Apprenticeship Programs in Lieu of a Four-Year College Degree

College attendance has become commonplace among many families. Gone are the days when high school students are expected to graduate from high school and pursue no further education. Understanding the professional and financial implications of college, students are expected to attend college, at a four-year university, two-year college or even technical or vocational schools.

Whether you are a high school student or an adult who is pursing a change in career, it is important to consider your options with regard to high education. In many professional environments, the opportunities to pursue an apprenticeship have become increasingly more common. In many cases, apprenticeship programs are coordinated through the U.S. Department of Labor and provide for a structured hands-on learning experience in which to earn a credentialing certificate.

When involved in an apprenticeship, you will find that your program will include on-the-job training, structured classroom instruction and evaluations. In most cases, you are paid a salary or hourly wage while working in an apprenticeship, allowing for a more financially stable opportunity for some individuals. With programs that range from two to five years, the employer who sponsors the apprenticeship will usually require a commitment from you to ensure you stay in the program and continue to serve the employer once the program and credentialing is complete.

With approval from the U.S. Department of Labor, some apprenticeship courses are also part of a college course credit program. This means, upon completion of specific material in the coursework, you may be able to apply those same evaluations towards college credit should you decide to pursue a university or college setting in the future.