We want students to be successful. We want them to be able to finance their education, to find the area of study that best suits them, and to find their way to a rewarding career. At a time when students – burdened by debt and a struggling job market – are competing with more of their peers for fewer jobs it is increasingly important that they do what they can to be prepared for the workforce.
Many turn to apprenticeships to give themselves a competitive edge. According to the Department of Labor, apprenticeships offer “a combination of on-the-job training and related instruction in which workers learn the practical and theoretical aspects of a highly skilled occupation.” (Read more on the subject from the DOL.) They allow students to gain specific skills and knowledge and they can help students transition from school to career.
Now, some would argue that some apprenticeships may end up being less an educational experience and more about cheap labor for the company. Others would advise students to first consider the field they wish to study, as some industries simply don’t offer practicable apprenticeship opportunities. We do not wish, however, to enter these debates. We simply wish to pass along some helpful information to those of you who may want to consider adding an apprenticeship to your resume.
So where can a student begin? Here are some tips from your BBB:
Get started early with high school apprenticeships like this one from NASA.
Visit websites like Learn More Indiana to find a variety of resources.
Find out which office in your state’s government manages apprenticeships.
Meet with your school advisor. Many colleges will also list information on “student employment” web pages.
Search for opportunities in your area with the Workforce Development Center.
Check with nonprofit organizations for opportunities. You can search for local opportunities on Idealist or check with national organizations like Spark.
If you know what you want to do (i.e. “sustainable farming”) you can research opportunities in a specific field.
Or if you’re looking for some inspiration, try myskillsmyfuture.org where you can enter keywords to describe what job you have and find suggestions for related careers.
If you’re in the arts, state arts commissions often offer grants. (Find your state’s arts agency.)
Check with employers for the trade you’d like to enter. Call local companies and ask if they offer apprenticeships.
Look on government agency websites for student programs, such as these with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission.
Lastly, search for opportunities, news, and ideas on Twitter at #apprenticeship.
