Benefits of Apprenticeship Programs

As employers are struggling to fill open positions, people seeking long-term careers are wondering if Apprenticeships are right for them.

There are many myths associated with Apprenticeships. Most people think these high-quality work-based learning programs are only for fields like construction, plumbing, or masonry. Just as often, people conflate Apprenticeships with internships.

But Apprenticeships are not internships, nor do they just apply exclusively to the trades. Dog grooming, hair styling, IT specialists, bakers, chocolatiers, and healthcare service providers are just some jobs apprentices can train for. Today, Registered Apprenticeship Programs span just about every occupation imaginable and prepare apprentices for long-term careers in many fields.

Companies can use Apprenticeships to address talent shortages and Apprentices may choose to do an Apprenticeship to kickstart their career. But before jumping in with both feet, you should understand the benefits of a Registered Apprenticeship Program, how to launch a program, and how to get hired as an apprentice.

What is a Registered Apprenticeship Program?

In Medieval times, Apprenticeships were legal contracts between apprentice and master that taught apprentices specific skills so they could become masters themselves.

Registered Apprenticeship programs are regulated, work-based learning programs that combine Full-Time Employment, On-the-Job Training (OJT), Related Technical Instruction (RTI) , and a Progressive Wage Schedule to create pathways into the workforce for apprentices and reliable talent pipelines for employers.

Apprentices benefit by being paid to learn new skills and develop a stable career and employers benefit by developing a skilled workforce that improves productivity, profitability, and the bottom line. 

8 Benefits of an Apprenticeship Program for Apprentices

There are as many Apprenticeship programs as there are occupations. Apprenticeships are available in almost every field, from finance to education and healthcare, technology, and law, thanks to more companies discovering their benefits.

1. Apprentices kickstart their careers, debt-free. High school graduates can use Apprenticeship as a path to a long-term career. Upon completion of an Apprenticeship program, apprentices receive a nationally recognized certification. Some programs even provide college credit.
2. Apprentices get paid to learn. Training is part of the job. Apprentices do not sacrifice employment to focus on education and skills building. Instead, they master skills and knowledge as they work.
3. Apprentices receive hands-on training and experience. They do not sit in a classroom all day learning theory they can use to apply for a job later on. There is an immediate opportunity for apprentices to learn and apply new skills. 
4. Apprentices receive mentoring on the job. Someone is always available to answer questions and give knowledge to the apprentice. These mentors help apprentices learn new skills, reach their goals, maximize their strengths, and address their weaknesses.
5. Apprentices can advance their careers. They don't have to return to school to work toward a new role or promotion. Some workplace Apprenticeship programs offer programs that advance apprentices to supervisory and management roles with more responsibility and higher pay.
6. Apprentices get paid well. Apprentices may start out at lower pay rates, but upon program completion, they receive competitive pay. 93% of apprentices who complete a Registered Apprenticeship retain employment, with an average annual salary of $77,000.
7. Apprentices receive job offers at the end of their program. Most host companies offer apprentices a full-time job upon completing their program. Even if they don't, other employers recognize the benefit of Apprenticeship. The certifications apprentices receive are recognized industry-wide. Completing an Apprenticeship program shows a potential employer that the apprentice has drive, dedication, and a strong work ethic. 
   
   

What are the Benefits of Apprenticeship Programs for Employers?

Employers are the bedrock upon which Apprenticeship programs are built. An increasing number of employers are laying the foundation for Apprenticeships and reaping the benefits.

1. Reliable pipeline of skilled employees. Apprenticeships provide structured on-the-job training that meets specific business needs. Employers can recruit highly skilled workers and train them in the core competencies the company needs. 
2. Improved employee retention. Apprentices are more likely to feel committed and connected to the organization, making them more likely to stay loyal to your company. Apprenticeship.org reports 94% of apprentices stay on after program completion; nine months later, 91% of those employees are still employed at the company. 
3. Increase company productivity. Having a more skilled workforce will increase company productivity. Creating avenues that allow employees to explore new skills in real ways increases your overall output.
4. Increase employee skills. Apprenticeships are a great way to empower your employees to upskill themselves, without needing to enroll in external programs.
5. Improved workplace safety. Apprenticeships work to create a culture of competence and safety due to their rigor. This has been shown to increase workplace safety and reduce company risk.

How Do I Get Started with an Apprenticeship Program?

The benefits of Apprenticeships are becoming more widely known, but apprentices and companies may still wonder how to get started. In both cases, the journey isn’t as confusing as you might think.

For an apprentice, getting started is simple. Potential apprentices can search for Apprenticeship opportunities at Apprenticeship USA or use the ApprentiScope Jobs public portal to view nationwide Apprenticeship opportunities to match with a program that fits their goals and skill set.

Employers have a long list of things to do and prepare, all of which is made easier with an Apprenticeship software management tool. It's also important to understand the upfront costs involved. This tool helps employers build a program, develop partnerships, register the program, launch it, and oversee it for the long haul. 

There are records to keep on recruiting and hiring, apprentice progress on the job and in technical instruction, competencies mastered, evaluations, wage progressions, Standards of Apprenticeship, Apprenticeship agreements, and more. A tracking system like ApprentiScope helps companies track relevant records accurately.

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Everyone Wins with Apprenticeships

An Apprenticeship Program is a win for everyone involved. Employers benefit with a skilled workforce, and apprentices benefit by acquiring employable skills that lead them to long-term careers. 

These programs can deliver big benefits—but only when managed well. It’s important that apprentices and employers enter these programs with their eyes wide open. By correcting the myths behind Apprenticeships, these programs can be a win-win for employers and apprentices.