For some folks, the idea of an apprentice means running around New York in an Armani suit trying to impress Donald Trump. However, out here in the real world, apprenticeships can provide valuable training and experience for anyone who is interested in working in a particular skilled labor job. Typically an apprenticeship combines some elements of classroom assignments with practical hands on work. Once you complete an apprenticeship program you can then become certified to work in that field. Apprenticeships are the perfect way to immerse yourself into the trades and kick start your career. That all sounds great; now let’s get practical.
The first thing you need to consider about entering into an apprenticeship program is exactly what field do you want to work in? When you sign up for college, you can choose to have an undeclared major and spend the first couple of semesters trying out a few courses to see what you might like to pursue. That’s perfect if you have unlimited time and financial resources. But because you are going to be devoting a lot of energy and yes, hard work, into an apprenticeship program it’s important that you start out with a particular field that holds some interest for you. This doesn’t mean you need to have a burning passion to become a plumber. But if you recognize the benefits associated with learning a skill that will always been in demand and you’re not afraid to “get dirty” then why not plumbing? Start with something that peaks your interest and build on that.
Once you have settled onto a specific field, you’ll probably want to see what type of apprenticeship programs are available close to home. There is a comprehensive database of state by state apprenticeship programs right here at mrW. Most state labor departments work together with trade unions to set up apprenticeship programs. For instance, in Washington they have a handy general guide about the five steps needed to become an apprentice. Same for Maryland, Georgia, Colorado… well, you get the general idea. And of course the federal government is also in the apprenticeship business by providing their own resources through the Department of Labor.
After you’ve immersed yourself in all the government resources (and won’t that be fun!) you can then dig a little deeper into the specific trade you want to train in. Chances are that trade is represented by a labor union and it’s a good bet each and every one of those unions has their own apprenticeship training program. This doesn’t mean they will always have openings but it’s a good place to start and make yourself known especially if you intend to someday work for that union.
As you show up for the first day of your apprenticeship program, you’re not going to be expected to know everything. In fact, you’re better off by being open to the process and training you’ll be receiving without any preconceived notions.
Here’s the good news, depending on the program you may actually be entitled to be paid while you learn. Asking questions will probably become the most important aspect of your apprenticeship program. You’ve heard it time and time again but there is no such thing as a dumb question, especially when you’re learning a trade. And yes, chances are you might screw up some things but that is really the best way to learn… as long as nobody gets hurt!
Gee, if only there was a television show you could watch where some likeable guy spends the day being an apprentice in all kinds of jobs and who asks all kinds of questions to learn about those jobs… well, then you would really know what being an apprentice was really about!
— Meyer
