Students all understand the benefits of internships, but have you explored the advantages of an apprenticeship? In today’s competitive job market, apprenticeships are becoming more popular than ever. For example, at Guam Community College, the number of apprenticeship program participants has reached a historical high.
Similar to internships, apprenticeships provide excellent opportunities for students to work alongside industry professionals, gaining hands-on experience, mentorship, and real-life guidance. Most apprenticeships focus on vocational trades and crafts, providing an excellent way to strengthen your resume and skills before entering the workforce.
This video reports on apprenticeship programs in community colleges.
Apprenticeship Opportunities
Apprenticeships are generally reserved for skill-based careers and services, and community college students pursuing studies in the following categories may benefit most from apprenticeship experiences:
- Boilermakers
- Bricklayer masons
- Building maintenance personnel
- Carpenters
- Drywall hangers
- Ceramic tile setters
- Cement finishers
- HVAC technicians
- Maintenance electricians
- Fire sprinkler installers
- Elevator constructors
- Floor layers
- Manufacturing plant electricians
- Insulators
- Ironworkers
- Plumbers
- Painters
- Roofers
- Sheet metal workers
- Sheet metal workers
- Telecommunication technicians
Offering apprenticeship opportunities in all of the aforementioned categories are schools such as Lane Community College, located in Eugene, Oregon, wherein students are encouraged to “Learn the aspects of a highly skilled occupation through on-the-job training and related instruction.” Better yet, students can simultaneously earn an income during their apprenticeship.
Additionally, with apprenticeship experiences, students can effectively apply information learned in the classroom to experiences in the “real world.” From an employer’s perspective, apprenticeships help the student bridge the gap between theoretical knowledge and practical