Apprenticeships -- the “Other” College (Minus the Debt)

APPRENTICESHIP is a great opportunity I was recently informed about specifically in the Construction field, and I wish I knew about this opportunity before I started college and obtained student loans. This is an opportunity to gain skills, obtain a career, and make money while you learn without having to pay to do it. I’m excited to inform more youth and people who’ve been misplaced with work and looking for a new career opportunity.

College isn't for everyone, so I agree that apprenticeships are a valid option and should get more attention. The amount of debt that can come with a college education can be overwhelming and it comes with no guarantees. As the popularity of apprenticeships grow, maybe it will drive the cost of a college education down.

The standout highlight for me is that high school graduates can have confidence knowing that an apprenticeship program is not limited to the traditional trades in Plumbing, HVAC, Electrical and various manufacturing industries. Professional services, high skilled and high level fields have now expanded their reach for top tiered talent by hosting apprenticeship programs. So whether you’re at an entry level stage looking for a lucrative yet inexpensive career alternative, or in need of a career shift, apprenticeships are a worthwhile investment in yourself. Another highlight to me is alleviating a huge mountain debt can be accomplished by going the apprentice route versus the 4 year college route. There’s also an opportunity to earn money and gain knowledge at the same time.

As a site director, it was my job to push potential students to college. Listen to what their needs are and help them decide the best option based on what the college was offering. The problem with this is most of the time the student was not ready for college; nor did they want any of the majors presented. Unfortunately, a parent or family member has drilled into their mind that the only option after high school is college, and it's alright if you don't know what you want to do right now. You will figure it out by your second year.
That's two years of unnecessary debt. Offering students options such as an internship or apprenticeship will help them not only learn a skill but start to generate income. I wish this option was presented by all counselors. It is my hope that as KP continues to expand its geographic footprint, more high schools and parents will see the value in apprenticeships for all scholars.

I believe that apprenticeships are beneficial to those who wish to participate versus attending college full time. Attending college is not feasible for all and supplying individuals with an apprenticeship opportunity offers the hands on experience that so many employers desire. While working with the On the Job Training and Internships programs, I learned that both the employer and participant benefited as the employer was able to create an in depth training plan for the participant to engage in. As the participant learned, the employer could gauge what aspects were being mastered and what techniques needed more attention. While engaging in these opportunities, participants possess an advantage of acquiring the individualized attention that may be overlooked when one begins a position as in most cases during that time employers are requiring someone knowledgeable who can begin working with minimal training. Apprenticeships eliminate some of the risk of elevated turnover rate while giving opportunities for greater retention within participants.

Everyone has different ambitions and goals in life. An apprenticeship is a great alternative to college. Earning money while being trained in your desired field is a win win scenario. I believe as more people become aware of the value of apprenticeships, then more apprenticeships in other fields will become available making it easier to gain a skill.

Some children are asked "what they would like to be" when they grow up and others don't think about it until they are about to graduate from High School. Then there are High School graduates who "think" they know "what they would like to be", pursue a college education, and graduate still undecided on what they'd like to do with the degree or are unable to pursue a career in that field of study. Personally speaking, I started college as a Nursing major and earned my degree as a Bachelor of Science in Business,

Apprenticeships can start as early as Elementary School and continue thru High School. This allows students' minds to grow with the markets and technology. Apprentices build relationships and job opportunities with employers upon High School graduation. Some employers are willing to invest in an Apprentice's college education (scholarships), if additional certifications are needed for employment with the company. An Apprentice also has the benefit of building skills during summer breaks, and the list of OPTIONS go on....

With the job market becoming saturated with inapplicable college degrees and young adults needing certifications or training, the apprenticeship model affords everyone the option to succeed as long as they are willing and wanting to work. I myself completely agree with this alternative to education. While I have nearly 4 years of university, the most satisfying and career shaping training that I have received came from on the job training, and technical certifications I received. I believe that the reward is greater when you are able to focus on job specific training . One of the things that stands out to me from this article is the incentive for employers to engage in apprenticeship programs. As the job market evolves, I believe this should evolve with it. By providing employers with incentives to invest in their employees, I believe that the outcomes will be become increasingly rewarding and the workforce will become more finely tuned with greater opportunities for advancement. Lastly, by offering two routes (college vs. apprenticeship), I feel that those who either can't afford university or do not like the idea of spending 4 years studying for an unknown career will have a plethora of new opportunities that were unknown to them before.

Although I encourage apprenticeship programs to job seekers, I am also a big advocate for 4 year universities. It really is a matter of the specific student. Generally speaking, university is where students first move out of their parents’ house and learn to stand on their own 2 feet and fend for themselves. It teaches you how to make decisions, network and learn yourself as an individual. While apprenticeships teach you the fundamentals about a career field and you can jump right in. I do feel the added benefit of an employer taking on a candidate and being able to "mold" the candidate is very valuable to the employer and the employee is able to earn a living during this process so yes it is profitable to both parties.
When making the distinction between the two cost should be a factor, but not the sole factor. Using ONet to see Labor Market Information in your community is a great tool and understanding that with the change of technology you want to make sure your field has longevity.