Get started<\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Are Apprenticeships Worth It? <\/h2>\n\n\n\n Apprenticeships are experiential learning opportunities that almost have it all. While they\u2019re more time-consuming than other work-based experiences, there are tons of apprenticeship benefits \u2014 from the experience you\u2019ll gain to the money you\u2019ll earn.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\nHands-on experience: <\/strong>the opportunity to do specific tasks, projects, and real-world work in the field<\/li>\n\n\n\nSkill building:<\/strong> learning the necessary technical and practical skills you need to do the job, as well as soft skills<\/a> when working with others<\/li>\n\n\n\nSalary or stipend: <\/strong>compensation for your time<\/li>\n\n\n\nEarning potential: <\/strong>higher average salaries post-apprenticeship than the national average<\/li>\n\n\n\nNetworking and mentorship: <\/strong>working closely with professionals in the field who can offer advice, guidance, and industry connections<\/li>\n\n\n\nCareer advancement: <\/strong>nearly guaranteed job placement post-apprenticeship, with 93%<\/a> of registered apprentices retaining employment<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\nApprenticeships vs. Other Work-Based Learning Opportunities<\/h2>\n\n\n\n If you\u2019re thinking that an apprenticeship sounds like an internship<\/a>, you\u2019d be right \u2014 both are opportunities to get hands-on experience in an industry you\u2019re interested in. Yet there are key differences between the scope and benefits of apprenticeships versus other work-based learning opportunities.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<\/td> Definition<\/strong><\/td>Duration<\/strong><\/td>Pay<\/strong><\/td>Application process<\/strong><\/td>Chance of getting hired<\/strong><\/td><\/tr>Apprenticeship<\/strong><\/td>Hands-on, on-the-job and classroom training<\/td> One to four years<\/td> Paid; also often offers school credit<\/td> Conventional application process, including eligibility requirements (age, education, physical)<\/td> Extremely high; 93% of registered apprentices retain employment<\/a><\/td><\/tr>Internship<\/strong><\/td>Hands-on work experience doing entry-level tasks<\/td> Weeks to months<\/td> A majority (60%) of internships are paid<\/a><\/td> Full competitive application process, especially in specific fields (investment banking, consulting)<\/td> Medium to high; some companies, like PwC<\/a>, give job offers to 90%<\/a> of their interns<\/td><\/tr>Externship<\/strong><\/a><\/td>Observing someone\u2019s daily work and assisting them with tasks<\/td> Days to weeks<\/td> Unpaid; often offers school credit<\/td> Light application process, or found through networking<\/td> Unlikely; more likely to get an offer through networking<\/td><\/tr> Job simulation<\/strong><\/a><\/td>Virtual learning experience completing sample real-world tasks at top companies<\/td> Few hours (self-paced)<\/td> Unpaid<\/td> None (open access)<\/td> Medium to high; Foragers are 3.3x more likely to land a role<\/td><\/tr> Job shadowing<\/strong><\/a><\/td>Observing a day in the life of someone\u2019s specific role<\/td> Days<\/td> Unpaid<\/td> Found through networking<\/td> Unlikely; more likely to get an offer through networking<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<\/p>\n\n\n\n
How to Get an Apprenticeship<\/h2>\n\n\n\n Here\u2019s how to find and get an apprenticeship from start to finish.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
1. Search for Apprenticeships That Interest You<\/h3>\n\n\n\n Like any job search, finding an apprenticeship starts with some research. You\u2019ll need to figure out what kind of apprenticeship you want and start gathering links of positions that interest you.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
U.S. Department of Labor Sites<\/h4>\n\n\n\n Unlike other job searches, however, there are apprenticeship-specific sites that can help you find open opportunities. There\u2019s an official U.S. Department of Labor apprenticeship job finder<\/a> that allows you to search by occupation, company name, keywords, and location. On this site, you can also search for apprenticeship programs, which can help connect you with employers that offer apprenticeships, even if they don\u2019t have any open positions you\u2019re interested in at the moment.<\/p>\n\n\n\nThere are also state-specific apprenticeship sites. For example, New York State\u2019s Department of Labor has an entire apprenticeship section<\/a> on its website, which shares more about the state\u2019s registered apprenticeships, why you might want to do one, and a jobs board to search.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\nIndustry Associations<\/h4>\n\n\n\n Many industries have specific associations that offer apprenticeship programs or resources, including trade and professional associations.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
From healthcare and finance to manufacturing and construction, you can find specific associations that run apprenticeship programs to bring more young professionals into the field. For example, both the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA) and Associated General Contractors of America (AGC) run U.S. Department of Labor-approved programs. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
First, search associations within the industry you\u2019re interested in; then, look on association websites to find information about open positions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Job Boards and Company Websites<\/h4>\n\n\n\n Conventional job search rules still apply. You can search general job sites like LinkedIn<\/a>, Indeed, Glassdoor, and ZipRecruiter \u2014 be sure to include \u201capprenticeship\u201d in your search terms!<\/p>\n\n\n\nIf you\u2019re interested in working for a specific company, you can also navigate directly to their careers page and search for apprenticeships. They may include them on a company-specific job board or apprenticeship page.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
2. Check the Eligibility Requirements<\/h3>\n\n\n\n Apprenticeships can have more specific eligibility requirements than other jobs may have. In a typical job search, you may still apply to a job if you meet 60-70% of the job description. However, eligibility requirements tend to be more strict when applying to apprenticeships. That\u2019s because there are typically a few different types of requirements:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\nAge requirements: <\/strong>some programs require you to be at least 16; more hazardous apprenticeships tend to have a minimum age of 18<\/li>\n\n\n\nEducational requirements: <\/strong>apprenticeship sponsors may require a high school diploma, GED certificate, or even a certain number of years of post-secondary education<\/li>\n\n\n\nPhysical requirements: <\/strong>skilled trade apprenticeships may require certain physical abilities, such as being able to lift heavy objects or withstand long hours of bending or standing<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\nThere may be more common requirements as well, including specific skills, experience, or working rights. Be sure to read the apprenticeship job description carefully.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
3. Nail Your Application<\/h3>\n\n\n\n Once you\u2019ve found the apprenticeships you want to apply for and ensured you meet the basic requirements, it\u2019s time to submit your application.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Recruiters and hiring managers in apprenticeships aren\u2019t typically looking for candidates with tons of experience. Instead, showing your growth mindset<\/a> and dedication to the field is more important.<\/p>\n\n\n\nShow you\u2019re a quick learner by providing examples of how you\u2019ve adapted to using new tools or processes in other work-based experiences, extracurriculars, or in the classroom. The goal is to demonstrate your adaptability<\/a> and ability to respond quickly to new information and ideas.<\/p>\n\n\n\nYou can show your dedication to the field by highlighting relevant courses, activities, independent projects, or work experiences that relate to the industry you\u2019re interested in. For example, if you\u2019re interested in a graphic design apprenticeship, you might include a portfolio of work you\u2019ve done or share how you completed a job simulation in design. You don\u2019t need to have had a fancy job in the field already \u2014 you need to show that you\u2019re interested in the industry and excited to learn more.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\t
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