Parent Resources

Apprenticeship programs for youth between the ages of 16-24 combine academic and technical classroom instruction with work experience. These programs provide the foundation to choose among multiple pathways — enroll in post-secondary education, begin full-time employment or do a combination of both. In 2019, there were over 100,000 youth apprentices registered nationwide, many of which were in high-growth industries like healthcare, public administration and manufacturing.

Why You Should Consider an Apprenticeship for Your Child

• Apprenticeships are jobs: Unlike most internships, apprentices are paid employees. An apprenticeship provides a young worker with an immediate job, steadily rising wages and a gateway into a successful and sustainable long-term career.
• Apprentices earn higher wages: According to the U.S. Department of Labor, apprentices who complete their program earn approximately $300,000 more over their career than non-apprenticeship participants.
• Apprentices gain an education with little or no debt: In many apprenticeship programs, apprentices can earn college credit for their coursework and on-the-job training. This credit can lead to an associate’s degree and, depending on the industry, may also contribute to a bachelor’s or master’s degree.
• Apprenticeships create a pathway to middle-class jobs for those without a four-year degree: Apprenticeships offer high school graduates a path to a well-paying, middle-class career that does not require them to obtain a four-year degree. Too many people mistakenly believe that earning a four-year degree is the only way to achieve economic mobility.