Many of our partners and counselors recommend apprenticeships and utilize CareerScope to identify which opportunities might make sense.
Many individuals looking to change careers pursue internships. While internships are very helpful, they are not the only option. Apprenticeship programs provide dedicated training, mentorship, pay, and typically lead to a full-time job. Internships, although helpful, are much less formal and do not provide the same opportunity to build credentials and experience, given they typically last only a few months. Internships can be an excellent introduction to testing the waters, however, apprenticeships are for individuals who are ready to dive into a career and are confident in that choice.
Here are several organizations in the United States that work to provide apprenticeships.
- Department of Labor (DOL): The U.S. DOL’s Office of Apprenticeship is primarily responsible for administering the Registered Apprenticeship Program across the nation. They work with employers, labor unions, apprenticeship intermediaries, and others to increase the use of registered apprenticeships. https://www.dol.gov/agencies/eta/apprenticeship
- National Association of Workforce Boards (NAWB): NAWB works with workforce boards for job training and job placement. This includes apprenticeship programs. https://www.nawb.org/
- Urban Institute: The Urban Institute has a specific focus on expanding youth apprenticeships across the United States. Their American Apprenticeship Initiative grants provide funds to expand programs into new industries and increase opportunities for underrepresented populations. https://www.urban.org/
- Apprenticeship Carolina: While it’s specific to South Carolina, Apprenticeship Carolina works with companies to create custom apprenticeship programs. It’s a model that other states may replicate. https://www.apprenticeshipcarolina.com/
- Aerospace Joint Apprenticeship Committee (AJAC): AJAC offers apprenticeship opportunities specifically within the aerospace and advanced manufacturing industries. https://www.ajactraining.org/
- The Associated General Contractors of America (AGC): AGC helps connect individuals to apprenticeship opportunities in the construction industry. https://www.agc.org/
- Jobs for the Future (JFF): JFF helps establish apprenticeship programs in a variety of industries across the United States. https://www.jff.org/
- Building Trades Apprenticeship Programs: This is a collection of individual programs run by specific labor unions for their industry. Each program has its own set of requirements and standards. https://nabtu.org/apprenticeship-and-training/
- Transit Elevator/Escalator Consortium: This organization provides training and apprenticeship programs for individuals interested in careers in the elevator/escalator industry in transit systems. https://www.transportcenter.org
- National Apprenticeship Act (NAA): Not an organization but an act, the NAA, also known as the Fitzgerald Act, established the DOL’s role in administering the nation’s apprenticeship system. https://www.apprenticeship.gov/about-us/our-history
In addition to these, many states have their own Department of Labor and local organizations that provide apprenticeships, so it’s worth researching opportunities in specific locations.
Reach out to us if you are interested in adding CareerScope as a resource for your organization. www.careerscope.com
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