What You Need To Know About Apprenticeships

With the ever-changing job market, people are looking for innovative, alternative ways to get training and build skills they can use to get a good job in a growing industry. A great way to do this is by joining an apprenticeship program, which includes both on-the-job training and classroom training. This allows you to earn money and learn new skills that will help you land a great job.

Want to know more or are interested in an apprenticeship? Here's what you need to know:

• What is an Apprenticeship?
• What are the benefits of being in an Apprenticeship program?
• How to find the right Apprenticeship program for you
• How to get into an Apprenticeship program and next steps

What is an Apprenticeship?

Apprenticeship programs come in many forms and are in nearly every occupation. The state and federal government work to expand apprenticeships.

Apprenticeships are learn-while-you-earn training programs. They teach you hands-on skills by combining classroom work and job training to get you working right away. In an apprenticeship program you are considered to have a job, so you will be scheduled and paid while you are in one.

Upon completion of a Registered Apprenticeship program, apprentices receive a national credential from the U.S. Department of Labor that is transferrable from state to state. Additionally, many apprentices have the opportunity to earn college credit or even associate's and/or bachelor's degrees during their program or as a continuation after finishing their program.

What are the benefits of being in an Apprenticeship program?

There are many benefits to being in an Apprenticeship program such as:

Earning a paycheck while you are learning important job skills

• While in a training program, you will also be working and earning a paycheck. As the training and program progresses, and as your skills and experience improve, you will begin to earn more money – all while you are in your future work environment. You may even receive college credit or a degree, depending on the program.

Receiving mentoring from professionals within the industry

• You will have the benefit of being around coworkers and employees who have many years of experience. This opens the door to finding mentors that can help you along the way during your time in an apprenticeship program.

How to find the right Apprenticeship program for you

Before you start searching for an apprenticeship program, you should consider the industry you want to work in because the number of openings may depend on this. Consider why you want to work in that industry. Then, do some research about it. Once you are set on an industry, start looking for information about programs that are offered.

Networking can also be a way to learn more about apprenticeships. Remember, if you have any big questions about a company that you can't find online, an informational interview can be a good way to get that info. Also, networking events like job fairs give you a chance to talk with people from companies you might be interested in. To read more about networking, check out our Networking articles.

How to get into an Apprenticeship program and next steps

The next thing you will want to do is to see which companies are offering apprenticeships in Illinois. Here are a few different search tools:

• Use the Department of Labor's Apprenticeship.gov search tool to find apprenticeship programs in Illinois.
• Finally, the Department of Labor's Apprenticeship page offers advice on funding, finding an apprenticeship and more.

You may even be able to find opportunities through special programs. For example, many community colleges in Illinois offer apprenticeship training programs.

Apprenticeships continue to grow in popularity among people seeking training for growing jobs. In order to standout in the competitive process be sure to take the right steps to be prepared:

• Research the apprenticeship, 
• Find out the program expectations, 
• Find out the length of training, 
• Find out if there are any benefits, 
• Find out how much it costs, and 
• Learn what the outcomes are.
  

Once you have done the research, make sure you meet the acceptance requirements and apply before the deadline.

These positions are competitive. Apprentices are often chosen by selection committees made up of senior employees. You'll have a better chance at landing one if you know what the committee is looking for. Here are some questions they may ask:

• Why do you want to work in the trade? Have you ever applied to this trade or any others?
• What do you know about the trade?  (Hint: Do your homework! Learn about the work environment, tools and equipment, and pay scale. Learn about other trades too, so you can describe why you chose this one.)
• What do you know about the apprentice program?  (Know how long it is, what the qualifications are, and how you will meet them.)
• What kind of work experience do you have?  (Your answer can be related to this or other work as long as you can speak about it positively and provide references.)

Also, be prepared to talk about your personal interests, any other education you may have, and your feelings about the training and work environment. Good luck! An apprenticeship can be a rewarding and direct path to the work you want to do.