How to Get an Apprenticeship and Avoid Student Loan Debt
Student loan debt across the nation has been a growing issue for years. 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 considering your academic journey or giving advice to someone who is, it’s important 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 satisfying career, but they also alleviate the financial burden commonly associated with higher education.
The Apprenticeship Advantage: Real-World Learning
Apprenticeships merge hands-on experience with a theoretical foundation. Unlike traditional higher education that may leave you mired in student loan debt, apprenticeships allow you to “earn while you learn.” These programs haven’t been used as much as they could have in the past but are acquiring renewed focus from employers and academic institutions as they realize the value of practical experience in career development.
Why the Renewed Interest in Apprenticeships?
Apprenticeship programs aren’t only about debt avoidance; they’re also about employability and skill mastery. Traditional degree programs usually target on theoretical knowledge, which is certainly important but lacks the real-world application that employers covet. Apprenticeships bridge this gap by helping you get job-ready and equipping you with the tools needed to shine in your preferred field right off the hop.
Apprenticeship Styles: Trade and Academic
Learning the styles of apprenticeships available is a good first step and will help you make a more informed decision. Here’s a breakdown of the two main options.
Trade Apprenticeships
These programs prepare you for professions where a college degree is frequently unnecessary. While society’s emphasis on higher education has resulted in a decline in these kinds of apprenticeships, the lack of skilled tradespeople has created a surge in demand and, consequently, higher salaries.
The Department of Labor reports that apprentices in trade fields earn around $15 per hour while training, or $31,200 yearly 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 including apprenticeships in their degree programs, particularly for career paths in engineering, health care and information technology (IT). The advantages are two-fold: students get real-world experience while fulfilling academic requirements, and they earn a wage, limiting the need for loans.
How to Get an Apprenticeship
A number of resources are available to help you get an apprenticeship. Here’s organizations and individuals who may have more information:
- Trade organizations and unions: Get started by calling specific institutions associated with your field of interest to see if they have any available apprenticeships.
- US Department of Labor: The DOL website has a searchable database of apprenticeship opportunities that you can filter by geographic region, which is an excellent resource for career seekers across the country.
- Educational institutions: If you want to work while seeking 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: Lots of companies post apprenticeship opportunities on their job pages.
- Networking: In some cases, the old-school way is the best strategy. Talking to people in the field can provide you with insider information on possible opportunities.
Selecting the Perfect Apprenticeship for You
When you go the traditional academic route, you choose a major based on your interests. Next, you look for job opportunities affiliated with that major. But, pursuing an apprenticeship requires you to think in reverse.
Start off by identifying the majors and career paths that utilize or require apprenticeships. Next, pick one of the available apprenticeships from your narrowed-down list that sparks your interest, accommodates your skill set or offers the best income, depending on your priorities. This strategy helps you match your educational pathway with real-world opportunities, which makes for 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 building a fulfilling career? Service Experts Heating & Air Conditioning offers an excellent apprenticeship program called Service Experts Career Academy (SECA). SECA offers advanced HVAC training and on-the-job learning facilitated by experienced industry professionals. The curriculum is designed 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 worthwhile, debt-free occupation starts with making informed choices. If you’re prepared to take control of your future with help from Service Experts Heating & Air Conditioning, please get a hold of us to learn more about Service Experts Career Academy. Reach out at 954-736-4314 today to learn more!
