What Is an Apprenticeship?
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In today’s job market, skilled workers are needed more than ever. In particular, apprenticeships — industry-driven, high-quality career pathways where employers develop and prepare the future workforce — are a viable option for those who want to jump-start their careers while enjoying job and financial security.??
By Helen Harris
What do you do when your lights begin to flicker, your bathtub begins to gurgle or the engine light on your car begins to flash? Naturally, we call someone who is equipped to handle the issue, whether it be an electrician, plumber or auto technician.?
The demand for these types of professionals, usually who complete an apprenticeship program to master their trade, is not waning.?
Forbes reports that the number of apprentices registered with the Department of Labor surpassed 636,000 in 2020 (up 64% from a decade ago), increasing every year since 2011.?
An apprenticeship, an arrangement in which someone learns an art, trade, or job under another, is an excellent way in which to obtain these skills and secure a career that will stand the test of time (and economies).?
“An apprenticeship is a career learning pathway,” said Matt Warzel, expert career coach and resume writer. “You’re essentially getting paid job training in a formal setting to learn about, and master, that particular job.”?
Why Consider an Apprenticeship
Besides the allure to fast-track your career with a job that has a guaranteed return on investment after you complete training and earn your certificate, The Wall Street Journal reported that apprenticeships could be the answer to today’s unemployment woes. The article indicated that those who choose to pursue this flexible, industry-driven alternative for workforce education,?as opposed to the traditional college path, have a proven record of success.?
To illuminate the potential for entering an apprenticeship, the WSJ pointed to a 2017 study from?Burning Glass Technologies and Harvard Business School, where they found the following:?
“Trade jobs are very important,” said Phil Davis, recruiting director, career coach and top job search expert on LinkedIn. “And the demand for trade work is critical more than ever in this market.”?
To support Davis’ point, Forbes reported that today there’s less need in the workforce for hard technical skills because many of them have already been automated. Additionally, Prudential Financial states in a 2021 report that because of the changing nature of work post-pandemic, workers are motivated to acquire new skills.?
“Job stability going forward will be based on the skills workers have to offer,” said Prudential Vice Chair, Rob Falzon in the report. “Employers will be willing to pay a premium for talent with the right skills. At the same time, corporate America will need to step up and invest in their talent by offering skills training and enhancing on-the-job learning opportunities, such as through apprenticeship and rotation programs.”
Ultimately, there’s a dire need for people to learn new skills, and they crave to do so in a hands-on way, whether virtual online training or a workshop floor.
“The apprenticeship is a very real alternative to the college degree,” said Davis. “An apprenticeship program gives someone the tools and the resources and the know-how to get into the role of their choice. I think of the training like a boot camp. You are learning everything in a blocked-off amount of time, and you become very proficient.”?
Davis points to the fact that many people flocked to complete UI/UX Design Bootcamps during the pandemic.
“Everybody wanted to get in that arena,” said Davis. “And they are able to, without a college degree, by completing these multiple-week, intensive boot-camp programs and earning their certification.”?
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Warzel adds that another benefit of the apprenticeship program is the network you create while in the program.?
“You learn who's who in terms of the major players in your industry — and who you might want to connect with and build that working relationship with,” said Warzel. “By grooming these relationships early on, it can be a fast track to employment after you complete the apprenticeship.”?
Apprenticeship.gov also notes the following advantages when it comes to apprenticeship programs:
How Apprenticeship Programs Work?
“The great thing about an apprenticeship program is that it can be for anyone at virtually any time,” said Warzel. “Someone may be reentering the workforce, someone may want a career change — or it could be someone straight out of high school. But anyone can do it.”?
However, you will need to follow some steps and gain a thorough understanding of how the program works before taking your first steps.?
It’s important to note that apprenticeship opportunities are offered through an employer or program sponsor, and to become an apprentice you will need to find an employer or program sponsor and apply directly. Apprenticeship.com recommends finding an opportunity via the site’s Apprenticeship Job Finder and applying directly with the employer or the program sponsor.
As far as the length of the program after you’ve been accepted, the U.S. Bureau of Labor and Statistics notes that an apprenticeship normally lasts about four years. However, programs may take anywhere from 12 months up to six years to complete. This, of course, depends on the employer or occupation.?
However long your training is, at the end of it, you will receive a nationally recognized certificate of completion as proof of your skills.
What Apprenticeship Programs To Consider?
With today’s shortage of skilled workers in the workforce, it is those who lean into this lucrative market by learning new skills and taking up those occupations that are in high demand who will have the advantage.?
Apprenticeship.gov reports that there are currently over 600,000 active apprentices throughout the U.S. — no doubt in part to the variety of programs to consider.?
Just a handful of the many apprenticeship paths to explore include the following:??
The U.S. Bureau of Labor and Statistics also points to construction laborers, electrical power line installers and repairers, plumbers, pipe fitters and steamfitters as growing at faster than average rates, at 12%, 14% and 16% respectively.?
The programs to consider on this career path include over 150,000 employers in more than 1,000 occupations (per Apprenticeship.gov). By exploring a career via an apprenticeship, you are not only developing specific skills for today's economy, but you are simultaneously securing your future and income. The network you build in addition to the hands-on training and knowledge gained through an apprenticeship program will help you kick-start your career with confidence.??
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What Is an Apprenticeship??