Apprenticeships 101: The Complete Guide to Get Started

Embarking on an apprenticeship journey can be a transformative and rewarding experience. These programs get you working in a professional area that really interests you while studying for a qualification and earning money at the same time.

Whether you’re a high school leaver, a career changer or someone re-entering the workforce, apprenticeships can offer you a lot of potential.

This guide discusses everything you need to know about apprenticeships, including what they are, their pros and cons, what industries they can be found in, who they’re meant for, and the steps you need to take if you decide to embark on an apprenticeship of your own.

What is an apprenticeship?

Apprenticeships are structured development programs — often initiated by public bodies like unions or the government — that allow individuals to combine work experience with classroom training, with the goal of providing work and education — and in some cases, certification or a qualification.

These programs are designed to be win–win, providing individuals with a supportive environment where they can grow and learn, and providing employers with a larger or broader skills market.

Apprenticeships are a long-term commitment, lasting from one to six years, and can provide a solid career pathway for people that are looking for their perfect profession or seeking to change careers.

What are the benefits of apprenticeship programs?

Apprenticeships are beneficial to employees and organizations in many ways. Here are the five main benefits of apprenticeships:

• Earn while you learn: Apprenticeships offer less of a financial burden than traditional education, allowing apprentices to earn a wage while they gain experience and attend classroom training.
• Career progression: Because apprenticeships lead to experience and, in many cases, recognized qualifications, this makes apprentices extremely employable, and completing one can be a great career goal.
• Gateways to further education: Completing an apprenticeship often means that learners are fast-tracked to attend supplementary profession-specific education, such as licensure.
• Industry-relevant experience: Apprenticeship programs are designed in line with industry standards, meaning that education and experience are up to date and relevant.
• On-the-job training: Apprenticeships offer real-world practical experience in a specific field, allowing apprentices to master skills quickly, gaining relevant experience at the same time.

What are the drawbacks of apprenticeship programs?

Apprenticeships are beneficial but might not be the right option for some people. Here are five drawbacks of apprenticeships to be aware of:

• Entry requirements: Apprenticeships are governed by requirements pertaining to geographic location such as state-by-state entry restrictions, educational background or demographics, meaning they are inaccessible for some people.
• Inflexibility: Apprenticeships follow a set curriculum with little flexibility. This can be off-putting for some people who prefer a more varied approach to learning.
• Limited career mobility: Apprenticeships are specific to industries or professions, meaning that once you have started one, it can be challenging to change careers.
• Limited earnings: Whereas apprenticeships do pay a wage, it can often be less than what a qualified worker might earn.
• Time requirements: Apprenticeships can last up to six years, which might be off-putting for some people, especially those who have financial commitments.

Which countries offer apprenticeship programs?

The US offers a robust apprenticeship program across many industries and is sponsored by both employers and industry associations. Apprenticeships are offered in a similar way around the world:

• Australia: The Australian Apprenticeships system is designed to offer learners nationally recognized qualifications.
• Germany: Germany offers a highly structured vocational schooling “dual system” that integrates with apprenticeships.
• India: India’s National Apprenticeship Promotion Scheme encourages industries to offer apprenticeships by offering financial incentives for them to do so.
• Japan: Japan offers government-sponsored technical apprenticeships focused on professions where there are skill shortages.
• United Kingdom: The UK has government-sponsored apprenticeship programs at different levels, including entry, intermediate and advanced tiers.

What occupations can I train for through an apprenticeship?

The US offers apprenticeships in many diverse fields, and this list is expanding all the time. Here are 10 popular fields that offer apprenticeships:

• Automotive mechanics: Focusing on learning about car components and how to diagnose common vehicle issues.
• Carpentry: Carpentry apprenticeships work on building and repairing structures, and other woodworking techniques.
• Chefs: These apprenticeships focus on food preparation, food safety and kitchen management.
• Construction: Learning basic construction techniques and often leading to specialisms in other trades.
• Healthcare: Apprentices in healthcare learn about basic administration with a view to taking on specialized qualifications in due course.
• Information technology: IT apprenticeships focus on data administration, hardware and software skills, and cybersecurity.
• Legal assistants: Legal apprenticeships offer entry-level work like case preparation and administration.
• Machinists: Machinist apprenticeships focus on using technical equipment and preparing blueprints.
• Marketing: Focuses on market research, campaign management, advertising, social media or digital marketing.
• Welders: Welding apprenticeships cover the different types of welding processes, as well as metal preparation.

