How to Get an Apprenticeship and Avoid Student Loan Debt
Student loan debt in the United States has been a growing issue for many years. Today’s total student debt soars over $1.7 trillion, with the average college graduate owing $20,000 to $25,000. If you’re considering your educational 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 desirable non-traditional career paths is registering in an apprenticeship program. Not only do apprentice programs offer a good path to a fulfilling career, but they also relieve the financial burden commonly connected with higher education.
The Apprenticeship Advantage: Real-World Learning
Apprenticeships combine hands-on learning with a theoretical foundation. In contrast to traditional higher education that might leave you mired in student loan debt, apprenticeships enable you to “earn while you learn.” These programs have been underutilized in the past but are gaining renewed attention from employers and academic institutions as they realize the value of practical experience in career development.
Why the Resurgence in Apprenticeships?
Apprenticeship programs aren’t just about debt avoidance; they’re also about employability and skill mastery. Traditional degree programs frequently focus on theoretical knowledge, which is unquestionably important but lacks the real-world application that employers desire. Apprenticeships bridge this gap by helping you get job-ready and outfitting you with the tools needed to excel in your chosen field right away.
Apprenticeship Pathways: Trade and Academic
Understanding the styles 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 professions where a college degree is often not required. While society’s concentration on higher education has led to a decline in these kinds of apprenticeships, the lack of skilled tradespeople has produced a surge in demand and, as a result, higher salaries.
The Department of Labor states that apprentices in trade fields earn around $15 per hour during training, or $31,200 per year if training full time. When the program is done, the average apprentice may 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 are increasingly integrating apprenticeships in their degree programs, especially for fields like 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, limiting the need for loans.
How to Apply For an Apprenticeship
A couple of different 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 contacting specific institutions relevant to your field of interest to see if they have any contacts.
- US Department of Labor: The DOL website has a searchable database of apprenticeship opportunities that you can narrow down by geographic region, which is an outstanding resource for career seekers all over the country.
- Educational institutions: If you’d like to work while obtaining a degree, colleges and universities are a good point of contact. The programs most likely to incorporate apprenticeships as part of the degree program include computer and IT, engineering, nursing, business management or consumer science.
- Trade company websites: Lots of companies post apprenticeship opportunities on their job pages.
- Networking: Sometimes, the traditional way is the best way. Talking to people in the field can offer you insider information on upcoming opportunities.
Choosing the Right Apprenticeship for You
When you go the traditional higher education route, you pick a major based on your personal strengths. Next, you discover job opportunities affiliated with that major. However, pursuing an apprenticeship demands you to think in reverse.
Start off by choosing the majors and career paths that incorporate or require apprenticeships. Then, pick one of the available apprenticeships from your narrowed-down list that sparks your interest, accommodates your skill set or offers the highest annual income, depending on your priorities. This approach helps you coordinate your educational pathway with real-world opportunities, providing a smoother transition into the job market and a satisfying career for years to come.
Learn About 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 standout apprenticeship program called Service Experts Career Academy (SECA). SECA offers advanced HVAC training and on-the-job learning facilitated by knowledgeable industry professionals. The curriculum is created to equip you with essential skills and make you a master in your field—all while averting your own student debt crisis.
The path to a profitable, debt-free career starts with making informed choices. If you’re ready 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. Contact us at 866-397-3787 today to learn more!
