How to Get an Apprenticeship, Step by Step
Registered apprenticeships pay you a wage from day one while you learn a skilled occupation on the job. This guide covers how they work, what programs look for, and how to apply — from picking a trade to your first day.
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Your path into a registered apprenticeship
Apprenticeships combine paid on-the-job training with related classroom instruction, and finish with a credential employers recognize nationwide. Competition varies by trade and location, so treat the application like a job search.
1. Choose an occupation, not just 'the trades'
Registered apprenticeships exist across construction, advanced manufacturing, healthcare, IT, transportation, energy, and more. Compare the daily work, physical demands, schedule, and long-term outlook of a few occupations before committing. Talking to someone in the field — or a mentor — beats guessing.
2. Find registered programs near you
Apprenticeship.gov, the U.S. Department of Labor's official site, lists registered programs and openings nationwide, and many states run their own registries. Programs are run by employers, unions, industry associations, and colleges. 'Registered' matters: it means the program meets federal or state standards for wages, training hours, and credentials.
3. Meet the minimum requirements
Requirements vary by program, but common ones include a minimum age (often 16, and 18 for hazardous occupations), a high school diploma or equivalent for many programs, physical ability to do the work, and sometimes a driver's license or reliable transportation. Read each program's requirements — do not assume they are all the same.
4. Consider a pre-apprenticeship if you need a boost
Pre-apprenticeship programs prepare you for entry: brushing up math, introducing tools and safety basics, and often connecting directly to registered programs. They are especially useful if you have been out of school a while or want to test a trade before committing. Many are free through workforce programs.
5. Apply like it is a competitive job
Applications may include a resume, an aptitude test (often math and reading), and an interview. Show up with proof of reliability: work history of any kind, attendance, physical readiness, and genuine interest in the trade. Programs invest years of training in each apprentice, so they select people who will finish.
6. Know what happens after you are accepted
Apprentices work under experienced mentors while completing related instruction, with wages that increase as skills grow. Programs typically run one to six years depending on the occupation. Completing one earns a nationally recognized credential — and in many trades, a clear path to journeyworker status and higher pay.
Official sources
Program rules come from the agencies that run them. Verify details on these official sites:
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Frequently Asked Questions
Do apprenticeships really pay from day one?
Yes. Registered apprenticeships are jobs: you earn a wage from the start, with scheduled raises as you gain skills. Pay varies by occupation, employer, and region.
Apprenticeship vs trade school — which is better?
Trade school charges tuition and is classroom-first; a registered apprenticeship pays you and is job-first, with classroom instruction built in. Many people compare both for their target occupation; some trade school credits can even shorten an apprenticeship.
Do I need a high school diploma to get an apprenticeship?
Many programs require a diploma or equivalent, but not all. Requirements are set by each program, so check the specific listing — and a GED usually satisfies diploma requirements where they exist.
Can I get an apprenticeship with a criminal record?
Often yes. Many registered programs and fair-chance employers accept justice-involved applicants, and completing an apprenticeship is a strong path to stable work. Requirements vary by program and occupation, especially for licensed trades.
Where do I search for open apprenticeships?
Apprenticeship.gov is the official national finder, and our free apprenticeship search brings registered openings into one place alongside guidance and career support.