What Is an Apprenticeship?

Job seekers and folks who want to go into the trades have probably come across postings for apprentices. Whether these postings come from private contractors, unions or government agencies, they’re a practical way for people to enter the trades or a professional career while also making some money.

But what is an apprenticeship, and how does it work? This guide will explain it all.

What is an Apprenticeship?

An apprenticeship is a career path program to learn a new trade. Apprentices typically start fresh out of high school, college or trade school, though there aren’t typically any maximum age requirements. They spend four years in this program, learning the ropes of the job while getting paid.

During this time, the apprentice will work under the supervision of one or several experienced tradespeople or professionals, typically known as journeymen in their respective fields. Journeymen have finished their apprenticeships and are certified to teach.

Apprentices are typically required to obtain a certain amount of classroom education. They often receive college credits for these courses while learning the codes, practices, practical mathematics and helpful skills that prepare them for the trade.

Pay for apprenticeships is typically a percentage of a journeyman’s pay — 50 to 60 percent to start — and increases after each year.

What Comes After Apprenticeship?

After completing apprentice training, candidates test for a journeyman’s license if required in that field. If the apprentice passes, he or she becomes a journeyman and makes full beginning journeyman pay.

After they’ve met certain requirements, journeymen can then test for their master’s license. This is a clear path from entry-level to mid-level to upper-level employment.

Types of Apprenticeships

There are lots of different types. Apprenticeship programs are often run by unions, ensuring a steady workforce of skilled tradespeople.

The following are the trades with the most common and traditional apprenticeships:

• Electrical;
• Plumbing;
• Ironworker;
• Pipe fitter;
• Boilermaker;
• Carpenter;
• Masonry;
• Elevator mechanic;
• Mechanic.

Apprenticeships aren’t limited to the trades. Many professional fields like engineering, accounting, healthcare, animal care and more run similar programs.

Is an Apprenticeship Different from Trade School?

Yes. And it involves money.

In a trade school, the student pays to attend classes and learns the basics of the trade in a controlled environment. In an apprenticeship, the student is paid while learning from working pros. It’s also worth noting trade school graduates still must complete an apprenticeship program to test for their license.

An apprentice might start out running for tools, coffee, materials and other items. But within a short period of time, they’ll begin learning the basics of the trade. By the end of the apprenticeship, they’ll know enough to work on their own under less supervision.

In some cases, graduating from a trade school may qualify a student to skip their first year of apprenticeship. That way, the apprentice can make more money and test for their professional license sooner.

Benefits of Apprenticeships

While there are many, here are some of the most important.

Apprentices get paid

As mentioned before, apprentices get paid to learn their trades, while interns and trade school students do not. This is the overwhelming benefit of going the apprentice route.

Apprentices learn from journeymen in the field

While most trade school instructors are qualified tradespeople, they may not be up to date on the latest codes, techniques and tools. On the other hand, journeymen are actively using their skills and knowledge on the job in the real world.

Apprenticeship training is typically thorough

Apprentices are big investments for employers and unions, so they want to ensure their entry-level employees are well-trained. They typically assign them to respected journeymen and send them to college-level classes, resulting in a better-trained tradesperson.

Apprentices obtain college credits

The classroom courses apprentices must attend are often eligible for college credits. Apprentices usually pay for them through an accredited university, but their hours and classes aren’t just applied to their apprenticeship requirements.

A clear career path

Apprentices know what’s ahead of them. Unlike other professions where entry-level employees aren’t guaranteed to move up, apprenticeships provide a road map to an assured destination — a career in the trades.