What are the main types of apprenticeships?

The apprenticeship field is quite complex, as there are different types of apprenticeships to choose from; each caters to different levels of knowledge, backgrounds and stages in careers. Here are the five main types of apprenticeships:

Professional apprenticeships

Professional apprenticeships focus on technical fields or specialized professions such as engineering, healthcare or IT. They concentrate on in-depth academic and practical training, where learners can master the profession, courtesy of industry experts.

They are intended for learners who are interested in a highly technical and progressive career but perhaps want to choose a different route other than going to university.

These apprenticeship programs will often lead to professional licenses and certification, and apprentices will, therefore, need to have the educational prerequisites for these, such as a GED, as well as meet citizenship requirements and pass background checks for more sensitive professions like nursing.

Re-entry apprenticeships

Re-entry apprenticeships are designed for people who are re-entering the workforce after a long period of time, such as those who have been unemployed for a while, people who have been on long-term sick leave, or individuals leaving a period of time of incarceration. Hence, you’ll need to meet eligibility criteria that align you to one of these re-entry criteria.

Re-entry apprenticeships offer a more gradual approach to learning and work, starting apprentices off with entry-level skills and building them up slowly into more advanced techniques. There will also be a heavy emphasis on counseling and soft skills training to ensure re-entry apprentices are landed back into jobs in a supportive way.

White-collar apprenticeships

White-collar apprenticeships are designed for people seeking to move into office-based roles such as human resources, marketing, finance or administration. The programs are designed to impart relevant professional skills while building expertise in corporate environments.

Some of these apprenticeships might require previous experience in a similar role or a certain level of education, whereas others cater to those who are taking their first step on the career ladder.

White-collar apprenticeships mix hands-on work experience in the apprentice’s chosen professional setting with education and training in the profession, as well as cover more general business acumen skills. Networking opportunities will also be an important part of this apprenticeship experience.

Youth apprenticeships

Youth apprenticeships are designed for school students or school leavers, giving them insights into early career options. They’re specifically aimed towards students who don’t have plans to go to university, and they generally have a maximum age requirement. Youth apprenticeships have a much higher emphasis on education than other types of apprenticeships.

Learners will spend a great deal of time in the classroom and on schoolwork, applying what they learned to where they’re working. Transferable skills such as time management and problem solving are also prioritized. These programs also emphasize career guidance, allowing students to find the right career for them.

VA-approved apprenticeships

These apprenticeships are approved by the Department of Veterans Affairs. They’re available to veterans of the US armed forces with a view to having them re-enter the workforce with a great deal of support. They provide veterans with training and employment opportunities while allowing them to still use their GI Bill benefits.

VA-approved apprenticeships are specifically designed for veterans, with a focus on counseling and job placement in a wide variety of industries, to help them find something that suits them. These mechanisms, as well as allowing the usage of GI Bill Benefits, allow veterans a seamless transition from the armed forces to civilian life and employment.

Who can become an apprentice?

In the US, many people can become an apprentice, though for some programs like veteran-connected or re-entry apprenticeships, you might need to fit a particular demographic to start one.

Some requirements might vary from state to state or industry to industry. Generally, apprenticeships are open to those who are at least 16 years old and have a high school diploma, though this isn’t exclusively the case.

Organizations and employers who are looking for apprentices are more concerned about soft skills, like a candidate’s attitude or determination to progress in the field they have chosen, and prefer motivated, reliable people with a drive to do a good job.

How long are apprenticeship programs?

Apprenticeship programs vary in length considerably, but most are between one to six years in length. The longest apprenticeships are the ones where the learning is more nuanced. For example, carpentry apprenticeships can last five years, and industrial apprenticeships can last four years.

Shorter apprenticeships can be found in white-collar fields, such as finance, where an apprenticeship can last only two years. Other fields utilize short apprenticeships with a view to having the learner qualify as soon as possible and move on to a professionally accredited qualification, such as nursing or healthcare, where apprenticeships last only two years as well.

How much do apprenticeships pay?

There isn’t a set rate that apprentices earn in the US, though the average rate is around $21 per hour. Wages tend to fluctuate with industry averages, and some roles will pay more in states or locations with a higher cost of living.

