Apprenticeships: A Sustainable College Alternative

Ackeem Hardy is thriving during his fourth and final year as an electrician apprentice. After feeling a disconnect between working odd jobs while studying at a local community college, Hardy’s mother, a journeywomen (apprentice graduate), convinced him to connect his education and career through an apprenticeship program. Hardy says it’s exactly what he needed. “I have always been a hands-on person, and this program allows me to train with mentors who have more than 20 years’ experience in the field I’ll be working.” An apprenticeship provides participants the workforce experience that employers seek. Unlike most US college students who graduate with an average of $30,000 in student debt and a starting salary of $35,000, Hardy will graduate in December, and like most apprentice graduates, he’ll carry zero student debt and earn an average starting salary of $60,000 annually. Hardy says he feels confident that choosing an apprenticeship over college was the best decision for him and hopes opportunities will be shared with high school and college students as a viable alternative to traditional colleges. www.AZApprenticeship.com

By Jillian Seamans