All About Apprenticeships

What is an apprenticeship?

An apprenticeship is like a job where you learn and earn money at the same time. You get hands-on training at work and also take classes related to your job, all under the guidance of an experienced professional.

When you finish an apprenticeship, you earn a certificate that is recognized across the country, showing that you're skilled in your field.

Starting an apprenticeship is a lot like applying for a job. You need to choose a program you’re interested in, apply, go through an interview, and be accepted. There are also special programs that help you get ready for an apprenticeship. Apprenticeships are usually only offered in the trades field.

 

What do you need to be an apprentices? 

  • Anyone can be an apprentice. In general, apprentices must:
  • Be able to perform the work, with or without reasonable accommodation.
  • Have the knowledge, skills, and abilities needed to learn the job.
  • Provide proof of age, high school diploma or equivalency (GED), honorable military discharge, etc., to meet program requirements.
  • Above a letter grade C in most high school math classes
  • Resume and interview

 

Benefits of an apprenticeship

Apprenticeship combines classroom studies with on-the-job training supervised by a trade professional. Much like a college education, it can take a few years to graduate. But unlike college, as an apprentice you’ll earn while you learn. Once you’ve mastered the occupation, you’ll earn the same wages as a professional.

Apprentices enrolled in a registered apprenticeship program:

  • Start earning right away.
  • Learn business and job skills for leadership and management opportunities.
  • Have no student loans to pay off when they graduate, and have a jump start in their career.

 

Where can you find apprenticeships?

Typically, employers, employer associations, and labor unions sponsor apprenticeship programs. To find a program you are interested in, use the Apprenticeship Registration Tracking System (ARTS) Links to an external site.. This database lists all registered apprenticeship programs available in Washington, and the requirements for each program. You should contact the program directly to see if they are accepting new apprentices.

Note: Be cautious. If a company hires you informally as an “apprentice,” and the apprenticeship is not officially registered with the state or federal government, you will not receive the benefits of a registered apprenticeship, including working as a journey-level professional.