| Learning a new, highly skilled profession requires an | | | | In fact, this method of training may be the oldest form |
| in-depth, hands-on, committed training experience. This | | | | of learning anywhere. Certainly it was used even by |
| is where the process of apprenticeship occurs. It fills-in | | | | early Americans, including George Washington |
| the training gap in those places where supervision is | | | | (surveyor), Benjamin Franklin (printer), and Paul Revere |
| needed and provides hands-on help and a solid | | | | (silversmith). Actually, Congress enacted the National |
| understanding of how a specific process works. | | | | Apprenticeship Act in 1937. They did this to recognize |
| Apprenticeship is one of the most successful methods | | | | the importance of apprenticeship in developing highly |
| any person can use to develop new skills, especially in | | | | skilled workers in various trades, including |
| a highly technical craft. | | | | manufacturing, public utilities, and construction. Later |
| For example, you don't become an electrician by pulling | | | | apprenticeship grew to include fire, police, safety, and |
| a few wires off your remote control car and hooking | | | | other emergency related occupations. |
| them up to the light switch in your house. Instead, you | | | | Today, there are hundreds of different occupational |
| apprentice under an electrical expert to learn the most | | | | apprenticeship programs and categories in and around |
| valuable, safest method for working with electricity. | | | | the United States. Each state oversees and |
| So what is apprenticeship? It generally includes full-time, | | | | administers the specifics of their own program, but |
| on-the-job experience where you actually learn to do | | | | they are federally approved. Once you complete an |
| "a job" while performing the required tasks. In this | | | | apprenticeship training program, you will get an |
| "hands-on" environment, you are placed under the | | | | apprenticeship certificate which is recognized |
| oversight of a skilled trainer or journey-worker. A big | | | | nationwide. It is also the credential you will find the most |
| benefit of on-the-job apprenticeship is having an | | | | useful and portable within most industries around the |
| income while you learn. At the same time you can also | | | | country. |
| receive detailed training by taking specific, technical | | | | But apprenticeship isn't for the faint of heart. Even |
| classes that are directly related to your new | | | | before your job and classroom training, you will have |
| occupation. This training is often in-addition to your | | | | to apply, and you may have to wait until positions and |
| normal job duties, so be prepared for a large time | | | | opportunities are available. In fact, some programs may |
| investment. | | | | have waiting lists or they may only accept new |
| By focusing heavily on hands-on work experience and | | | | applicants at specific times throughout the year. |
| detailed classroom study, long term success is the | | | | Although apprenticeship is a fantastic occupational |
| usual result for anyone truly dedicated to their | | | | learning opportunity, it is not an option to be pursued |
| occupation. Apprenticeship programs create some of | | | | lightly. Weigh your options and make an educated |
| the most highly-skilled, highly-paid individuals who work | | | | decision about the time and other commitments, |
| at their jobs anywhere in the world. | | | | before you jump into an apprenticeship program. |