Apprenticeships: Learn While You Earn
Have you ever considered whether an apprenticeship could help you reach your career goals? In many fields, an apprenticeship could turn out to be a path to financial independence through employment. Today, we're talking about what they are and sharing some tips on how to find them.
What are apprenticeships?
Apprenticeships are industry-driven, high-quality career pathways by which employers can develop their future workforce, and individuals can obtain paid work experience, classroom instruction, and a portable, nationally recognized credential.
Through an apprenticeship program, you earn a salary while you're acquiring the skills and credentials that employers value. In fact, according to Apprenticeship.gov, 94% of apprentices who complete an apprenticeship program stay employed, with an average annual salary of $70,000. Learn more about the benefits of an apprenticeship for career seekers and prospective apprentices.
Join us for the next webinar!
During this month's Work Incentive Seminar Event (WISE) webinar, we'll take a closer look at apprenticeships and other paths to employment. Join us on February 24, 2021, from 3 - 4:30 p.m. ET. Register today!
How to find an apprenticeship
One way to search for an apprenticeship opportunity is to use the U.S. Department of Labor's Apprenticeship Job Finder. You can find an extensive listing of opportunities ranging from cyber security, software development and carpentry to dog grooming. You can then apply directly through the website or contact the employer or the job sponsor for more information.
Ticket Program service providers can also help you connect with apprenticeship opportunities. One type of service provider, an Employment Network (EN), is a private or public organization that provides career counseling and assistance with job placement. An EN may also be able to help you understand how work will affect your benefits. This includes ENs that are also part of a state's public workforce system (Workforce (WF) EN), also known as American Job Centers. They help businesses find qualified workers and can help you find an apprenticeship to boost your career.
How can Social Security's Ticket to Work Program help?
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.
Learn more
To learn how the Ticket Program can help you, visit choosework.ssa.gov or call the Ticket to Work Help Line at 1-866-968-7842 or 1-866-833-2967 (TTY) Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. ET. Ask a representative to send you a list of service providers or find providers on your own with the Ticket Program Find Help tool.
Receive Ticket Program Texts
If you're interested in receiving text messages from the Ticket Program, please text TICKET to 1-571-489-5292. Standard messaging rates may apply. We'll send updates from our blog, identify steps on the path to employment and more. We hope you'll find this new way to stay in touch helpful. You can opt out at any time.
