Students - FAQs about apprenticeship

Why should I consider an apprenticeship instead of going to college full-time?

• An apprenticeship often serves as entry to a long-lasting career.

• Apprentices gain valuable skills and knowledge, which makes them more marketable in the future.

• Apprentices learn a trade, earn a good wage early in their career, often have less debt and have a strong sense of job security.

How do I prepare for an apprenticeship?

If you are a student, your teachers or counselors will be able to help you select courses to prepare for apprenticeship. With them, you can plan your schoolwork to get the basic skills -- mathematics, reading comprehension and knowledge of basic science -- to be successful as an apprentice.

If you are employed and seeking advancement, are unemployed or are a dislocated worker, a visit to a Workforce Center in your area can assist  in the search for a high-skill, high-wage occupation. Apprenticeship training requires a commitment by both the employer and the apprentice. The employer commits to providing the work experience and the wages for learning the occupation; the apprentice commits to learning the occupation and becoming a valued employee who contributes to the overall strength of the company.

Completing an apprenticeship can be as financially and personally rewarding as completing a four-year degree program.

Things to consider

• Study many occupations before choosing one.

• Talk to your school or vocational counselor, or the Workforce Center staff about your interests and abilities.

• Talk to relatives, teachers, friends and union representatives regarding the various apprenticeable occupations.

• Plan school courses according to your occupational interests.

• Look for part-time and summer employment in a field in which you are interested to test your occupational abilities.

Questions?

Contact us at dli.apprenticeship@state.mn.us.