Apprenticeship-to-Career Empowerment

On-the-Job Learning and Education

An apprenticeship is a real job that gives you on-the-job experience and training. Apprentices earn money and do productive work while also taking classes. You are on a contract and can receive the same benefits as regular employees, like paid leave and vacation time.

Apprenticeships can give you a leg up in starting a new career, whether you are just out of high school or thinking about a career change.

Apprentice programs last anywhere from one year to six years, depending on the needs of the occupation and your level when entering. As you learn and gain skills, your salary and level will increase.

Credentials

Apprenticeships are usually in high-demand industries, so successfully completing an apprenticeship is a great move towards getting job security. In Florida, apprenticeships are mainly in several targeted sectors including Advanced Manufacturing, Aerospace, Construction, Healthcare, Hospitality & Tourism, Information Technology, and Trade & Logistics.

The best choice is usually going through a Registered Apprenticeship Program. Because these programs are Federally or State certified, graduates receive national, industry-­recognized credentials.

Pre-apprenticeship is a way of gaining skills that prepare you for success in a Registered Apprenticeship Program. Programs usually include a combination of classroom and on-the-job experiences. Pre-apprenticeships can help candidates improve literacy and math skills, as well as helping them develop essential work-related skills.

Besides the benefit of developing skills and getting work experience, a pre-apprenticeship allows you to explore an industry without committing to a full apprenticeship.

Pre-apprenticeship programs support a wide variety of groups. Some programs target a specific group such as veterans. Many pre-apprenticeship programs are geared towards economically disadvantaged or under-represented groups, such as disabled individuals.

Many programs are designed for high school students, to prepare them to enter an apprenticeship after graduation. You must be at least 16 years old to qualify. Job Corps and YouthBuild are good examples of youth pre-apprenticeship programs.

It is not usually required to do a pre-apprenticeship before starting an Apprenticeship. However, a pre-apprenticeship can offer excellent exposure and experience.

All Registered Pre-apprenticeship programs have a partnership with at least one Registered Apprenticeship program, so completing a pre-apprenticeship puts you in a good position for acceptance into a full apprenticeship program.

Some employers may prefer to take on an apprentice who has completed a pre-apprenticeship. It comes down to the industry and the individual employer.

If you are thinking about an apprenticeship and want to learn more about your options, you can start by contacting our staff Apprenticeship Interest Form. We will be happy to guide you and help you get started. We can match you with the best opportunities and help you with the application process.

There are few standard qualifications. Potential apprentices usually need to have earned a high school diploma or GED, although pre-apprentice programs do often target high school students. Many employers also require a clean criminal record. Apprentices in hazardous jobs must be at least 18 years old and physically able to perform the work.

Qualifications are different from one apprenticeship to another though, and there are no fixed characteristics that will guarantee acceptance into any program. There are some steps you can take that may help you get accepted, though.

1. Get a high school diploma or GED. This is the minimum required educational level for most skilled trades.
2. Research potential careers. Look through apprenticeship offerings here. When you search for offerings within an occupation, you will see a description of that occupation at the top of the page that will give you a good overview of the kind of work involved. If a particular job appeals to you, do further internet research. If you have a chance to meet people who are already employed in that field, talk to them about what they like or don’t like in their jobs, and what qualities they think are important for success.
3. Write a good resume. Your resume should include education and work history and a summary of relevant skills. With your preferred occupation in mind, try to show how your talents and experience could help prepare you for success. CareerSource Tampa Bay has workshops on resume writing, and community colleges and other local agencies may also have resources.
4. Enroll in a Pre-Apprenticeship program. Pre-apprenticeships can help you develop essential work-related skills and give you an “in” with potential employers.

Unlike internships, an apprenticeship is a real job with a real paycheck. The average starting pay for an apprentice in Florida is $15 an hour, and the pay goes up as you gain experience and skill. Apprentices also get paid leave and holidays.

Afterwards, the average starting annual salary for a worker who successfully completes an apprenticeship is $60,000. On average, Registered Apprentices earn about $300,000 more over the course of their career compared to workers who haven’t completed an apprenticeship.