What is a Registered Apprenticeship?
A registered apprenticeship is a job with structured on-the-job learning and supplemental education. Employers use registered apprenticeships to help build and grow their workforce. Job seekers who are hired into an apprenticeship obtain paid work experience, relevant related education and a portable, national credential.
Why Consider a Registered Apprenticeship?
Whether you are just starting a new career or are looking for a change, an apprenticeship can help you find a paying job while gaining hands-on experience. Apprentices earn while they learn, often reducing their need to take on debt.
Some Benefits of Apprenticeship
- A nationally recognized industry certification upon completion.
- Receive a guaranteed paycheck that increases as you advance.
- Hands-on experience with qualified mentors, working for a company invested in your long-term success.
- Average starting salaries for apprentices after completing their apprenticeship are $70K per year nationally.
Apprenticeships are not just for tradespeople.
Many companies have effectively integrated apprenticeships into their workforce development strategy. In Northern Colorado registered apprenticeships exist in healthcare, manufacturing, IT, government, personal services, as well as the trades.
How do I Find a Registered Apprenticeship?
- An apprenticeship is a type of employment, so as a career seeker, you approach searching for apprenticeships as you would other types of jobs.
- Decide what kind of job/occupation you are interested in
- Decide how far you are able/willing to travel for work
- Create a list of employers with apprenticeships for that occupation
- See what registered apprenticeships exist in Northern Colorado
- Use the Colorado Apprenticeship Directory to see additional opportunities across the state
- Use the Apprenticeship Job Finder tool on Apprenticeship.gov for opportunities across the country
- Connect with our Apprenticeship Navigator for a one-on-one consultation: Andrea Hoffman | ahoffman@larimer.org | 970-498-6664
- Look for posted/open positions - on the employer's website and/or job boards like Connecting Colorado, Indeed, Google, etc.
Apprenticeship employers are often willing to talk about their apprenticeship, so if you don’t see an opening, sometimes it is helpful to reach out and ask the best way to connect to their apprenticeship opportunities. Some good questions to ask:
- How do they hire apprentices?
- Some employers hire directly into their registered apprenticeship - Clarify if they post on their website or on any job boards.
- Some advertise the apprenticeship opportunity to current employees, so ask what entry-level positions you might apply for to have an opportunity for the registered apprenticeship in the future
- How long is their apprenticeship?
- Apprenticeships can be as short as 1 year
- Some, especially in the trades, tend to be longer - typically 3-4 years
- When does the related, supplemental education take place - during work hours or after hours?
- Who is responsible for covering the cost of the related, supplemental education?
