How To Find An Apprenticeship

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An apprenticeship is occupational skill training that combines on-the-job experience with classroom instruction. The goal is to develop successful talent for jobs in high paying competitive industries.

We've all seen old movies where an apprentice is little more than an indentured slave. Working for free or for housing or for a barely livable wage, but trust me, those days are gone.

Now, as an apprentice, you may start out at half the salary of the journeyman who is training you, but your wages increase as you progress through the program and when you have completed your designated apprenticeship and are certified, you are guaranteed the full salary of your peers.

The first and foremost advantage is that you get your "foot in the door" on a career path for which you wouldn't normally qualify. How often have you thought - I know I could do the job, but I don't have the educational requirements to apply - and I can't take time off of work to go to school - I have a family to support.

With an apprenticeship, that dilemma is solved. You can get on the job training or paid training towards your certification goals.

Another advantage is that some programs have dual accreditation which can earn you an Associates Degree. while you are earning a good living.

Apprenticeships offer progressive wage increases up to 90% of a journeyman's salary in your career and upon completion you get a nationally recognized certificate that qualifies you to work at a journeyman level - anywhere in the country.

Another amazing advantage is that a college degree is not required - in fact - there are some apprenticeships in which the only requirement is that you are 16 years old or older.

How about that? Are you becoming more interested, now?

Not all apprenticeships are easy. You many have to work all day and then take classes in the evenings or on weekends.

Your education is limited by the apprenticeship contract - if you want a more rounded education, you might be better suited to the college classroom.

Unfortunately, not all occupations offer apprenticeships, so your career path might have to take a different route.

The perceived value of an employee and therefore the ability to promote may be less than for those taking the college route.

Here is a very short list showing you the variety of careers with recognized apprenticeship programs - remember there are at least 850 of these:

Actor
Baker
Floral Designer
Photographer
Funeral director
Post office clerk
Bricklayer
Carpenter
Electrician
Elevator Repairer
Hazardous wast technician
Marble setter
Painter
Stonemason
Sound technician
Hydraulic press servicer
Aircraft mechanic, plumbing
Piano tuner
Brake repairer
Oil filed equipment mechanic
Locksmith
Rigger
Glass Blower
Optical Instrument assembler
Artificial glass eye maker
Dental ceramist
Automobile tester
Diamond selector
Gem cutter
Pewter caster
Blacksmith
Die finisher
Pattern maker, plastics
Jig builder
Bindery worker
Film technician
Bootmaker
Stencil cutter
Drafter
Electrostatic powder coating technician
Horticulturist
Radiographer
Wind tunnel mechanic
Tree surgeon
Wine Maker
Fire inspector
Paramedic
Animal Trainer
Youth Development practitioner
Truck Driver
Fish Hatchery worker

Glad you asked!

Just follow this link to a new book called The Apprentice Handbook A guide to finding and securing high paying on the job training opportunities.

Get more information on work, education, and relationships during this recession at Recession Proof Your Life