How to Get an Apprenticeship and Avoid Student Loan Debt

Student loan debt in the USA has been a growing issue for a very long time. Today’s total student debt is more than $1.7 trillion, with the average college graduate owing $20,000 to $25,000. If you’re thinking about your higher education journey or counseling someone who is, it’s crucial to weigh the alternatives to traditional college that could greatly lower your financial burden.

One of the most popular ways to do this is participating in an apprenticeship program. Not only do these programs offer a practical path to a satisfying career, but they also relieve the financial burden commonly associated with higher education.

The Apprenticeship Advantage: Hands-On Learning

Apprenticeships blend hands-on experience with a theoretical foundation. As opposed to traditional higher education that might leave you mired in student loan debt, apprenticeships allow you to “earn while you learn.” These programs have been underutilized in the past but are acquiring renewed interest from employers and academic institutions as they understand the value of practical experience in career development.

Why the Focus on Apprenticeships?

Apprenticeship programs aren’t only about debt avoidance; they’re also about employability and skill mastery. Traditional degree programs usually concentrate on theoretical knowledge, which is definitely important but lacks the real-world application that employers covet. Apprenticeships bridge this gap by preparing you to be job-ready and equipping you with the tools needed to shine in your desired field right off the hop.

Apprenticeship Styles: Trade and Academic

Knowing the types of apprenticeships available can help you make a more informed decision. Here’s an explanation of the two major options.

Trade Apprenticeships

These programs prepare you for fields where a college degree is frequently unnecessary. While society’s emphasis on higher education has caused a decline in these types of apprenticeships, the lack of skilled tradespeople has created a surge in demand and, therefore, higher salaries.

The Department of Labor estimates that apprentices in trade fields earn around $15 per hour throughout training, or $31,200 yearly if training full time. As soon as the program is completed, the average apprentice could earn the following salaries upon joining the workforce:

• Electrician: $49,840
• Plumber and pipe-fitter: $49,140
• HVAC technician: $43,640
• Solar panel installer: $37,900
• Auto mechanic: $36,610
• Construction worker: $30,000 to $45,000

Academic Apprenticeships

Academic institutions more and more are integrating apprenticeships in their degree programs, in particular for career paths in engineering, health care and information technology (IT). The pros are two-fold: students obtain real-world experience while fulfilling academic requirements, and they earn a wage, decreasing the need for loans.

How to Get an Apprenticeship

A few good resources are available to assist you in securing an apprenticeship. Here’s organizations and individuals who may have more information:

• Trade organizations and unions: Begin by calling specific institutions associated with your field of interest to see if they have any offerings.
• US Department of Labor: The DOL website has a searchable database of apprenticeship programs that you can filter by geographic region, which is an excellent resource for career seekers nationwide.
• Educational institutions: If you’d like to work while pursuing a degree, colleges and universities are a helpful initial point of contact. The programs most likely to offer apprenticeships as part of the degree program are in computer and IT, engineering, nursing, business management or consumer science.
• Trade company websites: Numerous companies identify apprenticeship opportunities on their career pages.
• Networking: Occasionally, the old-school way is the best strategy. Talking to people in the business can offer you insider information on upcoming opportunities.

Finding the Appropriate Apprenticeship for You

When you follow the traditional higher education route, you select a major based on your interests. After that, you explore job opportunities aligned with that major. But, choosing an apprenticeship demands you to think in reverse.

Start by choosing the majors and career paths that utilize or require apprenticeships. After that, pick one of the available apprenticeships from your narrowed-down list that sparks your interest, meets your skill set or offers the highest annual income, depending on your priorities. This approach helps you match your educational pathway with real-world opportunities, ensuring a smoother transition into the job market and a satisfying career for years to come.

Apply For the Service Experts Career Academy

Are you looking to avoid racking up student loan debt while developing a satisfying career? Service Experts Heating, Air Conditioning & Plumbing offers a top-of-the-line apprenticeship program called Service Experts Career Academy (SECA). SECA offers modern HVAC training and on-the-job learning facilitated by knowledgeable industry professionals. The curriculum is created to equip you with critical skills and make you a master in your field—all while averting your own student debt crisis.

The path to a worthwhile, debt-free profession begins with making informed choices. If you’re prepared to take control of your future with help from Service Experts Heating, Air Conditioning & Plumbing, please get in touch with us to learn more about Service Experts Career Academy. Reach out at 866-397-3787 today to learn more!