Are you a high school student, who wishes to explore apprenticeship opportunities? Then, contact your high school counselor and/or work-based learning coordinator. These individuals have the information about the various occupations that are apprenticeable. There are over 800 trades, arts, occupations, professions, etc. that fit under the apprenticeship training model.

Once you determine an occupation of interest, you need to find a job with a registered apprenticeship program sponsor. This may be a company with an existing program or a new company willing to register their program. All registered apprenticeship sponsors can be found online by visiting here. This listing of registered program sponsors does not signify they are taking applications for apprenticeship or employment. Program sponsors determine individually when they will take applications. It’s a place to start!

Get A Plan
High school students must complete a plan for graduation while working as an apprentice. This plan is done in conjunction with your high school counselor. Remember, you must be on track to graduate to participate.

Any high school aged apprentice must be registered in a registered apprenticeship program. As part of your registered program, you must abide by the rules and training plan as outlined in the apprenticeship standards for your particular apprenticeable occupation. Your training plan outlines what you will learn on-the-job as well as the related instruction associated with the occupation.

Your high school counselor/work-based learning coordinator monitors your training and coursework while in high school.

How Long Does It Take To Complete A Registered Apprenticeship Program?
To earn your certificate and achieve full-fledged journeyman status normally requires the following:

• Approximately two to four years of work and school training, a portion of which can be completed in high school. This depends on the occupation. A full-time apprentice can expect related classroom instruction that lasts one hundred eighty (180) hours per year. While, on-the-job training comprises two thousand (2000) hours per year.

What If I Change My Mind?
An apprenticeship program is a strong commitment on your part. If you should find that you have chosen the wrong career direction, a six-month probationary period (or 1000 hours) of training exists for both the employer and the student.

I’m Out Of High School, So Now What?
After high school graduation, you will continue to work for the apprenticeship program sponsor (your employer) to complete your program.

Upon completion of the apprenticeship standards, you will receive a US Department of Labor Certificate of Competency. This certificate is recognized throughout the US and in many parts of the world.