Registered Utah Apprenticeship

Myth Busters

Myth:	Apprenticeship programs are only for students over 18-years old.
Busted:	In Utah, there is a special program operating with the approval of the US Department of Labor's Bureau of Apprenticeship and Training where we offer apprenticeships to high school students age 16-years and older.
Myth:	Apprenticeship programs are available only in the building trades.
Busted:	Apprenticeship is not only for the building trades. There are over 800 other trades, arts, occupations, professions, etc. that fit under this training model. New and emerging apprenticeships can be found in the health care and aerospace industries.
Myth:	Apprenticeship programs take you off track for high school graduation.
Busted:	The SEOP is a vital part to a successful high school apprenticeship experience. With your parents and counselor, you develop a plan for graduation. You are able to graduate and get a head start on your career.
Myth:	Apprenticeship programs are only for those not succeeding in regular high school programs.
Busted:	Apprenticeship programs are not a dumping ground for high school students who cannot make it in college. As an apprentice, you will work with your hands and brain. You will use skills such as math and English in a contextual manner. The apprenticeship training model allows for you to achieve personal and financial success in a career suited to your interests and abilities.
Myth:	You cannot change your mind once you start an apprenticeship program.
Busted:	An apprenticeship program requires strong commitment your part. If you 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 you, the apprentice.
Myth:	Apprenticeship programs are available in only urban areas of the state.
Busted:	Apprenticeship opportunities are available throughout the state. A wide range of occupations are available, from financial teller to automotive technician specialist to air transport pilot. Not all programs are available in every part of the state. The array of available apprenticeable occupations depends on local industry needs.
Myth:	Apprenticeship programs lack direction and clearly defined standards.
Busted:	As a high school student, you must be in a registered apprenticeship program. Federal Registration Standards are a set of papers required by the US Department of Labor to establish a registered apprenticeship. You earn nationally recognized work credentials when you complete your apprenticeship training program.
Myth:	Apprenticeship programs exploit cheap high school student labor.
Busted:	Apprentices are not a source of cheap labor. Apprentices actually earn a wage while they train. They usually begin at half the salary of journeymen and receive pay increases as they learn to perform more complex tasks. It is expected that companies who train apprentices will keep them as permanent workers.
Myth:	Apprenticeship programs lead to a dead-end job.
Busted:	You can get a head start on a path to a successful career with improved job security, long-term commitment by the employer sponsor, a broader based for advancement and full-time employment. Apprentice graduates are more likely to become supervisors and less likely to experience unemployment than non-apprenticed workers. Apprentices gain work credentials that are recognized throughout the nation and world upon completion of their program.
Myth:	Apprenticeship programs are for those high school students not going to college.
Busted:	Apprenticeship in the 21st century requires related instruction as well as on-the-job training. Many apprenticeable occupations require at least an associate’s degree, while some professions require a bachelor’s degree. Many professions require extensive math skills, i.e. electronics, electricians, computer repair technicians, etc. The difference is you immediately get to put academic theory into practice. Skills are used in context. Learning makes more sense.
Myth:	Apprenticeship programs are not monitored by school personnel.
Busted:	School personnel monitor your required related instruction and on-the-job training while you are still in high school.