticeship program, ensure you are eligible. Whether you want to do classroom-based work, the salary you want to earn, the length of the program and whether the job is physically demanding are important aspects to consider. However, some apprenticeships also require other important considerations as well. Some important considerations to think about before applying to an apprenticeship program include:

• Minimum age: some apprenticeships are available to candidates as young as 16, but for some apprenticeships in hazardous conditions, such as electrical workers or construction, the minimum age is typically 18.
• Minimum prerequisites: Not all apprenticeships have prerequisites, but some programs may require a minimum level of education to enrol. This will depend on the apprenticeship sponsor. For example, some apprenticeships require a GED or high school diploma as a minimum education level to apply.

Apprenticeship vs. Internship: Key Differences

Although they sound similar, apprenticeships and internships are not the same thing. Some careers suit an internship, but others require an apprenticeship program to qualify for certain jobs. It is important to understand the difference between them and how they affect your career and job prospects after completing college or training.

Key Differences

• An apprenticeship is a formal career pathway where you gain a nationally recognized credential or qualification to prove your skills. An internship is simply work experience that you can use as a way to boost your resume, but it does not offer any formal proof of skills or credentials.
• An apprenticeship involves mentorship and meeting certain objectives and skills to become qualified, whereas an internship can be a way to gain experience without being graded on outcomes.
• Apprentices are paid for their work, and interns are not always paid; this is up to the company offering the internship. Likewise, internship pay can often be lower than apprenticeship pay, and internships are sometimes part-time, whereas apprentices are full-time.
• Apprenticeships are long-term and can last several years, whereas internships are only a few months to a year in length. As an apprentice is paid during their training, and the pay is approximately $15 per hour, the length of a program is important to consider.
• Apprentices do physically demanding work, whereas interns are often in office-based industries like finance. Some apprenticeships are not as labor intensive, especially for management, but they will involve going to construction or work sites.
• Apprenticeship programs combine work and school, whereas internships are often done on top of or outside of school. Likewise, apprenticeships are often combined into one training course, where the school and work aspects are organized, but for internships, your school or university usually does not accommodate an internship or working time.

For more details, you can read our article Navigating Career Paths: A Clear Guide to Apprenticeship vs Internship!

Apprenticeships offer a unique path for those seeking a hands-on career with the advantage of earning while learning. By avoiding student debt, gaining practical experience, and receiving mentorship from skilled professionals, apprentices can quickly transition into full-time roles with industry-recognized credentials. This combination of on-the-job training and classroom instruction provides a well-rounded, career-focused education that many traditional degree programs don’t offer. If you’re looking for a fast track to a rewarding career without the financial burden of a college degree, an apprenticeship might be the perfect fit.

If you want to learn more about career paths, check out Cake, for a range of articles, guides and information about careers! We also offer a free online resume builder with many templates. Sign up to use!

— Originally written by Bronte McNamara —