Non-traditional apprenticeships provide hands-on training and practical experience in various career fields. Many apprentices find full-time employment with their sponsor upon completing the program.
But is this really what is best for you?
What You’ll Learn
Experience is one of the best ways to learn, and an apprenticeship offers this invaluable experience. Most apprentices attend college one day per week while simultaneously working in their field during other days of the week.
Employees typically earn competitive wages (typically starting at $15.00 an hour), with opportunities for advancement based on performance and knowledge. Some may even earn an associate or bachelor's degree through this program.
Apprenticeship programs offer an ideal option for individuals who know exactly which field they wish to enter but lack the qualifications or don't wish to incur student debt to do so. Apprenticeship programs may last from six years up and provide industry certification as well as college credit that could count toward an associate or bachelor's degree degree program.
How You’ll Learn
Apprenticeships provide an affordable path to high-demand careers without incurring crippling student loan debt. By combining classroom instruction, on-the-job training and a paid salary into one package, apprenticeships provide participants with a way to begin earning from day one and avoid crippling student loan debt.
Apprentices benefit greatly from engaging with peers and industry professionals and learning from mentorship and guidance along their journey as apprentices. Apprenticeship can also equip apprentices for future demands of careers and help build a network that will remain beneficial to them throughout their lives.
Understanding the skills and credentials required of their chosen occupation is the cornerstone of choosing an apprenticeship program, while using a mapping tool students can explore available programs in their region. Employers also play a vital role in shaping apprentice-to-graduate transition, as evidenced by supporting or creating progression opportunities post-DA, which underscores why K-12, postsecondary, and workforce systems must promote these nondegree pathways more widely.
Where You’ll Learn
Non-traditional apprenticeship programs offer individuals with varied interests and learning styles an alternative path to college degrees. If you want to learn how to code, work on cars, or build websites there may be an apprenticeship program out there that can teach the skills needed.
Apprenticeship programs often provide on-the-job training that is specific to the profession you intend to enter, so you will be well prepared for your chosen path. Many also feature a progressive wage scale which increases with experience and skill acquisition.
apprenticeship programs often take place within companies in which participants already work, offering participants the chance to explore a particular industry without breaking in as an employee. Employers running apprenticeships play a pivotal role at this point by outlining clear career progression plans for apprentices and ensuring a smooth transition from their apprenticeship into full-time employment.
How You’ll Earn
Contrary to popular belief, apprenticeship programs provide more than just a paycheck. You will gain hands-on training, related technical instruction and formal education all simultaneously. Apprenticeship opportunities exist in industries as diverse as health & beauty, hair dressing, manufacturing IT engineering.
Most apprenticeship programs are sponsored by either an individual employer or business-union partnership, who work with either the Department of Labor or their state's apprenticeship agency to register their program with them.
ODEP promotes inclusive apprenticeship programs by shaping policy environments and offering effective practices. Through these resources, youth, educators, and service providers become acquainted with all that apprenticeship offers them.
