What Is an Apprenticeship?

Apprenticeships are growing in popularity. There were 702,191 active participants in registered apprenticeship programs in 2026, according to the U.S. Department of Labor — a 77% increase from 2016.

These “earn as you learn” programs provide young people, including high school students, with the opportunity to learn a trade while getting paid. For every dollar invested in training an apprentice, employers earn $1.44 in benefits, the Urban Institute found.

How exactly do apprenticeships work? How are they different from an employer-sponsored program for trade school — or an internship? Can an apprenticeship replace college? This article covers what you need to know about U.S. Registered Apprenticeships.

Jump to:

• What are apprenticeships?
• Can you go to college and do an apprenticeship?
• Apprenticeship vs. internship: what’s the difference?
• Which fields and employers offer apprenticeships?
• How much are you paid as an apprentice?
• Do you need to take an exam to become an apprentice?

What are apprenticeships?

Apprenticeships are job training programs allowing participants to earn wages while gaining work experience and industry-recognized credentials.

While anybody can be an apprentice, youth apprenticeships are geared towards training younger workers, including high school students. Typically, apprentices are at least 16 years old.

Registered Apprenticeships are apprenticeship programs which meet federal worker protection and training requirements and are registered with the U.S. Department of Labor. There are 26,686 active Registered Apprenticeship programs across the country, according to the DOL.

Apprenticeship programs are available at various educational stages. 

High school apprentices might combine workdays with some days of school. When they finish the apprenticeship, they have the option of either pursuing a degree or going straight into a career, according to CareerWise, a non-profit providing apprenticeships in public school districts.

Applying for an apprenticeship is like applying for a job. Apprentices commit to working with an employer for a set period of time. While they do so, they have organizational responsibilities which may increase over the course of the apprenticeship.

It might be a good idea to carry out some research in areas such as the apprenticeship you’ve applied for, the company where you want to work, and the industry where it’s located in general. It won’t be based on academic credentials alone (or even primarily); your attitude and willingness to learn are also factors.

At the end of an apprenticeship, you gain an industry-recognized credential which allows you to go straight to work in the area of your apprenticeship. You can also continue to further education, whether that is community college, trade school, or a four-year degree.

Frequently asked questions about apprenticeships

Can you go to college and do an apprenticeship?

Yes. The apprenticeship path does not close off any options. Instead, it opens up opportunities which would not be available to students pursuing a traditional, academic four-year degree right after high school. 

Apprentices can also bypass college and go straight into a career after completing their apprenticeship.

Registered Apprenticeships Programs are normally geared towards high school students. Many public school systems in the U.S. partner with employers in the area. Colorado pioneered this model in the United States, inspired by Switzerland’s youth apprenticeship model. 

Apprenticeship programs may look different in different states, in part due to differences in how states incentivize employers to hire and train apprentices. Still, registered youth apprenticeships can be combined with a range of educational options. In many cases, students go to college after completing an apprenticeship. They also attent two-year institutions and obtain further vocational training.

Apprenticeship vs. internship: what’s the difference?

Some employers may offer both apprenticeships and internships, sometimes causing confusion as to which program to apply for. If you have questions about best fit, it is a good idea to ask the employer directly.

In general, an internship is a short-term opportunity — typically 6 to 12 weeks — allowing students to gain exposure to particular industries and get to know people working within them. They can be good opportunities to gauge whether a particular career is right for you, and they go well with high school and traditional college studies.

On the other hand, apprenticeships require a higher degree of commitment from students. They tend to be longer term, and apprentices are full employees who are responsible for contributing to their team’s output. 

You may also earn a certification after completing an apprenticeship, which is not usually the case with an internship.

In addition, apprenticeships are paid, whereas internships may or may not be paid.

Which fields and employers offer apprenticeships?

More than you might think. 

Apprenticeships are a common route into the skilled trades. There are many apprenticeships in skilled roles across agriculture, advanced manufacturing, construction, and energy.

There are also many apprenticeships in healthcare, IT, education, telecommunications, and even accounting and financial services.

The most popular apprenticeship areas vary by state and local needs. According to the Department of Labor, the most popular apprenticeship programs in the Mid-Atlantic region are for electricians. In the Midwest, they are for pharmacy technicians.

To find registered apprenticeships, start with the apprenticeship finder at Apprenticeships.gov. You can also find local or state-specific apprenticeship finders.

How much are you paid as an apprentice?

The average hourly wage for apprentices is $21.30, according to the Department of Labor.

Salaries vary by field and location. Though many pay close to minimum wage, some may be significantly higher. Salary offers may be commensurate with prior qualifications and related work experience.

Worker pay might be calculated based on an hourly wage or a yearly salary, depending on the position.
Do you have to take an exam to become an apprentice?

No, you do not need to take a standard exam to become an apprentice. But you may have to meet other criteria, and there may be a selection process involved.

Some employers may require that you pass an aptitude or skills test, though this may take on many forms, such as addressing an issue you might encounter in your field. During the selection process, it is important to demonstrate the ability and willingness to learn and work hard.

It may also be good to have some work experience when you apply for an apprenticeship, even if it is not directly in the field you hope to enter.