Featured Position: Apprenticeships
No matter what featured position in the construction industry has caught your eye, every person can greatly benefit from starting his or her career with an apprenticeship program. An apprenticeship sets all positions up for success and is our top recommendation for beginning any career in construction. That’s why we’re dedicating this week’s featured position post to the valuable apprenticeship experience.
What is an apprenticeship?
Apprenticeships have been an important part of the construction industry for decades. This approach has proven to be a powerful way to catapult careers nationwide.
Duration and requirements vary from occupation to occupation, but in general, the training includes a combination of on-the-job training and classroom study. Apprentices are considered full-time employees as they work alongside seasoned professionals and experts, receiving unparalleled hands-on experience. If you take an apprenticeship, you’ll work under close supervision of another skilled professional, adding value and high-quality work to every project you work on.
Not only is the thorough education great for each individual personally, it increases the likelihood of being hired. According to the U.S. Department of Labor, nearly 9 out of 10 people are employed after completing their apprenticeship.
Why is it a smart choice?
Starting with an apprenticeship can help you in more ways than one.
For starters, this hands-on experience allows construction industry-hopefuls to earn while they learn. Apprenticeship programs leverage a graduated pay scale to reflect and reward the apprentice’s skill level. This, compared to a “traditional” education path that requires a heaping amount of debt to begin a career, is a smart choice for all skilled trades, both on and off the jobsite. If you take an apprenticeship, you’ll start out further ahead than most while doing what you love.
Not only will it help you learn your trade of choice as you earn, you’ll earn more long-term. In fact, according to the U.S. Department of Labor, workers who complete apprenticeship programs earn $300,000 more over a career than their peers who don’t.
But you don’t have to wait long to reap the rewards of your apprenticeship. According to the U.S. Department of Labor, apprentices earn an average starting salary of more than $60,000 per year.
How can I find apprenticeship opportunities?
We’ve at I Build America are here to help you find the best apprenticeship for you. The best place to start is to visit our Apprenticeship page here. There, you’ll be able to navigate the state to find apprenticeships near you.
There are many region-specific positions available statewide. You can reference our careers page or search our previously posted featured position posts to learn more about each position. Once you’ve found a position of interest near you, click the “program info” link to learn more about apprenticeship requirements, including the program length and hours of classroom work you can expect. Once you’ve had a chance to sift through a few options, you’re welcome to contact us directly for additional support.
The employers we include on this page are eager for new apprentices to continue their tradition of excellence, whether that be in roadway construction or new home development. The positions you see listed here are needed today, so you don’t have to delay your career in construction. It’s time you make this featured position yours.
