So You Want to Be an Apprentice?

It’s no secret that the talent shortage means an abundance of construction jobs are available for candidates in the field. This is good news for you as a jobseeker but how do you know you’re getting the best deal possible? The truth might be hard to see through the forest of shiny offers, but taking an apprenticeship will provide long-term gains that will set you up for a more successful future as a professional. When people hear about apprenticeships, their minds immediately jump to construction or manufacturing, but apprenticeships aren’t exclusively for the trades industry. Dental assistants, pharmacy technicians, nurses and information technologists can also complete apprenticeships to prepare for their futures. If you’re a recent high school or college grad looking for a career opportunity that will help you develop, an apprenticeship might be for you.

One of the major benefits of an apprenticeship is that you have the ability to learn and earn a living at the same time in a hands-on environment that allows you to prove yourself amongst seasoned professionals. Those professionals provide a solid network of mentors for you and can open doors as your career progresses. When you accept an apprenticeship, many costs that you may have had to absorb yourself are absorbed by the company. These could include the costs associated with licenses, optional courses and more.

By opting for an apprenticeship that is registered with the Department of Labor, you gain valuable industry credentials and are more likely to get full-time offers from both your company and others in the area, as the certificate of completion is nationally recognized. You also have the potential to earn more than industry professionals who have not completed an apprenticeship, often by as much as $300,000 over your career. The valuable skills you learn during your apprenticeship put you in the driver’s seat for future job hunting, especially given the current skills shortage. Get that certificate of completion and watch the job offers roll in.

Some people don’t know where these apprenticeships are hiding, as they may not be posted on traditional job boards. If you’re in community college, look at their job boards or ask an advisor if they know where to look. There may also be specific apprenticeships for women or minority groups, but you might not find them if you don’t ask. Some apprenticeships may also require you to be a part of a trade union to apply, so that may be a consideration. All the fine print aside, the good news is that many companies start taking apprentices who are 18 years old but may take apprentices who are as young as 16 if the environment isn’t considered high-risk, so you could potentially start right away.

While apprenticeships may not have the same ring as a title for an entry-level position, they definitely have their perks and can set you up for a successful career moving forward. Contact a local company today and ask what’s available for young aspiring talent in your field.

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