Labor unions have long valued apprenticeship as their primary mechanism for training the future workforce. Today, the ability to earn while you learn is growing beyond construction trades, and many employers are embracing paid apprenticeships that combine on-the-job training with classroom learning.
Apprenticeship is a pathway to highly skilled, well-paid technical careers. And, it often includes the opportunity to earn college credits – or even a degree – paid for by employer sponsors.
Registered apprenticeship is a federal program overseen by the US Department of Labor, which identifies apprenticeable occupations and sets standards to ensure consistency and quality in on-the-job training and classroom instruction.
County vocational-technical schools support apprenticeship opportunities in two major ways:
- Pre-apprenticeship programs that prepare students for successful entry into paid apprenticeships, often with advanced standing; and
- Evening classes for adult apprentices to support and extend their on-the-job training (students must be employed as an apprentice).
Why Apprenticeships?
- Among those who complete an apprenticeship, 94% remain employed
- Average salary for those completing an apprenticeship is $70,000
- Combines classroom learning with paid, on-the-job learning; added benefits include mentors and industry-valued credentials
- Often includes opportunities to earn college credits or a degree, paid for by employer
- Opportunities to “earn as you learn” expand across advanced manufacturing, construction, cybersecurity, energy, engineering, healthcare, hospitality, information technology, financial services, and transportation, among other sectors
Some career pathways that include apprenticeship are:
Advanced manufacturing
Construction trades (plumbing, electrical, carpentry, HVAC, welding)
Energy and utilities
Finance and business
Healthcare
Hospitality
Information technology
Telecommunications
Transportation
For Adult Students:
To find apprenticeship opportunities at county vocational-technical schools near you, use the “Find Adult Career Programs” tool.
For More Information about Apprenticeships:
NJ Apprenticeship Network has more information about becoming an apprentice, and for employers considering offering an apprenticeship program; visit https://www.nj.gov/labor/career-services/apprenticeship/.
O*Net OnLine has comprehensive information on all types of jobs, including surveys that help people find careers they might enjoy.
Learn more about apprenticeship from the US Department of Labor.
In the News: Read about our schools’ apprentices and apprenticeship opportunities.
View videos about apprenticeship:
From Wisconsin’s Construction Labor Management Council:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CGJQaQ_PozI
From the Pennsylvania Department of Labor and Industry:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hxLEF5I_uLI
Apprenticeship News
Career Classroom: Vocational education benefits all students, employers (ROI-NJ)
As National College Decision Day approaches, the rising cost of college has led to an increased focus on alternate pathways for students. This has long been a goal of the New Jersey Council of County Vocational-Technical Schools (NJCCVTS): promote the value of a career-focused education.
Apprenticeship versus a college degree (Good Morning America)
May 1 is the deadline many students are facing to accept their college of choice but more and more students are opting for an education alternative or an apprenticeship.
CTE Month is a time to celebrate career-focused education in New Jersey
February is Career and Technical Education (CTE) Month, an ideal time to brighten the spotlight on the state’s career-focused education. But to fully capture the modern experience at NJ county vocational-technical schools, we need quite a big spotlight.
Read more news about Apprenticeships