5 Perks of a Registered Apprenticeship
ARIZONA@WORK and the Arizona Department of Economic Security (DES) have many opportunities from which aspiring apprentices can choose. Here are five of the biggest perks of joining a Registered Apprenticeship (RA) program.
- Learn About the Fields That Interest You
With over 250 RA programs, there are multiple options in diverse fields including healthcare, IT, insurance, traditional trades and much more! Apprenticeships can last anywhere from one to six years, but are generally between three and four years in duration.
- Earn While You Learn
Rather than opting for a college education where you have to wait to earn money until you earn a degree, apprentices have the opportunity to earn a wage while learning on the job! The average starting wage after completing an RA program is $77,000, and that paycheck is guaranteed to increase over time as new skills are obtained. Workers who complete RA programs earn an average of $300,000 more over the course of their career, compared to their peers.
- Combine School and Work
RAs utilize a combination of school and work to help apprentices become skilled in their chosen field. It takes at least 2,000 hours of on-the-job training and a minimum of 144 hours of schooling to complete an RA program.
- Become Certified and Potentially Earn College Credits
Education is offered through RA programs through hands-on training, with the potential to earn college credits. In many cases, classes are paid for by the employer, leaving the apprentice with little to no student debt. RA graduates earn nationally recognized industry certifications, allowing them to work anywhere in the country in a sustainable career field.
- Get Your Foot in the Door
Being an apprentice allows you to train and prove yourself with a company. Apprentices who do well often get hired for a full-time position after their program is completed. This can help them go from “apprentice” to “journey-level” status.
For more information about Arizona’s Apprenticeship Program and to find opportunities to get started today, visit the Arizona Apprenticeship website.