Finding an apprenticeship in Wyoming.

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What Are Apprenticeships?

Apprenticeships have been around for centuries providing people with unique employment opportunities. Small business owners and labor unions:

• Are the usual sponsors and creators of apprentice programs
• Provide a regular paycheck
• Specialize in training
• Award certificates of completion

If registered with the Department of Labor, the program will award participants a nationally recognized credential, which they can use for career advancement nationwide. Apprenticeships vary in length, taking anywhere from 1-6 years to complete, and cover a wide range of industries and occupations. There are programs for people interested in becoming an electrician, dental assistant, esthetician, or software engineer–just to name a few.

Who Are Apprenticeships Meant For?

One of the great things about apprenticeship programs is the low barrier to entry. Anyone can participate in a program if they meet the minimum age and education requirements for their specific field or occupation. Apprenticeships are especially great for individuals who are completely new to an industry, as these programs go a step beyond a multi-year college education with more of a hands-on learning approach. Apprentices aren’t stuck in a classroom learning about hypothetical situations. They’re working alongside the masters and gleaning information while they observe and participate in day-to-day operations. Participants willing to learn and follow instructions will do well in an apprenticeship program.

What Should You Look For in an Apprenticeship?

Looking for an apprenticeship program is much like choosing a school or an employer. You wouldn’t want to attend a school or work for a company with a bad reputation, so it’s important to research the apprenticeship sponsor. Look for programs that provide clear information around these key factors:

• Compensation: Determine how much money is offered to participants and if the salary will meet your needs.
• Timeline: Apprenticeship programs vary in length, so consider how long you’re willing to devote yourself to training.
• Style: Consider your personal learning style and determine if you’re comfortable with how training is delivered.
• Goals: If your goal is to obtain a full-time position right after earning your credentials, be sure to choose a program that guarantees a job after successful completion.

Benefits of Apprenticeships

It’s easy to see how apprenticeships can benefit employers and labor unions. These companies are able to create a consistent flow of skilled tradespeople who can perform their duties to the highest standard, but there are plenty of benefits for participants too. Let’s go over just a few of the most important benefits of apprenticeships.

Pay:

Apprentices get paid while they learn and work toward earning their credentials. Although the pay is about half of what a certified professional would make, getting paid to learn is a common reason why individuals choose apprenticeships over college. Many young people prefer this career model instead of paying tens of thousands of dollars to a university for knowledge that may or may not land them a job after graduation. Apprenticeships are an economical choice for people who aren’t able to afford post-secondary education or don’t wish to take on student loan debt.

Unions:

Choosing a union apprenticeship won’t teach you different skills, but it allows for certain benefits over a non-union program. Members must pay working dues, but these funds go toward offering higher industry wages and better job security. For example, compared to non-union workers, union members earn wages that are 11% higher. Union jobs also tend to be more secure, requiring employers to give “just cause” for firing. Within the traditional workforce, most employers are able to fire workers “at will” at their discretion.

Experience and a foot in the door:

Apprenticeships provide the opportunity to be fully immersed within an industry, simultaneously receiving an education and the all-important field experience. This gives participants a point of entry for their industry of choice and an advantage within the workplace. Employers know that individuals who have completed an apprenticeship tend to have a deeper understanding of the position with all the hands-on, role-specific training they received.

Industries and Careers Offering Apprenticeships

In 2021 there were roughly 27,000 active registered apprenticeship programs across the U.S. This high volume of opportunity makes for an impressive range of programs to choose from. As we mentioned before, participants and programs have seen a steady rise since 2012, showing relevancy and growing popularity. Let’s look at a few growing industries using apprenticeships to bring in the next generation of workers.

Information Technology:

As technology continues to grow and integrate into daily life, the industry fueling it is projected to do the same. Information technology (IT) occupations are expected to grow 13% between 2020 and 2030, well above the average for other occupations. Pair this statistic with the alarming number of tech workers considering leaving the industry, and there have been legitimate concerns about the lack of qualified talent and worker retention. For this reason, tech companies are turning to apprenticeship programs to fill IT positions such as software developers, web designers, project managers, computer technicians, and network administrators. If you’d like to enter the growing tech industry, consider applying for an apprenticeship with a company like Accenture.

Construction:

The construction industry is well known for its many apprenticeship programs run by unions, large companies, and small business owners. Many occupations fall under the umbrella of construction, and individuals usually attend a technical school or apprenticeship on their way into the field. Electricians, roofers, plumbers, carpenters, bricklayers, and carpet installers are all occupations you can obtain through apprenticeship. The construction industry is projected to grow at an average rate of 6% over the next ten years, making these occupations relevant apprenticeship choices. If you’re interested in a construction apprenticeship, the North American Building Trades Union offers a wide range of programs across the country through 15 different trades unions and over 2,000 locations.

Hospitality:

One way to enter the hospitality industry is through an apprenticeship. Working in hospitality is often the first stepping stone for young people as they get jobs waiting tables, cleaning hotel rooms, or working on a cooking line. This entry-level work can lead to higher pay and further education through a hospitality apprenticeship program. Select positions such as cook and food service manager are projected to be some of the fastest-growing jobs within the next decade, surpassing the national average job growth rate. For high school students interested in culinary arts, the National Restaurant Association provides an apprenticeship program called ProStart for students in all 50 states.

Healthcare:

The healthcare industry faces a unique dilemma with currently projected career outlooks. The Bureau of Labor Statistics expects above-average growth over the next decade, with an anticipated addition of nearly 2.6 million new positions. When you compare this projection with recent reports from HR firm Mercer, it’s easy to see that there will continue to be a great demand for healthcare professionals now and in years to come. There are many apprenticeship programs available within the healthcare field, and Medical Assistant (MA) is one occupation expected to grow at an above-average rate. If you’re interested in becoming an MA, check out this apprenticeship program offered by Kaiser Permanente.

Transportation:

A large part of the country’s infrastructure and day-to-day operations relies upon the reliable transportation of resources and people. Over the next decade, the transportation industry is projected to grow by 9%, creating over 1 million new jobs. Drivers, pilots, mechanics, and technicians must be trained to the highest safety standard. A working apprenticeship is a great way to do just that. Learning to operate, repair, or maintain a heavy-duty vehicle can only be done effectively in a hands-on training environment. The Transportation Apprenticeships website is a great place to look for a program in your area.

Finding an Apprenticeship in Wyoming