Apprenticeships: Advice for choosing a program
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EmailLooking at the quality of the program, alongside cost, compensation and growth opportunities, can help you find an apprenticeship that is a good fit for you.
Often, when people think of apprenticeships, they consider the trades and manufacturing. There are apprenticeships in many industries to consider and many benefits to taking the apprenticeship route towards a career.
Barbara Hauswirth, assistant director of experiential learning and employer engagement at Washtenaw Community College in Ann Arbor, Michigan, shares valuable advice for those considering an apprenticeship, including:
- Find one that excites you and aligns with your career interests and goals.
- Check into the quality of the program. Is it a registered U.S. Department of Labor program? What are the certifications or credentials that you will receive? Are they nationally recognized?
- Research the education you will receive. You will want a good mix of hands-on learning with classroom instruction. Are the tools, equipment, resources and instructors up-to-date and current for the industry needs?
- Consider the company culture and advancement opportunities. Are the values aligned with yours? Does the work interest and excite you? Are there full-time employment opportunities on the horizon? These factors can even outweigh compensation and benefits.
Cost, compensation and benefits during an apprenticeship are often discussed a lot. Hauswirth also shared these specific considerations regarding program costs, pay and benefits:
- Program costs and financial aid. As an apprentice, you should get paid for your work but the employer may not cover your tuition. Don’t let this deter you, as there are often scholarships and grants that can help pay for tuition. It is important to know up-front what the costs are if you need to purchase tools, uniforms or additional training.
- If the apprenticeship is a U.S. Department of Labor apprenticeship, the more skills you attain, the higher wages you can expect.
- Length of the program. Programs may run one year or more. Make sure you know the time commitment and expectations.
- What do current or former apprentices share about the program or the employers?
- Skills training. Soft skills are highly sought after by employers. Will the program help you develop skills in communication, teamwork, time management or problem solving? In addition, will you have the chance to specialize in any certifications related to that field in safety, project management or specific systems, for example?
- Support, resources and network. Are there focused mentors and advisors for apprentices? Does the program and employers involved have strong connections to industry and the local community that can help improve job prospects?
- Advancement opportunities. Check to see if the program offers further education or certifications in the future. Are there pathways to advancement such as becoming a journeyman, master in the field, or even a business owner with additional support?
With support from Toyota Motor North America Research and Development, Michigan State University Extension and Michigan 4-H are able to look at some automotive-based careers in the skilled trades, focusing on apprenticeships to those careers. One of the apprenticeship programs highlighted, the Federation for Advanced Manufacturing Education (FAME), is housed at Washtenaw Community College in Ann Arbor.
The Driven for the Future webinar series includes five webinars, one a month, January-May 2025. The webinar series contains three career-based sessions and two sessions on workforce readiness, supporting participants in gaining skills to be beyond ready for their future goals.
For additional resources, articles and registration to attend the free Zoom webinars or watch the webinar recordings, check out the Michigan 4-H Driven for the Future website.
MSU Extension and Michigan 4-H Youth Development help to prepare young people for successful futures. As a result of career exploration and workforce preparation activities, thousands of Michigan youth are better equipped to make important decisions about their professional future, ready to contribute to the workforce and able to take fiscal responsibility in their personal lives. For more information or resources on career exploration, workforce preparation, financial education or entrepreneurship, contact 4-HCareerPrep@msu.edu.
