As a crucial training tool for a variety of skilled trades, apprenticeships offer a hands-on learning experience. Under the supervision of a journey-level tradesman and coupled with classroom instruction in building codes, OSHA regulations, safety issues, and technical documentation, apprentices learn the skills of their chosen trade. This on-the-job training tool prepares the apprentice for a career as a skilled craftsman, all while providing a living wage.
If your career ambitions include one of these excellent skilled trades, an apprenticeship may be just the ticket by which to achieve this goal. Top careers that utilize apprenticeships include —
- Construction
- Automotive
- Hospitality
- Energy
- Advanced manufacturing
- Healthcare
Let’s delve into the WHO, WHAT, HOW, and WHY of apprenticeships, with a first look at the what.
The WHAT:
For thousands of years, this training method has proved a valuable tool, with the Ancient Romans among the first to raise standards to ensure the quality of their trades by organizing craftsmen into groups.
From Apprenticeship.gov, this definition gets right to the heart of the matter—
“Apprenticeship is an industry-driven, high-quality career pathway where employers can develop and prepare their future workforce, and individuals can obtain paid work experience, classroom instruction, and a portable credential.”
The WHO:
Apprenticeships are ideal for workers delving into a new field, for those seeking to increase their skill level to boost their pay, and for those desiring to add worth to their job site contributions.
Both men and women who are eager, “coachable,” learners are encouraged to seek apprenticeships as a career-building option.
The WHY:
You “earn as you learn,” by earning a competitive wage from day one, avoiding the student debt that dogs many college grads for decades. Besides, college is not the best option for everyone. Many students for whom college is not a good fit for a variety of reasons, thrive in skilled labor trades.
Due to the unprecedented skilled labor shortage felt across the country, those entering these trades can expect favorable job prospects. The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects better than average employment in the building trades at least through 2026.
And now, The HOW:
Apprenticeships opportunities are sponsored by multiple sources, including employers, unions, and industry associations. Requirements vary by program, as some are time-based, others competency-based, and some programs combine the two for a hybrid approach.
Peruse these sources for opportunities that meet your interests, skillset, and career goals.
- Gov offers Apprenticeship Finder with instructions on how to apply directly with the employer or the program sponsor.
- Search by occupation and location using the Labor Department’s Apprenticeship Finder.
- Contact your state apprenticeship agency or use traditional job search engines.
Do yourself a favor and check out the rewarding, good-paying, long-term opportunities that an apprenticeship can offer.
At Gillmann Services, Inc., we specialize in skilled trades staffing. We make an art of matching your craftsmen skills and experience with premier companies. Because at Gillmann Services, we are built on the foundation of highly skilled craftsmen. Give our team of staffing experts a call today.
