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Apprenticeship ​Career planning

Apprenticeships

An apprenticeship is an arrangement in which you get hands-on training, technical instruction, and a paycheck—all at the same time. Apprentices work for a sponsor, such as an individual employer or a business-union partnership, who pays their wages and provides the training.
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Formal apprenticeship programs usually last about 4 years, depending on the employer or occupation, although they may take as little as 12 months or as many as 6 years. Many of these programs are registered with the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL). At the end of a registered apprenticeship program, apprentices get a nationally recognized certificate of completion as proof of their skills.
What is Apprenticeship
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, nationally-recognized credential.
5 career areas that offer many apprenticeship opportunities in Washington State:
Health Care: Are you a people person? Would you like a career caring for other people? You can learn to be an optician, a physical therapy aide, or pursue many other opportunities in health-related careers.
Manufacturing : Do you like to work with your hands? Would you like to learn how to use the latest computer technology to work with wood, metal, or electronics? There are apprenticeships available for machinists, shop electricians, and many other manufacturing careers.
Food Preparation and Serving: Do you love good food? Would you like a career preparing or serving food? Apprenticeships in the culinary arts field give you many opportunities to learn to be a top-notch cook or server.
Public Safety: Do you want to protect others and keep our homeland safe? There are many apprenticeship opportunities in public safety, including firefighter, fire medic, and police officer.
Construction and Building Trades: Have you always wanted to build things? Would you like a career in the construction industry? You can apprentice to learn to be a plumber, pipe-fitter, carpenter, electrician, or many other careers.

To learn more about Washington state apprenticeship programs designed for high school students, please visit http://www.exploreapprenticeship.wa.gov/

Click here to learn about the Tacoma Water Apprenticeship Training Program through the City of Tacoma.


Internships

Internship Opportunities
The idea of pursuing an internship probably does not cross most high school students’ minds, which is an excellent reason to pursue one. Work experience at a respected company or organization, especially if it is related to a field you might pursue in college, will only strengthen your college applications. It is a great way to stand out from the crowd.

Secondly, an internship will allow you to explore potential careers and courses of study for college. You might confirm that newspaper journalism is the career of your dreams, or find out that software programming is not exactly how you had imagined it. You may also discover other fields and positions you had not considered before.

Finally, an internship can help you understand how a professional organization operates. Within that organization, you will gain access to valuable contacts who may lead you to other opportunities as you progress through school.

Some organizations like Microsoft, the Museum of Modern Art and the Smithsonian have formal internship programs designed for high school students. Typically, these programs are limited to students in the region. Research companies in the industry that interests you and check their web sites for opportunities.
Internships are not just available with large corporations in urban areas either. Often local newspapers, museums and other businesses will offer internship opportunities. Start asking around at local business associations to see what is available in your community.
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Do not give up if these companies do not formally list an internship program for high school students. Try to identify a human resources representative or department manager you can send an email or letter to. Ask your parents, your friends’ parents, your relatives and anyone else who might be willing to help you if they are aware of any opportunities. Contact professional organizations in your area of interest.
Companies with formal internship programs generally have specific procedures outlined on their web sites. If you are trying to create your own opportunity, create a one-page resume that outlines your skills, education and interests along with a cover letter that explains your interest in their organization. 

​Internship Opportunities
  • AJAC (206) 764-7940
  • JATC Ironworkers #14 Union Hall (509) 374-0460
  • JATC LU112-NECA Electrical  783-0589
  • West Coast Training Heavy Equipment Operator, NCCCO Mobil Crane & Commercial Driver Training, Woodland, WA 1-800-755-5477
  • Pacific Northwest JATC #14 (509) 547-8340
  • Teamsters/AGC Truck Driver Training 1-888-600-8297

Helpful Tools: Other Websites

U.S. Department of Labor: Apprenticeship Information
Apprenticeship.gov
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Purpose: Bethel Virtual Academy counselor assume no responsibility for how you use any information, services, products or documents provided through this site. Nothing contained on the site shall constitute professional advice for medical or mental health diagnosis or treatment.  None of the information available on this site shall be construed as an endorsement, guarantee, representation or warranty with respect to any medical or mental health practitioner or medical or mental health treatment. Use of the site is at your own risk.
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Adapted from Rock County School Counselors Disclaimer Statements
  • Home
  • About Us
    • ASCA National Model
    • School Counseling Profession
    • Mission, Vision & Belief Statements
    • Staff & Appointments
  • Technology Help
  • Academic
    • New Student Information
    • High School Planning
    • Virtual Learning
    • Academic Skills
    • Academic Tutoring
    • Transcripts & Fines
    • Credit Retrieval & Graduation Options
    • Graduation Requirements
    • Senior Class of 2023
    • Running Start
    • Pierce County Skills Center
  • College & Career
    • BVA Advisory
    • Financial Aid
    • Scholarships
    • Entrance Assessments
    • College Planning >
      • Postsecondary Options
      • First Steps
      • School Selection
      • Campus Visits
      • Application Process
      • Final Steps
    • Military Planning
    • Apprenticeship Planning
    • Teen Employment
  • Social/Emotional
    • Social/Emotional Learning
    • Teen Self-Help Workbooks
    • COVID 19
    • Anxiety
    • Depression
    • Suicide Prevention
    • Smartphone Apps
    • Hotlines, Textlines & Resources
  • Wellness
    • Virtual Calming Room >
      • Sounds & Music
      • Video
      • Live Animal Cameras
      • Mindfulness
      • Guided Meditations
      • Progressive Muscle Relaxation
      • Deep Breathing
      • Yoga & Stretching
      • Art & Creativity
      • Puzzles & Games
      • Journaling
      • Humor
      • Virtual Tours
      • Virtual Rides
      • Motivational & Inspirational
    • Sleep
    • Nutrition
    • Exercise
    • Grit & Growth Mindset