What is a Registered Apprenticeship?
Registered Apprenticeships (RA) are structured programs sponsored by employers and industry associations, combining on-the-job training with technical instruction to teach occupational specific skills. The program structure includes:
- 1:1 apprentice-to-journeyperson ratio
- Apprenticeship is at least one year
- A minimum of 2,000 hours of on-the-job training per year
- Maryland boasts over 230 registered occupations and 9,000 registered apprenticeships across diverse industries, delivering at least 144 hours of related instruction per year.
Programs for those most in need of opportunities
Apprenticeships aren't just for some—they're for everyone, especially those who may have been overlooked in traditional job searches.
No matter your background or circumstances, apprenticeships offer a unique opportunity to earn while you learn, paving the way for you to showcase your talents and skills. It's a chance to test the waters and see if the job aligns with your aspirations.
For those with varying abilities, needing a second chance or maybe new to the workforce at any age, these programs are designed to give you a starting point.
Remember, you're not alone on this journey. Reach out to your local Workforce Board and Apprenticeship Navigator for guidance and support. Community organizations are also available to help remove barriers and set you up for success. Together, you can chart a path to a rewarding career.
5 Reasons You Should Consider Apprenticeships
- Earning Potential: According to the U.S. Department of Labor, individuals who complete apprenticeship programs earn an average of $300,000 more over their lifetime compared to their peers who don't participate in such programs.
- Employment Opportunities: The National Apprenticeship Act reports that 91% of apprentices who complete their programs retain employment, with an average starting wage of over $70,000 per year.
- College Credit Opportunities: Many apprenticeship programs offer college-level coursework, allowing students to earn credits toward advanced degrees while gaining hands-on experience and earning a wage.
- In-Demand Skills: Apprenticeships often focus on high-demand industries such as healthcare, technology, manufacturing, and construction, providing students with skills that are highly sought after in today's job market.
- Career Advancement: Completing an apprenticeship can lead to accelerated career advancement opportunities, with many apprentices transitioning into higher-paying roles or even starting their own businesses.
Overall, apprenticeships offer adults a valuable chance to gain experience, earn money, and advance their careers. Whether starting fresh or boosting current skills, apprenticeships pave the way to success.
Explore Your Career Options
Check out this interesting fact: Did you know that, on average, people switch careers about 5 to 7 times during their working lives? That means it's perfectly okay if you're not sure about your dream career right now! You have plenty of chances to explore different paths along the way.
But let's face it, choosing a path can be tricky, right? That's where some awesome tools can really help! Alongside your Workforce Board representative, you Apprenticeship Navigator and your case worker in your Community Based organization, there are tons of free personality tests and career exploration tools online that can guide you in finding jobs that match your interests and skills. Just remember to keep your personal info safe when using these tools.
So, dive into the world of career exploration! Who knows what exciting opportunities you might uncover along the way?
One tool used by many educators is O*Net. Check it out to get started.
