Become an Apprentice

Apprenticeships are jobs. You must apply directly to the employer or sponsor for acceptance into an apprenticeship.

Apprenticeship offers a path into technology, construction, healthcare, manufacturing and other industries for high potential candidates who need specific technical knowledge and experience required to access these careers. In some instances, apprenticeship is the only path to an occupational license.

What does it take to succeed as an apprentice?

Know the occupation

Apprenticeship is a 1-5 year commitment to prepare you for a specific occupation. Explore the career before making that commitment. Talk to people in this job, research the occupation online and make sure it is a good fit for you.

Know yourself

Apprenticeship is for people who:

Are ready to take on the responsibilities of a job
Like to learn by doing
Want their education to be relevant
Want or need to be financially self-supporting
Do not want to take on college debt
Are motivated to build mastery in their chosen career

Understand the apprenticeship program

Apprenticeship programs have core components, but every apprenticeship program will be different based on the occupation. Each Registered Apprenticeship program has Standards that outline the program and the sponsor (employer) is required to provide these to apprentices. There is also an Apprenticeship Agreement you will be asked to sign to become an apprentice. These documents will tell you:

What you will learn on the job
What related education is required and who will pay for it
When and where courses are offered
Is instruction paid or unpaid
How many hours of paid work can be expected in the first year
What is the wage progression schedule and how will progress be evaluated
How much college credit will be earned for the apprenticeship and is there a path to completing a college degree

Meet with a job coach to explore support

Applicants may be eligible for workforce development dollars for training, required tools and gear, or GI Education Benefits. To learn more about meeting with a job coach, visit our Career Centers page.

Stay on top of documentation

Once you are on the job, learn about how On-the-Job Learning and Education will be documented and be diligent about keeping records of your work hours and courses completed. It will be your job to provide transcripts for your completed education to your sponsor unless your sponsor is providing education in-house.

Find Apprenticeship Programs