Technical trades such as carpentry or being an apprentice electrician will command a wage of around $15 per hour. Some specialized apprenticeships might pay higher; for example, IT apprenticeships can pay up to $30 per hour, and healthcare apprenticeships pay around $22 per hour.

Most apprenticeship programs will offer pay increases as the program progresses, so those who are a year or two into their apprenticeship might receive annual pay uplifts.

How to become an apprentice

As we have discussed, becoming an apprentice is a rewarding and valuable pathway to learn about a trade or profession. It is, therefore, important that you plan your apprentice journey carefully so that you can get the most out of it.

Here is a step-by-step guide you can use to become an apprentice;

Step 1: Conduct a self-assessment

Begin your apprenticeship search by assessing your strengths and development areas, as well as your career interests. Focus on what you’re good at and what gets you excited. Consider doing a personal SWOT analysis to facilitate this process. Next up, align these skills and interests with the various trades; CareerHunter’s assessments can help with this.

Consider the long-term labor market prospects of these trades and also what looks to be a good opportunity right now, as well as what apprenticeship routes look like. Finally, begin to network with professionals and follow the professions you are drawn to on LinkedIn to understand more about your preferred companies and organizations.

Step 2: Research the requirements

When you have figured out what apprenticeships you might be drawn towards, you next have to research the entry requirements for each one. Some apprenticeships can be exceptionally competitive, and you will have to fully understand the organization’s expectations to give yourself the best chance at securing one.

Depending on what industry they are in, apprenticeships in the US will have certain restrictions on age, such as being at least 16 years old, or education requirements (some will ask for at least a GED, others will require no higher education).

Apprenticeships might also require background checks, drug tests and proof of citizenship in the US. Finally, there will be requirements in terms of skills, qualities and abilities that you must align with.

Step 3: Apply for apprenticeships

Next up, start searching for apprenticeships and applying for them. You’ll need to write a cover letter that’s aligned to each apprenticeship you apply to, and ensure your résumé is full of your achievements and any work experience you have, and that it helps your talents jump off the page. Register on job search websites and apprenticeship databases for a list of open apprenticeship programs; local unions can also support with this.

Prepare supporting documentation, such as references, and submit your application. Try submitting applications to multiple apprenticeships, as this will increase your chances of acceptance. Make sure that you follow up with your network or the recruiter as the applications progress.

Step 4: Prepare for the interview

You need to be proactive about giving yourself the best chance possible to land the apprenticeship of your dreams.

Research not just your apprenticeship trade, but the organizations you are applying for, such as their structure and values. Practice interview questions, and prepare examples of your experience or knowledge for behavioral interview questions.

If you’re worried about being a little light on experience or you’re not sure what to focus on, then using ChatGPT interview prompts could support you. Get ready for practical assessments, aptitude tests and behavioral interviews, as companies can use any and all of these to find the best apprentices.

Ensure you turn up for the interviews prepared, presentable and mentally present to do a great job.

Step 5: Balance working and learning

An apprenticeship provides you with an amazing opportunity to work, earn a salary and begin your professional career. It’s also a chance for you to learn, and you must ensure you attend classes and workshops that are organized to help you develop yourself.

Embrace the practical aspects of your apprenticeship as much as the theory-based areas, as the programs are designed to offer a balanced and structured approach to your learning.

Additionally, seek out ways to keep yourself upskilled by focusing on your continuing professional development. Discover new things to learn and stay up to date with trends in your industry, as this will help your marketability to future employers once your apprenticeship draws to a close.

Key takeaways

Embarking on an apprenticeship is a great way to work, learn and earn at the same time. Here are some key things to think about when considering an apprenticeship:

• Apprenticeships uniquely combine learning about a specific profession while working in it at the same time.
• Apprenticeships are coordinated at the employer level, industry level or government level.
• Whereas they’re popular as a method for getting young people into work, apprenticeships are also a good option for people looking to return to the workforce.
• Apprenticeships are available in many different industries and sectors, ranging from technical industries to white-collar ones.
• Apprenticeships can be as competitive to get into as other jobs and career paths, so it’s important that you prepare yourself and your application accordingly to land the apprenticeship of your dreams.

By understanding apprenticeships and how they’re used, you can make an informed decision about whether they’re a good option for you and your career.

Got a question? Let us know in the comments section below!

This article is a complete update of an earlier version originally published on November 15, 2016.