Apprenticeship Overview

An apprenticeship provides on-the-job paid training and therefore participants usually will not have other employment. Apprenticeships prepare individuals to become skilled in a trade or profession. For example, apprenticeships are most common for Plumbing, HVAC (Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning), Electrical, Construction, Accounting, Film & Television, Teaching, Energy, Transportation, Telecommunications, etc. Apprenticeships typically combine classroom learning with hands-on work. Apprentices often spend their time shadowing and working closely with a mentor, often completing relevant tasks both independently and under the supervision of their mentor. Those fields that require a certification may also provide structured time for studying and provide practice tests to prepare one for the certification exams. Some apprenticeships may help you pay for classes at a community college or vocational school. Apprenticeships can often take between 2-5 years to complete. Apprenticeships could require you to complete a specific number of hours or require you to prove that you have learned the specific skills needed for the job, or a combination of both. Some apprenticeships may transition into permanent employment. Apprenticeships offer important work experience, insights from individuals working in the industry, and unique networking opportunities with employers, but do not typically offer assistance with the job application process.