Apprenticeships
What is an apprenticeship?
An apprenticeship combines on-the-job training with related classroom instruction, all under the supervision of a journey-level professional. Apprentices get paid while they learn and develop knowledge, skills, and abilities in a new career field.
After completing a registered apprenticeship program, apprentices receive a professional credential that is recognized nationwide.
Apprenticeship is one of the best ways to get the experience and training you need to start your career. Often, starting an apprenticeship is similar to getting a job. You have to decide on a program you’re interested in, apply for the apprenticeship, interview with the program staff, and be accepted into the program. There are also recognized Apprenticeship Preparation Program with defined pathways to a registered apprenticeship.
Who can be an apprentice?
An apprenticeship combines on-the-job training with related classroom instruction, all under the supervision of a journey-level professional. Apprentices get paid while they learn and develop knowledge, skills, and abilities in a new career field.
After completing a registered apprenticeship program, apprentices receive a professional credential that is recognized nationwide.
Apprenticeship is one of the best ways to get the experience and training you need to start your career. Often, starting an apprenticeship is similar to getting a job. You have to decide on a program you’re interested in, apply for the apprenticeship, interview with the program staff, and be accepted into the program. There are also recognized Apprenticeship Preparation Program with defined pathways to a registered apprenticeship.
Who can be an apprentice?
- Anyone can be an apprentice. In general, apprentices must:
- Be at least 16 years or older, or in the case of hazardous occupations, 17 years or older.
- 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.
Who offers apprenticeship programs?
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). 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.
Benefits of 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:
What careers offer apprenticeships?
Registered apprenticeships are available in hundreds of occupations in many different fields of work. Some apprenticeships are in traditional trades, such as plumbers and ironworkers, but many are offered in less traditional areas, including high-tech and the medical sector.
Aerospace
Medical
Other Trades
Software & Technology
Construction Trades
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). 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.
Benefits of 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.
What careers offer apprenticeships?
Registered apprenticeships are available in hundreds of occupations in many different fields of work. Some apprenticeships are in traditional trades, such as plumbers and ironworkers, but many are offered in less traditional areas, including high-tech and the medical sector.
Aerospace
- Composite Manufacturing
- Machinist
- Model Maker
- Aircraft Airframe Mechanic
- Precision Metal Fabricator
Medical
- Dental Assistant
- Dispensing Optician
- Behavioral Health Coordinator
- Medical Assistant
- Mental Health Professional
- Peer Counselor
- School Health Technician
Other Trades
- Automotive Service Technician
- Cosmetology
- Culinary Workers
- Butcher / Meat Cutter
- Esthetician
- Firefighter
- Manufacturing Technician
Software & Technology
- Cloud Operations Specialist
- Electronic Systems Technician
- It Business Analyst
- It Support Professional
- Network Operations Developer
- Network Security Administrator
- Software Developer
- Systems Administrator
- Web Developer
Construction Trades
- Bricklayer
- Carpenter
- Cement Mason
- Electrician
- Elevator Mechanic
- Heating & Cooling Technician
- Laborer
- Ironworker
- Painter and Decorator
- Plumber
- Powerline Worker
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.
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
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.
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
Apprenticeship.gov