Why Should I Consider an Apprenticeship?

Have you heard a lot about apprenticeships lately? Many people are exploring them as a path to financial independence through employment. But do you know what they are and what types of jobs may be available to you?

Learn as you earn

Millions of jobs today go unfilled because employers can't find workers with the right skills. Automation or technical innovation alone can't overcome these challenges. American workers need to upgrade their skills and America’s businesses are offering programs to help train jobseekers who are ready to learn.

Apprenticeships combine paid on-the-job training with classroom instruction to prepare workers for highly-skilled careers. Workers benefit from apprenticeships by receiving a skills-based education that prepares them for good-paying jobs. Employers benefit by being able to recruit, build and retain a highly-skilled workforce.

According to the U.S. Department of Labor, apprenticeships can help you:

1. Jump start your career and ease the transition from school to employment
2. Get academic credit towards a college degree for the skills you learn while avoiding student debt
3. Connect with mentor(s) in your chosen industry who can help you advance your career
4. Receive an industry-recognized and nationally-portable credential
5. Gain workplace skills in the field of your choice through on-the-job learning

What types of jobs offer apprenticeship programs?

Lots of them! Apprenticeship is a flexible training model that are customizable to meet the needs of businesses across multiple industries. Some industries with apprenticeship programs include:

Figure 1 Source: https://www.apprenticeship.gov/sites/default/files/Apprenticeship_101_Factsheet.pdf

When this blog post was written, some of the popular apprenticeship opportunities on Apprenticeship.gov's Apprenticeship Finder included a computer technician, an automotive technician, a building engineer and an electrical apprenticeship.

You can use the Apprenticeship Finder to apply directly for apprenticeships with the employer or the organization that runs the program. 94% of apprentices who complete an apprenticeship retain employment, with an average annual salary of $70,000. ^[1]

Learn more

Thank you to apprenticeship.gov for much of the information provided in this blog post! We encourage you to visit them to learn more.

About Ticket to Work

Social Security's Ticket to Work (Ticket) program supports career development for people ages 18 through 64 who receive Social Security disability benefits (SSDI/SSI) and want to work. Through this free and voluntary program, eligible participants can work with service providers to receive the supports and services they need to find and maintain employment as they move toward financial independence through work.

^[1] https://www.apprenticeship.gov/become-apprentice