Apprenticeships

A Registered Apprenticeship is a real, paid job from day one, with a mentor, on-the-job learning plus classroom training, guaranteed raises as your skills grow, and a nationally recognized credential at the end. They cover more than 1,000 occupations, from electricians to health care and cybersecurity. Search the free Apprenticeship Job Finder and apply directly to the employer or sponsor; never pay a fee to apply.

What to know

1. Know what you're getting. Registered Apprenticeship means paid work from your first day, on-the-job learning and job-related classroom training, a mentor, progressive wage increases and a portable, nationally recognized credential.
2. Think beyond construction. Apprenticeships span more than 1,000 occupations, including health care, cybersecurity, information technology and energy.
3. Search openings with the Apprenticeship Job Finder by field and location.
4. Apply directly with the employer or program sponsor, and send your questions about a specific opportunity to them.
5. Ask before you commit. Program length varies by employer, occupation, industry and type of program, so ask how long it is. Also ask: Is it a Registered Apprenticeship? What's the starting wage and when do raises happen? Who pays for classes and tools?
6. Check the pay at the end. Compare what fully trained workers earn in the Occupational Outlook Handbook or CareerOneStop's Salary Finder, which shows wages by job and location.
7. Get free help. Nearly 2,300 American Job Centers help people search for jobs and find training, and they can help you land an apprenticeship. Find yours with the American Job Center Finder.