Apprenticeship Jobs

Training may come from different sources for careers that do not have a college degree among their educational requirements. For example, you can get a vocational degree or a post-secondary certificate from a trade school. A better option is to do an apprenticeship. It combines classroom instruction with on-the-job training. One of the best things about it is that apprentices get paid while they are learning, while students getting a vocational degree or post-secondary certificate must shell out money for tuition. It can be very costly. Apprenticeships also lead to long-term careers.

While unions and employers initially designed apprenticeships to help develop a workforce in the skilled trades, for example, construction and manufacturing, there are now a variety of occupations for which people can receive training. Currently, you can apprentice in technology and healthcare, office and administrative support, as well as many other fields.

Here are over 30 apprenticeship jobs:

Construction Trades

• Glazier: Glaziers install, repair and remove windows, mirrors, skylights and other products that are made of glass.
• Boilermaker: Boilermakers install and maintain boilers and containers used to store chemicals, oil, and other liquids.
• Elevator Mechanic: Elevator mechanics install and repair elevators and escalators.
• Electrician: Electricians install wiring and other electrical components in homes and businesses.
• Carpenter: Carpenters assemble and install wooden fixtures, as well as those made of other materials, including fiberglass, plastic, and drywall.
• Reinforcing Iron and Rebar Worker: Reinforcing iron and rebar workers use wire mesh, steel bars (rebar), and cables to reinforce concrete.
• HVAC Technician: HVAC technicians install and repair heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration systems.
• Mason: Masons use bricks, concrete blocks, and natural stones to build structures.
• Construction Equipment Operator: Construction equipment operators move materials around construction sites.
• Construction Helper: Construction helpers assist construction tradespeople like electricians and carpenters.

Healthcare

• Dental Assistant: Dental assistants tend to office and laboratory duties in dentists' offices. Some states allow them to treat patients.
• Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) or Paramedic: EMTs and paramedics provide onsite emergency care to ill or injured people.
• Medical Assistant: Medical assistants perform clerical and clinical tasks in physicians' offices.
• Biomedical Equipment Technician: Biomedical equipment technicians, also called medical equipment repairers, fix equipment found in medical facilities.
• Home Health Aide: Home health aides check vital signs, give medication to, and change bandages on patients who have disabilities, chronic illnesses, cognitive impairments, or age-related problems.
• Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN): LPNs work under the direction of RNs (registered nurses) to provide care to patients in hospitals, residential care facilities, and physicians' offices.
• Surgical Technologist: Surgical technologists assist surgeons and registered nurses in operating rooms.
• Radiologic Technologist: Radiologic technologists use x-ray equipment, computed tomography (CT), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and mammography to help medical doctors diagnose diseases and injuries.
• Pharmacy Technician: Pharmacy technicians help pharmacists prepare prescription medications for customers. They receive written prescription requests from customers and process electronic requests from doctors' offices.
• Laboratory Technician: Laboratory technicians perform tests and procedures that help doctors and other medical professionals diagnose diseases and plan treatments and evaluate their effectiveness.
• Medical Secretary: Medical secretaries take telephone calls, make appointments, greet patients, and perform other clerical duties in medical offices.
• Medical Transcriptionist: Medical transcriptionists translate doctors' dictated recordings into written reports and correspondence.

Office and Administrative Support

• Paralegal: Paralegals help attorneys prepare for trials and hearings, research cases, interview witnesses, and draft legal documents.
• Human Resources Assistant: Human resources assistants help human resources specialists by tending to clerical duties including answering telephone calls, scheduling appointments, and writing correspondence.

Technology

• Engineering Technician: Engineering technicians help engineers and scientists solve problems in research and development, manufacturing, and construction.
• Broadcast Technician: Broadcast technicians use special electrical equipment to regulate the clarity and strength of broadcast signals.
• Computer Support Specialist: Computer support specialists assist computer users with computer software, hardware, and peripherals.
• Computer Programmer: Computer programmers write code for applications and operating systems.

Miscellaneous

• Chef or Cook: Chefs and cooks prepare food in dining establishments. Some also supervise other workers.
• Cosmetologist or Hairdresser: Cosmetologists, including hair stylists, barbers, estheticians, and manicurists and pedicurists, provide personal care services.
• Photographer: Photographers take pictures of people and events to tell stories through these images.

Use Apprenticeship.gov to search for apprenticeships by career path and location. Also, search for opportunities on Indeed.com and local union websites.