Lesson 4 APPRENTICESHIP PROGRAM Learning Objectives: After reading this INFORMATION SHEET, you should be able to: understand the nature of apprenticeship; identify the types of apprenticeship; differentiate apprenticeship and internship, Apprenticeship Program An apprenticeship is a system for training a new generation of practitioners of a trade or profession with on-the-job training and often some accompanying study (classroom work and reading). Apprenticeships can also enable practitioners to gain a license to practice in a regulated profession. Most of their training is done while working for an employer who helps the apprentices learn their trade or profession, in exchange for their continued labor for an agreed period after they have achieved measurable competencies. Apprenticeship lengths vary significantly across sectors, professions, roles and cultures. In some cases people who successfully complete an apprenticeship can reach professional certification level of competence. In other cases they can be offered a permanent job at the company that provided the placement. An apprenticeship is a combination of on-the-job training and classroom learning that leads to a trade credential – or “ticket”. Once you complete your apprenticeship and receive your ticket, you are qualified to work in a skilled trade. You can be an apprentice during high school or after you graduate. Apprenticeship programs are ways to train for a career while earning money instead of going into debt. These paid, full-time positions teach skills through a combination of on-the-job experience and classroom instruction. An apprenticeship might be right for you if you enjoy hands-on learning and are interested in a career that has apprenticeships available. Types of Apprenticeships Apprenticeships can be divided into two main categories: Independent Cooperative. Independent apprenticeships are those organized and managed by employers, without any involvement from educational institutions. They happen dissociated from any educational curricula, which means that, usually, the apprentices are not involved in any educational program at the same time but, even if they are, there is no relation between the undergoing studies and the apprenticeship. Cooperative apprenticeships are those organized and managed in cooperation between educational institutions and employers. They vary in terms of governance, some being more employer lead and others more educational institution lead, but they are always associated with a curriculum and are designed as a mean for students to put theory in practice and master knowledge in a way that empowers them with professional autonomy. Their main characteristics could be summarized into the following: Institution and Employer shared Governance Institution led Governance (long cycle) Institution led Governance (short cycle) Employer led Governance ISCED 6 ISCED 6 ISCED 6 ISCED 5–6 Type of program Institution- & workintegrated Higher Vocational Education, Professional Higher Education, Higher Education Higher Vocational Education, Professional Higher Education, Higher Education Higher Vocational Education, Professional Higher Education Average length 3–4 years 2–3 years 2–3 years 1 year Balance theory/practice Alternating theory & practice (50%–50%) Short placements from few weeks to 6 months Placements from 30 to 40% of the curriculum Employed for a minimum of 30 hours per week, 20% of learning hours must be off-the-job Location of learning Institution -& workintegrated Institution -& workintegrated Institution -& workintegrated Work-based Contract Yes Yes Yes Yes Education program The difference between an apprenticeship and an internship The terms 'apprenticeship' and 'internship' are sometimes mistakenly used interchangeably. To ensure you're applying for the right positions, it's important to understand the differences between these opportunities. Apprenticeships are: Formal employment programs and as such you'll sign a contract with your employer. Long-term and take between one to four years to complete. More suited to those with a clear idea of what sector they'd like to work in and what career path they'd like to follow. Commonly undertaken by school leavers. Designed to provide specific work-based training. Apprentices learn by actually doing the job. Away for apprentices to gain formal qualifications Paid, as at the very least you'll receive. A direct route to employment, with the majority of apprentices guaranteed a job on completion of their program. Internships are: Informal arrangements as more often than not no employment contracts are signed. Short-term, limited periods lasting between one week and 12 months. Geared towards providing an insight to those who may be unsure of what career direction to take. Typically undertaken by students and graduates. Work-based learning opportunities, which focus more on supplying interns with transferrable skills and experience for their CV rather than job-specific skills or formal qualifications Temporary, with no guarantee of employment on completion. Pros of apprenticeships: They’re paid, which means you’ll earn money instead of taking on student debt. They offer hands-on experience in the workplace in addition to classroom learning; the classroom portion may be online or at a local college or trade school, and may count for college credit. They lead to careers that offer decent pay and room for advancement. Cons of apprenticeships: They can be competitive to enter because there are relatively few available. They’re limited to certain fields; although there are efforts to expand the apprenticeship model to more companies and industries, apprenticeships remain concentrated in skilled trades such as electric, plumbing and carpentry. Periods of unemployment are common. How to get an apprenticeship Apprenticeships vary because they’re sponsored by different employers, unions and industry associations. But in general, here’s how to find one and apply. 1. Look for opportunities. Search by occupation and location using the Labor Department’s Apprenticeship Finder, contact your state apprenticeship agency or use traditional job search engines. 2. Complete any prerequisites, such as a qualifying exam, pre-apprenticeship course or interview. 3. Wait for an opening. Since many apprenticeships are competitive, there may be a waiting list.
